Prologue | In A Stark White Room

Altmagea, Romania
April 1931

A flat-roofed two story brick building, approximately two thousand square feet in size, sits at the far end of a sprawling field covering half the width of the small town’s northern border. The entire property is surrounded by a tall iron fence with no apparent point of entry. Although local residents share several differing theories, the activities within the fence have never officially been disclosed.

Inside the building, sitting at a small wooden table in a stark white room on the ground floor are two men - Roger Callum, a sixty-one year old biologist employed by a British research team, and Sergio Bogatella, a seventy-two year old Spanish sculptor.

“I’ve been told you’re fluent in English. Is that correct, Mr. Bogatella?” Roger asked.

“Yes. I speak English," answered Sergio nervously.

Roger’s voice was firm and unemotional. “You must understand Mr. Bogatella, you officially have no obligations here. I would also like you to understand, our conversation is being transcribed."

“A conversation? You’re calling this a conversation?”

“Sir, let’s remain calm, shall we? I can understand your point of view right now, but I’m talking to you on behalf of people who strongly advise you to cooperate and answer my questions truthfully. You do have the right to leave this property immediately if you wish, but I suggest that would be unwise. Have I been clear, Mr. Bogatella?”

Sergio, initially baffled by his predicament, was now frightened. “Ask your questions, then I will go home, yes?”

“Of course." Roger cleared his throat, positioned his chair closer to the table. “Mr. Bogatella, how many years have you been sculpting?”

“Since 1879, 52 years,” Sergio replied, his voice shaking.

“And during those 52 years, have you ever been hired by a foreign client - someone who lived outside Spain?”

“No. Never."

“Mr. Bogatella, have you ever had a sculpture you created go missing - possibly stolen?” continued Roger.

“No."

“Mr. Bogatella, my next question might seem unusual, but I assure you that I’m expecting you to accept that my inquiry is sincere. I’m also expecting that your answer to the question will be equally sincere. Is that understood?” Roger asked, leaning forward.

“Yes," replied Sergio, meekly. Perspiration was now visible on his brow.

“Mr. Bogatella, have you ever been hired by a client to create a stone sculpture that also contained human or animal blood?”