The events of the previous day had left me feeling somewhat unsettled, but I found solace in the divine intervention of the Lord and Nio reassured me by telling me of the investigation the police would do on the men because they had run away. I hoped justice would be served.
Today's schedule was packed with classes that spanned from morning until noon, so I needed to arrive on time. Determined and focused, I embarked on my mission to reach class earlier than my punctual friend, Nio.
Before setting out, I engaged in a brief session of scripture reading and morning devotion, which prepared me mentally and spiritually for the day ahead. I chose to wear a flowing white dress that perfectly suited the pleasant weather outside.
True to her exceptional culinary skills, Thato had prepared an exquisite breakfast that could satisfy even the most discerning palates. It was a meal so delectable that it would leave one licking their fingers in delight. Furthermore, Thato herself had adorned herself in fashionable attire that could easily win her a spot on a runway.
"Sienna asked that we meet her at the library," Thato's voice cut through the serene ambience of the soft instrumental music that permeated the car, informing me of Sienna's request for a meeting at the library. However, I couldn't hide my slight annoyance, as I had made a conscious effort to wake up early and now desired to arrive at my class ahead of schedule, preserving the fruits of my early rise.
Thato assured me that Sienna's meeting would only occupy a few minutes, as she skillfully manoeuvred the car through the school gates. The absence of bustling students and the sun's shy retreat behind the clouds provided ample evidence that we had arrived earlier than usual.
"But, I need to get to class early today."
"She said that she would only take up a few minutes," she said turning into the school gates. The sun hiding behind the clouds and the lack of students inside the university was proof enough that we were earlier than usual.
Resigned to the situation, I responded with a simple "Okay." I swiftly gathered my belongings, eager to step out of the vehicle as soon as Thato turned off the engine. As I stood there, patiently waiting for Thato, I scanned the parking lot for any of Nio's distinctive cars, keenly observing that he owned multiple sleek and expensive vehicles.
We found ourselves immersed within the vast expanse of the university's grand library, where the unmistakable scent of aged books permeated the air, evoking memories of my countless visits for research and moments of solitude. The atmosphere was hushed, to the point where even the faint thump of one's own heartbeat could be discerned. In the early hours of the morning, only a handful of people were present, making it slightly challenging to locate her amidst the library's extensive space. Fortunately, we had the aid of our phones to assist us with this problem.
"I'll just give her a call and ask her about her whereabouts," I whispered to Thato, who nodded in agreement, aware of the need to preserve the tranquillity of the surroundings.
Retrieving my phone from my pocket, I dialled her number, allowing it to ring for a few seconds until she answered on the other end.
"Hello, Des, have you and the others arrived?" she inquired eagerly, her enthusiasm evident through the phone. I couldn't help but wonder what news she wished to share with us.
"Hello, Sienna. Yes, we've reached our destination. Where can we find you?" I asked, scanning the library attentively in search of any signs that might lead me to her.
"I'm at the rear of the library, near the section dedicated to historical books," she responded, the faint sound of her turning a page reaching my ears.
"Okay, we're on our way," I replied, concluding the conversation before ending the call.
I whispered to her in a quiet tone, "She mentioned that she's located in the historical section of the library." Together, we made our way toward that area, a section I was well acquainted with due to my numerous research endeavours on medicine and health during the golden age. It was a realm where we delved into the depths of ancient illnesses and their corresponding remedies, seeking insightful solutions to contemporary problems.
"I can't help but wonder what she has in store for us," my best friend remarked, echoing my own curiosity. Rows upon rows of towering bookshelves surrounded us, housing volumes that appeared to hold immeasurable knowledge within their pages. Yet, these very pages harboured ideas and thoughts that often went unspoken.
Before long, we caught sight of a tuft of mousy brown hair protruding from amidst a collection of antiquated bookshelves. "Hey, Enna," Thato called out as we approached her. Sienna sat on the carpeted floor, completely engrossed in her reading, unaware of Thato's greeting. Books were scattered around her, forming a spiral around her.
"Sienna," I called out pulling her out of her reverie of thoughts.
