Free 1 - Interrupted Aria by Beverle Graves Myers

haul the platform up without it collapsing.…”
    I jumped in. “But Beppo’s added weight caused the ropes to pull out of the rings on the way down.”
    The foreman nodded.
    “Were any of your men working around this platform this morning?” Torani asked.
    “No,” said the foreman. “Everyone was on the other side of the stage, constructing the night sky scenery.”
    I thought back to earlier in the afternoon. “After dinner, Crivelli came out from the wings where this platform was sitting. I think he was using its fluff for a pillow. He said some workmen had awakened him.”
    “Not my men, we’ve all been out in the workroom since dinner.”
    Torani circled the platform like a worried terrier. He barked a list of orders at the foreman: no outsiders allowed around the theater, all equipment to be thoroughly inspected before each use, report any further problems at once, and so on and so on.
    Adelina had recovered her composure. She was pale, but spoke firmly. “Signor Torani, who could have done this?”
    Torani fingered the end of his scarf. “Probably the same person who made off with the scores and caused our other problems.”
    “And who could that be?” I cut in quickly.
    “My best guess?” Torani frowned into the wings where the workman had laid the canvas-wrapped body. “I think Beppo was an innocent victim of the Albrimani-Viviani feud. Our patron clearly has his heart set on an operatic triumph. He’s handed the Albrimani a perfect opportunity to try to discredit him.”
    “But Domenico’s wife is from the Albrimani family. Their alliance was supposed to heal the rift and put an end to this senseless fighting,” Adelina said ruefully.
    Torani gave her a pointed look. “My dear, you should know better than anyone else how Domenico Viviani treats his wife. Instead of bringing peace, she has become just one more bone of contention in the ongoing dogfight.”
    Adelina had the good grace to blush and drop her gaze. “What are you going to do?” she asked in a shaky whisper.
    “I will inform our patron what has happened and handle the matter as he directs.” Torani grimaced. “Then I will make a very uncomfortable visit to Beppo’s mother.”
    Adelina looked up with a strained frown. Torani patted one of her small, white hands and continued, “You know, I think our patron already suspects that the San Stefano’s woes are more than simple bad luck. I’m sure he’ll be amenable to posting some of his men on guard around the theater. No one will get inside except those who have a reason to be here.” Torani smiled more kindly. “Don’t worry, my dear, Domenico Viviani will make sure that we’re all safe.”

Chapter 6
    The excitement that had buoyed me up over the past two days drained away as soon as Lupo let me in the door that night. The others had tired of waiting and had already gone in to supper. Annetta fetched a fresh plate from the sideboard as I sank into an empty chair. I watched dazedly as she served up a golden mound of Berta’s polenta and topped it with savory bits of fried minnow. I dug in hungrily as both of my sisters peppered me with questions.
    “But Tito, did you meet Adelina Belluna?” Grisella’s high, whining voice cut through my exhaustion.
    “I met all the principal singers, little one. La Belluna, Caterina Testi, Crivelli,” I answered between mouthfuls of warm, hearty food, “and the patron of the theater, Domenico Viviani.” I washed his name down with a generous swallow of wine. “He will be a hard man to please. He is anticipating a great success with this new opera, but not all his expectations are realistic, especially considering the problems plaguing the production.”
    I recounted the tragic incident of the dead apprentice. Annetta’s mother hen instinct surfaced immediately. “Are you in any danger, Tito? Will you have to ride on one of those platforms?”
    “Eventually, but don’t worry. The theater will be guarded and we’ll all be on