“What did he say?”
“We should ask Zigo, a policeman at the station. He was Jaka’s friend and helped in the search. He could tell you definitively how it went.”
It had been a long shot. Of course there was no news. “Thank you so much. Please know how sorry we are for your loss.”
He nodded. “Thank you for coming. It means everything.”
Carlo translated the man’s appreciation that she’d come. Anton invited them inside the house. She learned that Jaka had been married and living with his parents and an older brother and sister. When Luna presented the flowers to Jaka’s widow, everyone burst into tears. The family couldn’t have been more grateful and thrilled for the visit and the promise of a financial donation.
Once it ended, they went outside to the car. Carlo murmured, “If you wish, we’ll go to police headquarters where you can talk to Zigo before we go home. Do you want to do that?”
“I’m sure he won’t be able to tell us anything, but I admit I’d still like to talk to him for a minute.” The need to learn anything more was the driving factor for her. And the dream that had seemed so real.
“Then let’s go.”
CHAPTER TWO
ONCE INSIDE THE BUILDING, Luna and Carlo were shown to the front office of the station. She looked around and smiled at two officers. Carlo asked if they could speak to Zigo.
The younger one came forward. Luna’s heart raced as they were all introduced. “Zigo? Do you speak Italian?”
“Cosi-cosi.”
His answer, “so-so,” was better than nothing. She stared into his eyes. “Did you look for Jaka Ravenikar?”
“Sì. He was friend.”
Her pulse picked up speed. “Did you see any bodies?”
“No bodies,” he answered without hesitation.
A little moan escaped her lips. “I’m looking for my marito.”
At this point Carlo had to translate.
Zigo said, “He died, too?”
Her eyes filled with tears. “My husband didn’t come home. Maybe he escaped.” Was it possible?
He frowned. “Escaped?”
“Got away.” She used her fingers to show him that her husband might have gotten out. Again, Carlo translated.
“Ah,” he said. “No. I know nothing.”
With her hopes dashed, she asked if she could use the restroom before they got back on the helicopter. Carlo interceded. Zigo nodded and showed Luna where to go.
They walked down a hallway to the rear of the station. She went in to freshen up and say a little prayer to help her get through the rest of this day.
When Luna came out of the restroom, she found Zigo waiting for her near the end of the hall. “Grazie for talking to me.”
He nodded.
Filled with fresh pain, Luna hurried into the front office. Together she and Carlo left for the car to drive them to the helicopter. As she started to get into the backseat, she heard the cry, “Principessa?” She turned to see who was calling out. To her surprise it was Zigo. He’d run after them.
“Carlo?” she said. “Zigo’s Italian is sketchy. Speak to him in Slovene and find out what he’s trying to tell me.”
A long conversation ensued. She couldn’t imagine.