"Hey, guys," she stood up, dusting her buttocks before giving us a warm smile.
Thato remarked, "You seemed completely engrossed in whatever you were reading. I called out to you, but you didn't respond." Sienna nodded in agreement and reached out for a hug. "Yeah, that's why I called you guys here," she said, pulling me into her embrace.
Thato looked around the room at the scattered books and asked, "Now I'm even more curious." Sienna held up a thick book with a brown cover and red font titled THE DARKNESS OF ITALY. "So, no more suspense. I called you guys here to prove that what I've been thinking is true. According to this book, there is a hidden nightlife in Italy, but it's not just any nightlife. It's a world of crime that thrives while everyone else is asleep."
Thato and I exchanged confused glances, trying to process this unexpected revelation. Sienna continued, "According to these books, there exists a powerful criminal organization called the Mafioso, which has operated in secret for centuries." My mind started racing with thoughts and questions, overwhelmed by the complexity of it all.
Sienna went on, "This book reveals the secret rules of the gang. Apparently, its members are bound by a code of silence known as 'Omerta,' and breaking it can result in nothing but death. The author also describes the horrific fates that befall anyone who dares to cross the mafia, depicting gruesome images of violence and retribution."
It was astonishing to realize that all these clandestine activities were unfolding right under our noses. Sienna added, "And it's not just the Italian mafia. There are many others, like the Spanish and Russian Mafia, which may be inferior in power but share similar characteristics."
Thato and I were left speechless, our minds blown by the weight of the information we had just received. "Wow," we said simultaneously, astounded by the depth of Sienna's findings.
Sienna responded, "That was my reaction too. Now, all I need to do is gather more information and present it to our class." She started collecting the books and neatly placing them back on the shelves. Sienna, with her passion for investigative journalism and thought-provoking writing, had embarked on a mission to uncover the truth.
Curiosity getting the better of me, I asked, "If I may inquire, why did you choose to share this information with us?" I was genuinely intrigued by her motives.
Sienna smiled and replied, "Why should I bear the burden of knowing such information alone when I can share it with my best friends?"
"You're right. In sorry for being insensitive."
Her gentle eyes conveyed a sense of understanding and forgiveness. I realized that there was no need for apologies; our friendship was built on trust and support.
*********
As I made my way to the classroom, I noticed that Nio was already there, engrossed in his phone. It seemed that my attempts to arrive early were futile, as Nio was consistently the most punctual person I knew. I cleared my throat to get his attention, and when his eyes met mine, I was captivated by the intense love reflected in them. It was so powerful that I felt as though I could melt right then and there, but I managed to maintain my composure.
"Amore, you're here early," he greeted me, helping me settle into my seat before taking his own. As always, he looked incredibly handsome in his crisp white dress shirt, neatly tucked into his stylish grey slacks. His expensive white Nick dunks completed the ensemble perfectly.
"Yeah, I woke up earlier than usual today, but Sienna called me because she had something important to tell both Thato and me," I replied, choosing not to disclose the specifics of our conversation.
"What did she want to tell you guys?" Nio inquired, his attention still fixed on his phone as he continued typing away.
I deliberated whether or not to confide in him. Sienna had made it clear that the information she shared was meant to be kept confidential. However, Nio was not just anyone; he was the person I loved and trusted wholeheartedly.
"She discovered the existence of a significant mafia syndicate right here in Italy," I revealed. As soon as the words left my lips, Nio abruptly set his phone down on the table, causing me to worry that it might crack. He looked at me with an indiscernible mix of emotions, but I pressed on. "She intends to gather more information and present it to her class."
"That's quite surprising. Where did she come across this information?" Nio's curiosity mirrored my own.
"In the library, specifically in the historical section."
"Well, I hope she manages to find the information she needs, assuming the mafia truly exists," he remarked.
"Psalms 89:14 says; Justice and judgment are the habitation of His throne: mercy and truth shall go before the Lord's face," I responded without any conviction because whatever was done in the darkness would be revealed in the light.
Our conversation came to an end as the professor entered the classroom, signalling the start of the class.