The Curious Case of Julia Felix

By Michael D. Thompson

From the streets of Rome to the ancient history of Pompeii and Capri, a tale is woven in two different times. One story line follows two friends who assist a woman, Sophia, trying to make sense of her confounded life. She is possessed by a woman, Julia Felix, who lived at the time of Vesuvius’s eruption. The other story line follows Julia Felix in AD 79 as she tries to make sense of the upheaval Vesuvius has wrought. Both stories collide as the spirit of Julia Felix begins to assert herself in her new avatar. As Sophia and her two new friends, Bella and Tony, prepare for a bus trip that will take them to Pompeii, Sorrento, and Capri, Julie Felix’s story begins to unravel at each stage of the trip with surprising details revealed about her life in AD 79. This historical fiction is grounded in facts by the author, credibly in evidence as the saga tries to answer the true question: what ever happened to Julia Felix? The true history lesson combined with the dynamics of the fictional action makes for a most interesting and educational read.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 10, 2021
• ISBN: 9781662432248

Book preview

Chapter 1

Prologue

It was at the end of the day for Sophia. Her job had been frustrating her all week, and now that it was Friday, she looked forward to a few days away from the daily grind. She had meant to go straight home, picking up something to eat on the way. She saw herself soaking in a warm bath with some soothing salts while reading her favorite novel of the week. Sophia was an avid reader. It was not uncommon for her to have one book on her phone, another on her tablet, and sometimes listening to an audiobook as well. With no one in her life at present, it was easy to indulge in what pleased her.

However, instead of picking up something from a local trattoria, she sat down at a table outside and sipped an apertivo while watching the people stroll by. She loved being free without a care in the world, especially with no love interest making demands on her schedule.

She enjoyed a tasty dish of four-cheese ravioli in a marinara sauce, served with some crusty bread and fresh olive oil with parmesan for dipping. By the end of the meal, she was thoroughly sated, passing on any dessert offered.

As she sat there, she noticed a peculiar woman standing on the other side of the street. The peculiarity seemed to be her attire more than anything else. True, it was warm that day, but the skimpy outfit was more like a costume for an old Roman play. How fun that would be, Sophia thought, to be an actress in a play. How fun it would be to be someone different, to become a different persona. Sometimes, she was bored with her life, her appearance, her routine. If she were an actress, she could pretend to have another life, even for an hour or so. She made a mental note to investigate an acting class at the American University of Rome nearby that fall.

The peculiar woman continued to stand there, and if Sophia did not know better, she would have guessed she was looking directly at her. Nonsense. It isn’t always about you, she thought.

Having paid her very reasonable bill, Sophia rose and strolled along the Tiber River to her apartment on the third floor of an old apartment building. This place was her haven. Here, she had a wonderful view of the activity on the river. Here, she protected herself from the chaos of life in Rome, which could be considerable at times.

The studio apartment was stuffy. Sophia went to the door leading to a small balcony and opened it wide. The balcony was large enough for only one chair and a small table, but that suited Sophia just fine.

As she opened the door, she noticed across the street, in the dusky light of evening, a figure standing near the Tiber and looking up at her. It did not take a moment for Sophia to realize it was the actress she saw across from the trattoria. How odd. Had she followed her? An unsettled feeling came over Sophia. She felt she was being watched, and for what reason? She quickly shut the door and decided to tolerate the stuffiness for the time being.

By late evening, the apartment was very warm, and Sophia would have trouble sleeping. She had been on the computer most of the time doing research for work, and her eyes were giving into the steady monotony of the screen. It was time to call it a night.

Without thinking, she went to the door to open it wide for some cool breezes that might come off the river. Quickly, though, she peered down on the sidewalk across the street to see if the mysterious stranger had left. She had, and Sophia felt a bit more at ease.

She busied herself with getting ready for bed. She was too tired even to entertain the thought of reading that night, as was her habit. So she turned off the light. Sophia watched the shadows dance across the ceiling from the breeze that flitted through the trees below. Within minutes, she was fast asleep.

