The Last Judgment

By Esmeralda Kraja

Life takes an odd twist for Bernice Columbus when she is courted by a young man named Ruben Mosini, who claims he is in prison for a crime he did not commit. Now, she must walk the fine line between helping her lover in his quest for freedom, and being caught by the man who unjustly imprisoned him … her own father, the honorable Judge Edward Columbus.   Like Romeo and Juliet, the two star-crossed lovers must venture far beyond their comfort zone if they are to find a way to be together. But, even if Bernice does succeed in clearing her beloved's name, will she ever be able to forgive her father for the terrible act of treachery that sent Ruben to prison in the first place?  

 

THE LAST JUDGMENT: A tale of ill-fated love set against the stunning, romantic backdrops of present-day Italy and Spain.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Affiliate Publishing Media
• Release date: May 5, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201256180

Book preview

This book is for you, Dad. As you look down from heaven, I hope you’re proud of your little girl. - Esmeralda

Chapter One

It was a quiet summer Saturday, on 20th July 2002; one of those in which almost nothing happens, although something was going on in the house of Judge Edward Columbus. Anonymous calls had been annoying his daughter for several hours, but Bernice; a tall seventeen-year-old girl with dark black hair and green eyes, wasn’t interested in their problems. Keeping up with the world of her father was something she never did willingly. With her lips pursed, she hung up the phone with a loud ding and opened the locker to get a bathing suit. She pulled out her favorite one—blue with white stripes—coiled her hair in a bun, and went out to the swimming pool that was set in the grounds of a magnificent villa, located in a wonderful area. The mansion’s three white floors were surrounded by palm trees, while the front garden was filled with flowers, which her mother always took care of with the help of Agnes, the family’s governess.

As she tossed the towel onto one of the chairs beside the pool, she called out loudly to Agnes—the only other person left at home over these hot summer days—which caused her governess to come rushing out.

If the phone keeps ringing, she told her, notify me immediately!

Of course! Agnes replied and left.

Please bring me a cold juice, she called out one more time before she dove into the water. Swimming up to the surface, she rolled on her back, turned her face towards the sun, closed her eyes, and thought only about the pleasure she felt when nobody was around. But three or four minutes later, her blissful silence was suddenly disturbed when she heard Agnes’ voice, who was running towards her.

This man insists on talking to the judge, said Agnes with the phone in her hand.

Someone else has lost their temper with my father! she thought as she climbed out of the side of the pool. But why doesn’t that surprise me anymore?

She reached out, took the phone and answered: If you’re looking for my father... my parents are away on a weekend in Tuscany. You can only meet him at his office. But... may I know who’s calling? she asked trying to keep the conversation going so they wouldn’t hang up on her again.

He’s away ‘on a weekend?’ an angry voice spoke. Wait until Monday! Really? I wish he wouldn’t hide again, for the best of everyone! he continued. I say that the time has come to agree differently now because this thing does not stop here! he blasted and slammed down the receiver.

Bernice shrugged.

Get it out of here! she said to Agnes as she left the phone in her hands before jumping back into the water again.

Agnes gave no reply but took it inside as the phone rang again. This time, it was the judge himself, and the governess quickly explained about the mysterious caller. Frightened by her voice, he said that they’d return home in a few hours.

***

Edward, who did you speak to? his wife asked.

Monica... he said furiously as he left the desk in the lobby of the restaurant where they had been eating breakfast. Get everything ready, we are going back. That bastard called home. Hurry up!

What happened this time? She stood up.

Holy shit! he cursed. I will wait in the car. Gather everything, quickly!

He went to the counter and paid for breakfast, while Monica hastened out with her handbag over her shoulder and a small suitcase that carried their few belongings for the weekend, in her other hand. He put them in the trunk of the car and slammed it close; he was about to scream.

From the day I was handed this position, I don’t remember having a minute of peace, he said to his wife as he drove off like crazy.

***

Oh, my God! she cried, beginning to worry. Tell me we’re not in trouble! I fear for Bernice. I can’t imagine that someone would try to hurt my daughter.

I never thought things would come to this point, he replied in a gentle voice, but please, don’t cry now. Come here! He continued driving as he patted her head resting on his shoulder. I promise that we’ll fix this mess. I promise! he repeated. His eyes darted back and forth from the road to her.

I don’t believe your promises anymore! she objected.

He tried not to show how distressed and angry he was, and tried to calm her.

Nothing will happen to you as long as I live.

Where does this end, Edward? asked Monica looking him straight in the eyes. Tell me!

Enough okay! Come on! He tried to pacify her. Every problem has a solution. Have a little patience and everything will work out! He tried to hide that his soul had fallen into pieces and he felt like he couldn’t get enough breath. Then he put his foot down on the accelerator and sped up—he didn’t want to waste a second to get home.

