Free The Alchemist’s Code by Martin Rua Page B

brilliant one, but, again, I had acted instinctively. I couldn’t think clearly. When I approached him, Giuseppe’s expression was quite explicit – he looked at me as though I were a madman, but also as though he wanted to ask me something but did not dare.
    â€œIs there something you want to tell me, Giuseppe?”
    â€œNo, no, Mister Aragona. I’m just glad you’re back. One of you, at least—”
    â€œWho else is supposed to come back?”
    â€œYes, you’re right, Mr Aragona. No one else can come back.”
    What the hell did that mean? I was in too much of a hurry to keep talking, but he seemed to know a lot.
    â€œHow long have I been away, Giuseppe?”
    He looked confused. “Mr Aragona… don’t you remember? Since about July.”
    â€œSure, sure. Since July.”
    I was about to set off towards the Églantine when the sight of two suspicious looking types walking past the entrance to the garage made me change my mind. “Listen, Giuseppe, would you walk to the shop with me? You know, I’d just like a little company.”
    The man nodded. “No problem, Mr Aragona, I can leave the place for five minutes. Let’s go.”
    I now had a pretty impressive looking bodyguard, and anyone who wanted to get to me would have to think twice.
    In a couple of minutes we arrived at the shop. The shutter was lowered and it seemed that no one had set foot inside for a long time. When I looked through the window, I reeled in shock, and Giuseppe rushed up to support me.
    The Églantine was half empty, and all that was left inside were some pieces of furniture shrouded with sheets. The floor was covered with a thick layer of dust, and attached to the shutter was a plastic sign which read:
    SUBJECT TO SEIZURE BY THE JUDICIARY – CRIME SCENE, NO ENTRY.
    The Églantine closed down by the authorities? Why? What had happened? I looked at the guard with bewilderment on my face.
    â€œGiuseppe, listen, the reason I’ve been away all this time is because I haven’t been well. I have a severe case of amnesia. I have trouble remembering the past, and so I don’t know what happened.”
    Giuseppe’s face grew sad.
    â€œReally, Mr Aragona?”
    â€œYes, really.”
    â€œThey told us you’d gone crazy – that you never go out and that when you do, nobody knows where you go. You haven’t been to the shop since September, but it’s since the tragedy of a month and a half ago that… that you haven’t been doing so well.”
    â€œWhat happened, Giuseppe? I don’t remember anything.
    The man’s eyes widened again.
    â€œIs this some kind of joke, Mister Aragona?”
    â€œI swear it’s the truth, Giuseppe. I have a problem with my memory. Please tell me what happened.”
    Giuseppe gave a sad look inside the Églantine.
    â€œDoctor Von Alten was found dead one morning in late November at his home, while you were out of town. Murdered. It’s your friend Commissioner Franchi who’s leading the investigation, and he’s been trying to protect you, because you’re a suspect.”
    As he spoke I stared at him open-mouthed, hardly able to breathe. How could I ever kill Bruno? My partner and friend Bruno? My life was becoming more and more of a nightmare with each second that passed.
    â€œHow is that possible? Why? Who did it?”
    Looking increasingly surprised, Giuseppe shook his head, obviously sharing my pain.
    â€œNo one knows, Mister Aragona, it’s too early to say. Investigations are under way.”
    â€œLate November… Yes, you’re right. It only happened recently, perhaps a few weeks ago.”
    â€œIt’s more than a month and a half ago, Mr Aragona.”
    I frowned. “A month and a half? Hang on, isn’t it nearly Christmas? What day is it today?”
    â€œThe fifteenth of January, Mr Aragona. You left in late July and came back once in