Page 79 of Portrait of an Unknown Woman

“You are an ancient person of the Mediterranean as well.”

“As ancient as it gets,” he agreed.

“You were born in the Galilee, not far from the town where Jesus lived. Most of your ancestors were killed by the Romans during the siege of Jerusalem, but a few survived and made their way to Europe.” She nudged the vessel of olive oil across the tabletop. “Proceed.”

Gabriel returned the vessel to the woman’s side of the table. “You first.”

“You want me to prove that it’s not a trick?”

“Yes.”

The old woman dipped her forefinger into the oil. Then she held it over the plate and allowed three drops to fall into the water. They coalesced into a single gobbet.

“Now you.”

Gabriel performed the same ritual. This time the oil shattered into a thousand droplets, and soon there was no trace of it.

“Occhju,” whispered the old woman.

“Magic and misdirection,” said Gabriel in reply.

Smiling, she asked, “How’s your hand?”

“Which one?”

“The one you injured when you attacked the man who works for the one-eyed creature.”

“He shouldn’t have followed me.”

“Make your peace with him,” said thesignadora. “He will help you find the woman.”

“What woman?”

“The Spanish woman.”

“I’m looking for a man.”

“The one who tried to kill you in the art gallery?”

“Yes.”

“Don Orsati hasn’t been able to find him. But don’t worry, theSpanish woman will lead you to the one you seek. Don Orsati knows of her.”

“How?”

“It is not in my power to tell you that.”

Without another word, thesignadoratook hold of Gabriel’s hand and engaged in the familiar ritual. She recited the words of an ancient Corsican prayer. She wept as the evil passed from his body into hers. She closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep. When at last she awoke, she instructed Gabriel to repeat the trial of the oil and the water. This time the oil coalesced into a single drop.

“Now you,” he said.

The old woman sighed and did as he asked. The oil shattered.

“Just like the door of the art gallery,” she said. “Don’t worry, theocchjuwon’t stay within me for long.”

Gabriel laid several banknotes on the table. “Is there anything else you can tell me?”

“Paint four pictures,” said the old woman. “And she will come for you.”