The soft noise at first appeared as a nuisance in her reverie, but it persisted. Soon, Sophia was groggy but awake, trying to ascertain what was causing it. Perhaps it was something on the street, or with the breeze blowing into her apartment, maybe something was rustling. The more she thought about it, that was exactly what it was: a rustle. As Sophia turned toward the open door, she discovered what was causing it.

Chapter 2

A Break from Classes

Tony slowly made his way to the Ponte Sisto after the last long day of classes of the semester. He was energized by the two weeks he would now have off to do as he wished. Ever since his work visa had been approved, Tony had become a member of the American University of Rome’s faculty. Albeit a junior member, he was thrilled to have landed this position.

Now, he had the luxury of some time off to explore beyond the environs of Rome for the first time. His life had been a whirlwind since coming onboard as a history professor. There was so much that had piqued his interests, especially to the south of Rome. His research, part of his preparation for lectures, had led him to several areas of interest. The most prominent ones were circumventing the Bay of Naples. From Naples and following the coastline, numerous sites played active roles in early Roman history. For Tony, those were mother lodes to be mined. They would enhance his background knowledge of the area and provide more color to his lectures. Who would not want to hear about Pompeii? For some reason, everyone was intrigued by this tragedy and the stories surrounding it. Now that excavations had done a remarkable job in uncovering Roman life at that time, any tour of the ruins was rewarding. To know that one was walking on the same streets untouched in over 1,900 years was thrilling.

As Tony made his way home, he wondered if Isabelle would like to visit her family in Napoli. Although he had met Mamma and Papa, there was a large extended family that periodically came together to celebrate life. A trip south could solve both needs at the same time. He decided to broach the subject when he got home.

Chapter 3

Bella and Tony

When Tony and his significant other, Isabella, returned to Rome from an excursion to Paris and Vienna, they had committed to each other. On the train trip from Vienna to Rome, the two bared their innermost feelings about each other. They were both smitten by the other: their quirks, their rationality, their energy. Each promised to make a supreme effort to ensure that the relationship worked if Tony were to stay in Rome. They would go forward, exploring the world as a couple. With that in mind, Tony knew he would have to make specific plans to stay in Rome. It was out of the question for Bella to move to America with him.

They decided they wanted to be in a long-term relationship, and they had taken up residence in Bella’s one-bedroom apartment. They enjoyed their lives as lovers, but also as friends. That was most important to each of them. When they had returned from their trip, Tony decided he would stay in Rome, instead of returning to Iowa. He would take a sabbatical from his college in Ames and spend a year soaking up the continental experiences with Bella by his side while he worked in Rome.

Bella had broken the news gently to her parents of Tony being a part of her life. Her Mamma Gabriella was always suspicious of men who courted her daughter. An American was even worse! What if he convinced her to move back to the US with him? She would be gone!

However, with that very first meeting, Tony had charmed both Gabriella and Bella’s Papa, Giuseppe. It helped that Antonio, as they referred to him, and Giuseppe had a taste for the grappe, a strong liquor made from grapes. The two would disappear into the Trattoria Paloma and open a bottle away from the women. Papa Giuseppe would enthusiastically tell Antonio about his life in Rome and how he met his wife. Mamma Gabriella also came around to Tony’s charms. Although she persistently questioned how they met, Tony and Bella were careful not to reveal the truth of their exploits with the Count of Cagliostro, a friendly spirit from the eighteenth century who had brought the two of them together. Bella brushed off her mother’s queries by saying she met Antonio at the tour agency where she worked. Her mamma still was not sure this was the truth. She wagged her finger at the two of them, threatening what would happen if there was more to the story. Her greatest fear was that a bambino was coming, even though Bella assured her that that was not the case. An unwed mother was a stigma, with which the family would have a problem.

Within a few months, it became routine for the young couple to share a Sunday dinner with Bella’s parents. It was a natural, comfortable relationship they now had with each generation.

Chapter 4

The American University of Rome

Tony still marveled at the good fortune that had come his way that resulted in a university’s teaching position.

