Ravenna via Bologna

Ravenna via Bologna

Series: Softwater European Series

Genre: European Murder Mystery

“My hospital is a microcosm of Bologna. We save lives. We do not take them,” said Dr. Ambrosia, the Chief Medical Officer at Policlinico Sant’ Orsola Malpighi. A tall, dark-skinned man from southern Italy fiddled with his Marlboro as he talked. “We serve patients throughout Emilia Romagna by our specialties, as a successful business.”

Flying to Bologna Tuesday morning, Gannon Waters arrived via taxi to the hospital where his Italian business manager for SoftWaters, Alessandro Massimo, set up the important meeting. “That’s very impressive,” said Gannon, as they walked the hall that led to the doctor’s private balcony. “I can see why Alessandro wanted me to meet you.” Dr. Ambrosia wore a dark grey business suit, and Gannon was struck by the hospital’s level of quality and professionalism.

“Your hospital is a model of modern tools and techniques,” said Alessandro, a petite young man, Alessandro’s enthusiasm was apparent in his quick-talking style and unbounding energy. His karate schooling gave him confidence to counter the bullying he received at school being always the shortest boy in the class. Alessandro’s shirt highlighted a powerful physique, yet the yellow in his bowtie clashed with his sallow skin. He had encouraged Gannon to stroke the doctor’s ego to help move the SoftWaters’ product sale forward. Alessandro was short, just up to Gannon’s shoulders, with black wavy hair that added a few inches of height and Kahlua-brown eyes which made all that he said believable.

The chief marketing officer’s private balcony equipped with lawn, tables, a bar and a waiter boggled Gannon’s mind as he stood near the door.

“We have over one thousand active beds. It is a city unto itself with a staff of three thousand professionals, Signor Waters,” said Ambrosia, with his white lab-coat flapping as he talked. Looking at Gannon, he bumped into a preoccupied doctor in the hallway reading a report.

“Pardon,” said the silver-haired doctor as he bowed to his boss.

“It is my fault, Professor,” said Dr. Ambrosia. “We have some visitors.”

“I have no time,” said the professor with a distinct British accent as he continued down the hall. “Severe case of identity displacement. Another time, please,” he said, pointing at the report as he turned the corner.

“Let’s enter,” said the CMO, pointing to the glass door. “The day is lovely for a drink and smoke between my surgical operations. Even though it is March, don’t you agree?” The waiter held the patio door open to the private park and motioned to enter.

Gannon looked at the distracted doctor walking away. “The professor, what’s his name?”

“Professor Giancarlo Armini. He chairs the Psychiatry Department. Fine expert,” said Ambrosia, as he lit up his cigarette. “You wish to meet?”

“He’s shaved his beard,” said Gannon, as he continued to stare.

Alessandro grabbed his arm. “We cannot keep Dr. Ambrosia waiting. He has limited time for us,” pleaded Alessandro, worried with Gannon’s distraction.

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