***

Three hours later their car screeched to a stop in front of the big entrance gate. Monica leaped out of the car, quickly grabbed the bag, dumped it in the hallway, and screamed her daughter’s name in the hope that she’d respond immediately.

Hey, it’s you? Surprised, Bernice grasped the railing on the second floor and looked down, while Monica rushed up to her daughter; she continuously asked if the phone had rung again.

No, please don’t tell me you came back home for this, did you? she cursed. How did you know about the calls... and without finishing the sentence, she looked at Agnes. She turned towards her mother, and with a nervous voice asked: She told you, right?

Listen now! her mother placated as Agnes ran away. It’s not time to complain. These things are not as simple as they seem, she began to explain.

You know, I’m fed up with all this! It’s enough! You’ve gone too far now! Bernice shouted and went to her room, the door slamming behind her.

I’ll call the police, Edward said to his wife.

Hold on, it’s better not to rush, she tried to stop him. I think we should wait, maybe we can find an easier way.

Maybe, but I’m doing this for our safety—for Bernice, most of all.

***

Alone in the main corridor, Monica moved close to him.

Edward, listen! she said. This situation has come to a head. I think it’s better you meet with that person first. If you really want to do something for us, then do your duty and wait for him in the office on Monday because he will certainly come.

Edward brushed his hand through his hair and raised his left eyebrow.

This is humiliating to me! he said. A criminal is trying to teach me how to do my job, and my wife tells me not to send him back to where he came from; isn’t it too much for me? He raised his voice. Also, let’s not forget my daughter, who gets angry and slams the door every fifteen minutes! he screamed louder as he went back down the stairs.

Exactly, exactly like this! his wife answered. And for this to end you just need to hear what he has to say. I don’t think there are many choices left.

Do you really think this is the only way to end this mess without any problem? he turned around standing in the middle of the stairs.

Absolutely, yes!

Well, then we’ll try it! he replied. God knows what I could do to him, but I'm trying to keep calm. I’ll regret it, but I’ll do it, he shouted and fled.

***

Monica tossed and turned in bed all night, and Edward couldn’t find any comfort either. Eventually, he turned to his wife and put his hand on her shoulder, hoping to try and find a way out of the situation faster.

What if we send Bernice away from here for a few days?

What? Are you serious? she goggled.

I mean only for a few days, time for this situation to calm down. This way I can work more at ease.

You still think Bernice is a baby? she turned towards her husband. You still think we can do whatever we want with her? Even though she is seventeen years old, this doesn’t give us the right to send her away whenever we have our problems! Ha! I don’t think she would agree anyway.

I know, that’s what I also thought! he said, turning to look at her. But we’re desperately seeking a way out, and I just came up with the safest but difficult decision.

Edward, please sleep now. Do what you have you do, and you know very well what I mean! his wife replied. This can’t go any further, she said and switched the light off.

***

Judge Edward Columbus was known as a most authoritative man. Anyone would think that such a man was eager for power, but it can also be the opposite—the power is eager for him because he knows how to keep it—and now, he was prepared to meet his number-one enemy. Ruben Mosani, newly freed from prison after five years incarcerated for power abuse and fraud in one of the most important oil companies, had some unfinished business with him.

Now he was at the front of the door of the place where the most fatal decision affecting his life had been taken years ago. After entering, he hurried up the stairs. He wore a black suit, a light blue shirt without a tie, and had a look on his face that didn’t give anything away.

As soon as he appeared in the doorway, Edward put his cup of coffee on the table and stood up.

Ah, it’s you! he chuckled.

Who else? Or are there many other people like me who are eager to meet you, Your Honor? he said not bothering with social formalities.

Listen! Edward said immediately. I hope that today we can deal with this situation calmly, and then you should leave once and for all from this place. You are free now, and what happened in that court cannot be turned back. He tried to stay calm. I believe, that the time has come for you to end your strange requests, he said as he placed his hands on the table.

Ruben stepped forward and threw down a letter.

What is this? the judge asked with curiosity.

Finally, you decided to meet me. You’ve been hiding from me for days, and we both know the reason! He looked at the judge with piercing eyes. I request you to reopen the case, and this time I am disclosing the evidence... he said pointing to the letters. It’s all here! he tried to explain.

I just told you, enough with these requests... the judge quickly intervened, losing patience.

Do not interrupt me like you once interrupted my life! Ruben raised his voice. I'm here because I want to clear my name. Five years in that cell destroyed my life, thanks to you, of course. He pointed at the judge with his forefinger.

Listen carefully! Edward started to retort with fire in his eyes.