Tony had a heartfelt conversation with his parents. Never had their son ventured so far from home, but he was a man in his thirties. How long could they expect him to be tied to them? Then, there was the bonus of them being able to visit him someday as well. Like Tony, they had never been to Europe, and a trip to beautiful Rome was now a strong possibility. To have someone there who knew the language and how to get around allayed their fears.

Tony’s discussion with the dean of his college, unfortunately, did not go so well. He was under contract to begin teaching once more in the fall. They had no replacement. Granted, Tony was an adjunct instructor with usually two to three classes a semester. Nobody wanted to deal with the hassle of finding a replacement. What Tony sought was a sabbatical, something only offered to tenured professors. It was out of the question. So Tony pleaded with the dean for a leave of absence. Finally, they came to an agreement that was perfect for Tony. For one year, he would be free to pursue any teaching opportunities, and at the end of the time period, he would be allowed to return to his old position if he so chose. Tony accepted the agreement, and the dean sent him the documentation to sign to make it formal. With that signature, Tony knew his next step would be to secure a job, preferably a teaching position with which he was most comfortable.

Tony began to research in earnest, how to get a job in Rome. He found that to obtain a work visa, one must have a job first. Apparently, the employer filled out the paperwork and sent it to the provincial employment office in Rome. If this request were granted, one could then apply for a work visa at the Consulate General of Italy. It was an extremely convoluted process, difficult to navigate, but the key was to get a commitment for a job from an employer first.

Tony’s search had proven to be nonproductive. He found it challenging to communicate with employers who were more interested in candidates fluent in Italian. Bella suggested that he sign up for conversational Italian at the American University of Rome. It was on his agenda. He also wondered if there might be a position there for him. It was on his list of places to contact.

After a frustrating afternoon of rejections, Tony took the bus to the Fontana di Trevi where Bella helped her parents operate the Trattoria Paloma. He needed to be cheered up, and she had a knack for doing just that. He even thought that perhaps they could stop for dinner as they walked home. Bella routinely helped her mamma and papa through the dinner hour. However, the little trattoria was swamped, and people were clustered out front, waiting for a table to become available. Bella did not think she would be able to leave as early as she usually did. So Tony said goodbye after asking her to bring home some of Papa’s magnifico seafood fettuccine. His cream sauce was perfectly seasoned to tantalize one’s taste buds.

Tony eventually made his way to the Vicolo delle Grotte where they lived. The night air was still warm. His stomach was feeling hunger pangs, anticipating papa’s fettuccini. Up ahead, he could see a streetlamp lit. It cast a soft glow in a circle on the sidewalk below. Unusual for that time of night, there seemed to be no one on the street. Tony stopped and looked back and forth. He wondered where everyone had gone. Perhaps they had crowded into one of the three trattorias on the street.

Almost ready to make his way to their apartment, Tony heard a metal tapping on the cobblestone street. Three distinct taps were heard, and then nothing. At first, Tony wondered, Could he really be back? The sound brought vivid memories of an allegiance with someone instrumental in guiding Tony and Bella on a quest not so long ago. Tony had not given any thought to the possibility that the Count was still around.

Nevertheless, the Count was not done with Tony, and soon Cagliostro stepped out of the shadows. He was unchanged since Tony last saw him in the crypt where his wife was interred. But why would he not be? He had been dead for over two hundred years when Tony first encountered him. Ghosts do not age!

Tony reflected on his final encounter with the Count in the crypt where his wife was buried. Cagliostro and Lorenza, his wife, had come to terms with the events that led to their parting over two hundred years ago. At the time, the Count had mentioned he was not through with Tony. Now, suddenly, here he was, back again.

Antonio, my boy. It is so good to see you once more.

Tony struggled to overcome his surprise first before answering. He was concerned that perhaps someone might notice him conversing with no one. Tony did not want to be labeled as Looney Tunes on their little street. For a second, he smiled. That had been his assessment of Bella at one time long ago when she approached him!

Well. I see you have returned, Cagliostro. To what do I owe the privilege?

