The Phantom Conspiracy

3. The Mix-Up

Milan, Italy, 05:44 am

The phone began buzzing on the bedside. Giana woke up startled and her hand instinctively slipped to the back pocket of her jeans. She pulled out the same piece of paper and her eyes lingered over the neatly printed numbers at the bottom of the page. The same digits were now flashing on her cell. The Guardians had texted her back.

There was an attachment with details regarding the vehicle that would pick her and Riccard up later this afternoon. On scrolling further she found the address to the lodging they had been assigned for their stay at Venice. Giana quickly saved the messages and began packing up for the impending adventure. Something told her that the next few days of her life wouldn't be the easiest to get through.

'All good grand daughter? What are you getting so tensed about? If it's your mother, don't worry, I'll handle her.' Oma burst into fits of laughter, and took a sip of her lemon tea.

'Nah Oma. It's just that I'm a bit nervous for our little trip today.' Giana replied with a warm smile.

'Don't be girl; for one thing I know, you two will be just fine.' Oma nodded her head assuringly.

'Love you Oma, I'll miss you.' Giana took Oma's palm into hers, and for the next few seconds, the two stared at each other lovingly.

'Baby, are you all right? Giana! Giana!' Matt burst through the front door.

'Yes dad. What happened? I am perfectly fine.' Giana replied confused.

'Oh thank god. I got a call from the local sheriff, he told me that they had just landed a murder case, and the victim... the victim was Giana Hades.' His voice shook with fear.

'What?' Giana gasped in disbelief. 'Well... they probably just confused me for someone else. I don't think we should worry much. Remember when they arrested the wrong person a year back. That old sheriff is always messing up with his poor brain.' She chuckled.

'Giana, I think you are right about that, but please darling, stay safe. I'm sorry for whatever happened last night, but just know that you will always be my beloved daughter. We might have disagreements, but I'm never going to let anything wrong happen to you.' Matt's eyes welled up with tears as he flung his arms around Giana.

She eased out in them and whispered, 'I know dad, I love you.'

'So if the goodbyes are over, the car's here and we should leave.' Riccard beamed, his eyes glowed with joy at the lovely sight.

He was dressed in a white button down shirt and deep brown khaki pants. He winked at Giana playfully and held out his hand for her to hold. With one last look at the warm home, the couple headed out.

A black sleek car awaited them outside. It was squeaky clean and the windows were covered in black shades. Riccard loaded the luggage into the trunk after which he and Giana got seated behind the driver.

'Welcome ma'am and sir. We'll reach our destination within the next three hours. I hope you enjoy the ride. That's all I'll say.' The chauffeur gave a small smile and looked at them through the rear view mirror.

He was middle aged and had wrinkles on his forehead. His moustache was well trimmed and he didn't seem to have any interest in engaging in further conversation. His eyes were fixated on the path ahead as he skillfully swerved through the busy roads.

'Who sent you to pick us up?' Riccard made an attempt to elicit information from him.

'The Guardians, sir.' He replied plainly.

'And... um... who exactly are they?'

'Can't say much sir, I am not very aware either.'

'Oh. Okay.'