No, you listen to me! In that letter, I have written every word which I demand you to declare, where and when I decide. Do you understand?

Edward looked at the paper, then put it aside.

Don’t even think about it. That case is over now. It only remains for you to continue your life. Certainly, you will soon make up for the lost time!

Enough of this bullshit! Do what I told you! Or else...

Or else? Edward interrupted.

Or else... This is only the beginning. Ruben put his hands on the table and moved his face closer to him.

I’m not trying to understand anything about ‘this beginning,’ but you must keep in mind one thing! he replied. If you do not end these threats as soon as possible, I will be forced to put you inside again, but this time with no return.

You're able to do anything, and I know this: You're the same person, who not only took my spirit but above all, my dignity, Ruben tried to counter-attack him.

Edward made a few steps towards him to prevent this revolt from getting bigger and tried to keep calm.

This is not true, he said. I’ve only done my duty. You should put your claims to your lawyer, former colleagues, or I don’t know... but not here, he said dismissively. However, I invite you to see things from a positive perspective, and I think we should all calm down. Today, you are a free man like I am. You can continue your life as you wish, but not from a courtroom. I advise you to stay as far as possible away from those places! Justice did its job. I understand that you are still frustrated by what you experienced, but please do not ask for a needle in a haystack. I say this for your own good!

Do not speak about justice, for God sakes. Not you!

I think this conversation has to end and I hope you have the courtesy to leave this office, Edward said and pointed to the door, as soon as possible, and not force me to call security, he threatened. As you see, I am giving you a great honor by not complicating things any further. It is also in your interest to not go to that point. You have a criminal record now, and it would be excessive to behave with such arrogance without having even taken a breath of fresh air and freedom. What do you say? He downplayed the conversation. We leave things this way, okay? Doesn’t this look profitable to you?

You close your cases in this way; I learned that a long time ago! Ruben shouted. But no, you don’t placate me! He shook his head in denial.

Edward approached and with a chuckle said, How much money do you want? Have you got a figure in mind?

Hearing those words, Ruben barely managed to restrain himself from grabbing him by the jacket.

How dare you?! he shouted. How dare you try to bribe justice one more time? Have you ever heard this word? Do you have any idea what it is?

I serve it, of course, I’ve heard about it! said Edward taking a drink of his coffee.

Is that so? he shouted. If you call this justice, then I say that thanks to you today, I look like an infected worm, he yelled, that everyone is afraid of getting close to! I want you to apologize publicly and reopen the trial. I expect you to make it public, or I'm going to do it. Do you understand?

Then, at this point, Edward replied as he walked towards him, let’s be completely clear. There will be no declaration on my part, and that's the last time I say it. After this, we’re done. And what is more important, stay far away from my family. What happened on Saturday should not be repeated.

I don’t give you my word for this! he replied. You worry about your family and your weekends? Let me remind you that I had a family the day you condemned me. I remember very well.

Get out. Immediately! Edward shouted to prevent Ruben from continuing the argument further. He was about to pick up the office phone, but Ruben took it away and put the receiver slowly in its place.

I know you better than anyone now, he said coolly. Your name has accompanied me more than my mother’s name; to who you are more in debt to. I know very well what you fear—you know that I am innocent, but you don’t dare bring it up in court because of your ego, and fear of scandal, as well as the consequences. Imagine the headlines: ‘The oil industry engineer Ruben Mosani, is thought to have been wrongly imprisoned for five years according to the decision of Judge Colombus.’ While speaking, he moved a few steps and motioned with his hands as if he had a headline in front of him. What kind of judge would you be after this? he said as he turned back to him. I think it would be a dark page in your career, right?

Mr. Mosani! Edward screamed. I suggest you pray for a better future and not cause all this useless and irrelevant mess for me, don’t you agree?

For as long as I have to deal with people like you, my prayers are powerless!

Have you ever tried to do it? laughed the judge showing all his teeth.

I will tell you now, look at me! Ruben pointed to himself. I am wearing the same clothes I had in the office that day when I was arrested—exactly the same suit, although there is a slight difference... it’s a little big now. Clearly, I have spent the most disgusting time in that place, right? I have the shirt too. The only thing I don’t have is the tie. Do you know why? he asked without expecting a response. "Strangely, that day I didn’t feel good; I had unexplained anxiety. It was like I couldn’t breathe, and before I left the house, I thought to myself: ‘Today I'm not wearing the tie, well, it sometimes happens that they arrest you for this!’ But who would have thought that sounded somehow like a premonition, those type you hope don’t come true, those that only people like you make a reality!"

Edward sat in his seat and looked him straight in his eyes.

"Let us not turn back to all those