My boy! Cannot a friend seek out another friend in time of need?

Oh no! We are through with your times of need. The last time proved more than enough for me. I think you need to find someone else to do your sleuthing.

Antonio. You know that is not possible. You are the one with the connection. I am reincarnated in you. Remember? We talked about this.

Yeah. I remember. But I still don’t believe it.

Nonsense, Antonio. You are a part of me as I am of you! But…that is not what I meant when I said, time of need.’

Oh? Well, then, what did you mean?

Antonio, I am here to help you…get a job! Is that not what you search for today?

Tony looked at the spectral vision of the Count and wondered how it was that he knew. But then again, the Count always did seem to be in tune with Tony’s thoughts. Tony softened a bit as he looked into the kindly eyes of the Count.

How can you help me? I’ve tried every connection, every online app, every paper ad, everything. He hesitated a bit before saying, I guess I am a bit discouraged.

See? I knew it. And I want to help you. You know, us spirits have a…network by which we can learn things going on elsewhere. It has come to my attention that there will be an opening tomorrow at the American University of Rome. There is an older man who teaches history there. I think he will inform the dean that he wishes to immediately exercise his right to a sabbatical. Since it is between semesters, this might not be too bad. However, since his appointment is for ten tomorrow morning, if you could secure an appointment with the dean at eleven, it might prove very profitable!

Tony was in awe as to how these events all seem to align themselves perfectly for his benefit. Would not this be an ideal opportunity for him to secure a teaching position?

Wow! Do you think that’s possible?

Of course it is, Antonio. You have so little faith in me! I suggest you call first thing tomorrow morning and get on the dean’s calendar. Then, just let yourself shine for him. You will be—how do you say it—a shoo-in!

Tony marveled at the prospect of realizing his teaching aspirations once more. He could hardly wait to tell Bella. The American University was just to the south of where they lived, across the Tiber River. It would be very convenient for him. His mind was racing as he thought of all the positive aspects of the situation. He did not notice that he now stood alone under the streetlamp. The Count was gone.

Later that evening, when Bella came home toting a bag of homemade fettuccine, Tony launched into his encounter with the Count before the bags were set down. Finally, as they ate the tasty meal by candlelight, Tony and Bella discussed what he would need to take to his meeting with the dean and what parts of his career he needed to highlight. Tony felt that the dean back in Iowa would give him a strong recommendation. Later, after a session of exhaustive lovemaking, Tony was awake while Bella slept. He found it difficult to sleep. Tony stared at the ceiling. He could only wish and pray that this played out in his favor. He needed this opportunity desperately, and he discarded any other backup plans.

The next morning, Tony was quick to phone the university and ask for the history department’s associate dean. Tony’s contact was with the secretary for the dean, and when Tony explained his interest in seeking a history professorship appointment, he was informed that the dean was busy all day long with meetings. Tony was at a loss for words. He had not considered this possibility. What was he going to do? As Tony remained silent on the phone, the secretary caught his attention once more. She offered to phone him if there was an opening later that day. For Tony, this was the best he could hope for under the circumstances. Leaving his cell phone number, he thanked the secretary and fell into a deep funk.

With Bella off to work at the travel agency, he sat alone on the sofa. He kept reliving his encounter with the Count. The Count had seemed so assured of himself that he made Tony believe it as well. Now it was as capricious as the wind regarding whether he would get a callback or not.

Never one to sit around waiting for something to happen, Tony left their apartment and headed south along the Via de Pettinarai, which crossed the Ponte Sisto and the Tiber River. Entering the area of Rome referred to as Trastevere, he made his way to the American University. His goal was to wander around the campus and familiarize himself with the layout, should he be given a chance to talk to the dean.

The campus, also referred to as AUR, was situated on the highest of Rome’s seven hills, the Janiculum. Its two buildings were attractively painted in Mediterranean colors of reds and yellows and surrounded by two gardens. Students from different countries took their studies there. Some were the children of foreign diplomats or businessmen transferred to their company’s Rome branch. Others had a religious affiliation and purpose for being there. The universal language of