Page 317 of DATE
“Remember to meet me at the barn at midnight, little beauty.”
The other guard nearby pretended to be oblivious, acting as if nothing had happened.
Once the cart reached a safe spot, Leonardo pulled her out.
They moved through the night without exchanging a word, both walking hurriedly with their heads lowered like well-trained maids.
Hedy had been confined to her room for the past few days and hadn’t been seen by any of the guards, so no one really knew what she looked like.
As they moved along, occasional guards passed by, even greeting Leonardo.
And he actually remembered their names, acting naturally and friendly.
Hedy also smiled and nodded in return, making sure her face stayed hidden in the shadows.
…She must have been groped more than once.
It wasn’t until they exited through a side gate in the courtyard, avoiding patrolling soldiers and night watchmen on the streets, that they finally turned the corner and jumped into the waiting carriage.
Hedy stayed completely silent throughout, gripping his hand so tightly that she almost held her breath.
The carriage weaved through a secluded alley and stopped next to a hole in the ancient city wall.
The earth smelled freshly dug, mixed with the scent of grass.
Ignoring the mud that clung to her body, Hedy quickly crawled out from the webs and dirt, and Leonardo followed right behind her.
They ran through the dark forest, soon jumping onto another carriage that began heading north.
It wasn't until they were sure there were no pursuers behind them that Hedy finally spoke.
"What has happened outside these past two months?"
"It's hard to explain," Leonardo tightened his grip on her hand and, leaning over, gave her a long, warm kiss. "I came to bring you home."
Before his words had fully faded, a deep rumbling sound suddenly came from behind them.
The sound came again, shaking the very earth beneath them.
It was like the thunderous roar of a spring storm had suddenly arrived.
It seemed that someone was screaming and wailing, and the ground trembled slightly. But because of the increasing distance, the sounds were unclear.
There was also a muffled crash, as heavy objects fell to the ground with a thunderous noise, and bricks and stones rained down like a sudden storm.
Hedy turned her head sharply and saw that Rome was engulfed in flames.
She was stunned, unable to say a word, her eyes frozen as she stared at the distant scene.
Explosions continued to happen — the sky seemed to be struggling like a giant dragon, with flames leaping and dancing across the horizon.
"Leonardo, you..."
The man didn't turn around. He spoke again, his voice calm and detached.
"I blew up the Roman Catholic Church."
CHAPTER 24
