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Chapter 1 - The Second Connection

(2010 - Venice, Italy)

“What happened?” The woman sounded worried.

“I have absolutely no idea, my darling.” Her husband’s voice reflected that concern—and their unmistakable English accents.

Their companion, who was steering the boat, could just make out their expressions in the dim light. Difficult to judge, though. The eerie reflection of moonlight in the canal waters was casting faint, shimmering patterns across their features. No doubt they were stunned, but that was understandable.

One moment the woman was close to falling from a bridge into the polluted waters of the canal in the mid-afternoon sunshine then, as soon as he managed to get both her and her husband safely into the boat, they made the connection. The area was now bathed in moonlight.

“I’m sorry, Mr and Mrs Saunders. You’re safe enough.”

“How do you know our names?” the husband interrupted, his voice now more incredulous than concerned.

The helmsman smiled. He doubted that either would see his face clearly enough to notice, but he wanted to reassure them or at least try to. However, when they knew the truth, that might prove difficult.

“I was expecting this to happen,” he explained.

“You were?” Still incredulous. Then the concern returned. “What exactly has happened?”

The helmsman gave a slight laugh, then stated, “Quite a lot. As they say, there’s good news and there’s bad. The good news is that you’re both safe and well. Had you fallen into the canal, Mrs Saunders, as you’re no doubt aware, it might not have been good for your health.”

“That’s for sure,” commented her husband. “And we really are most grateful for your timely intervention.” After another brief pause he quietly asked, “And the bad news?”

“We’re not exactly where you think we are.”