Free Greta Again! by Marya Stones

strange must have happened. Maybe you should check yours too. Were the messages really sent from yours?”
                It turned out that Mike’s messages had not been sent, and he hadn’t even noticed. Apparently he was so wrapped up in Steve’s troubles yesterday that it didn’t even come to his attention.
                “Well, I don’t mix it up with the police and the drug world every day, I guess. Honestly, I can’t put it away all that easily. That’s why I was in church. I’ve discovered again and again that a church is a real place of strength. I can meditate there, to find my center, and most of the time I can successfully focus on the essential. The peace that I find in those surroundings helps me to sort out my inner self. I can free myself from what burdens me and load up with new energy. Have you ever been in Venice? In the Basilica of St. Mark, the St. Mark’s Cathedral?”
                “Why are you talking about Venice now? Greta swallowed, startled.
                “When I was in the church I was reminded of my childhood. I was in Venice with my parents and my mother was the one who taught me about the ritual of lighting candles. In the Basilica of St. Mark. St. Mark’s Square with the many pigeons isn’t such a good memory, however.  The pigeons were really weird. There were so many. And then, of course, the obligatory photo. I think it’s still on my mother’s dresser.” Mike smiled at her and gently held her hand.
                Greta could only shake her head in astonishment. “It is really crazy how you manage to surprise me again and again. To answer your question: “Yes, I know Venice. But I haven’t been there since my childhood. Why do you ask?”
                “Because St. Mark’s Basilica is one of the most powerful centers of strength that I know. I want to show it to you.”
                “What do you mean? You’re speaking about the Venice in Italy on the Adriatic? You know, we’re pretty far away –in New York, in the United States of America. That isn’t exactly possible right now.”
                “Yes, yes Greta, I know. Listen –I’m sure I’ll be busy for a time with this drug thing and Steve. Tomorrow my father is coming into town from his country estate. He can certainly assume some of the responsibilities then. I have to be in Europe on business again next week. If all goes well, I’ll be in Munich, but have to travel to Rome afterwards. It would be really great if you could come with me. We’ll simply drive from Munich to Venice. Am I being unrealistic?!”
                “Honestly, yes. Regarding the flying part, naturally not. That’s my job and I could probably even organize a good flight for us. But I am still totally numb from everything that has happened in the last twenty-four hours. You know how to keep life moving forward, don’t you?”
                Greta smiled at him. She had forgiven him everything that happened and her feelings were again on an even keel. She believed, too, that he was telling her the truth. She was still confused, however, and hadn’t figured out how everything fit together, but wanted to believe him. The story seemed so unreal and so strange that it was hard not to take it with a grain of salt.
                “You’re still going to be in town for about two days, right?”
                “Yes, Greta replied.
                “Good, I’ll try to arrange everything with my father tomorrow insofar as possible, so that Steve will be on his way to the clinic and out of jail.”
                “What makes you so sure that it will happen so quickly?”
                “My father is quite influential and can move mountains when he wants to.  He can do more than I really would like sometimes.” Mike tried to smile, but Greta could sense that there was another hidden