Shadows of Death

Chapter 2(Christopher Section 1)

"Christopher section"

Fourth time zone: Three Carnelian Bracelets

Local time 09:25 a.m.

Tuesday – Qom – Iran

A black limousine crossed in front of a green sign with large white font saying "Welcome to Qom." Inside the giant car Christopher and his grandfather were sitting. Christopher wore the same black suit as yesterday, but Edward Artimani preferred to wear a blue shirt under his black suit. He had in his pocket a white handkerchief with small red stars and held a light brown cane. Mr. Artimani had a smile on his face. He looked at his grandson, who was leaning on the handmade leather seat like a statue. Christopher was sitting, relaxed and calm. His grandfather doubted for a moment if his grandson knew why they had come to Qom? However Edward widened his smile and said: "It's better to be happy. The period of sickness is going to be finished. Robert and his men found the 'gate maker.' You can be sure he knows where the Carnelian Bracelet is, too. We'll certainly find it. After we find it you can continue your life, healthy and happy. Without disease you will be back to my happy and talkative Christopher."

Edward gave a loud laugh and continued: "Laugh, my dear grandson, laugh!"

But Christopher's face didn't change. It seemed he was unable to make a smile on his lips! His grandfather got angry at Christopher's behavior. Edward swallowed his laugh and shouted: "Fuck me! Your fucking disease has destroyed my life. A hundred times I said I would give up all of my wealth if I didn't have to see you like this. Every day you look more like a robot. I want my smiling and happy Christopher. I wish just for one more time you would laugh in front of me. But this fucking diseases not allow you."

He paused. Edward realized he had lost his temper more than usual. He took a deep breath to calm himself. Then he took Christopher's hands in his own. Christopher's hands were warm against his cold face and it revived Edward's hopes. Edward sat a little closer to Charlie and with the warm voice of a grandfather said: "You shouldn't have this sad face anymore. We found the 'gate maker.' He must know where the Carnelian Bracelet is. I promise, we'll have found it by tomorrow. I'm sure you'll be fine from tomorrow. My grandson will look like healthy people who can laugh...please, make a smile...for me? Just a smile!"

But Christopher didn't smile. He didn't even look to his grandfather. He said to himself in his mind: "I can be relaxed and smile for moment when Charlie is with me. But not with you!"

But why? He didn't knows the answer to this question. Maybe because every time he saw his grandfather he was reminded of his illness. This reason was enough for Christopher to come away from his smile. But he didn't like to make his grandfather angrier and said: "I will laugh when the Carnelian Bracelet is in my hand."

Edward took his hand out of Christopher's hands and said: "I promise. I'll do it...I'll do it by tomorrow."

Silence filled the car. Edward did not wish to speak, and neither did Christopher. Christopher looked out the tinted car windows. The car arrived at a square and after a few minutes they turned down a large and long street. The black limousine drove and then turned to the left. For a few short moments Christopher could see a golden dome. Christopher whispered under his breath: "Hazarat Masoume holy shrine!"

It was the first time Christopher had seen the holy shrine at this close a distance. In prison he'd just heard and read about this historical and religious place. More than a thousand years old... He knew throughout history every king or prince added a building to this holy site and it was expanding even now. More than a thousand years old! It was a little hard for him to believe.