The Witch of Napoli by Michael Schmicker

produced – levitations and movements of objects most likely produced not by spirits of the dead but by some as yet undiscovered power of the human mind.
    I see nothing inadmissible in the supposition that, in hysterical and hypnotized persons, the stimulation of certain centres of the brain, which become powerful owing to the paralyzing of all the others, may give rise to a transmission of cerebral or cortical forces which can be transformed into a motor force. In this way, we can understand how a medium can, for example, raise a table from the floor, pinch someone by the beard, strike him or caress him – phenomena frequently reported during séances. Do we not see the magnet give rise to an invisible force which can deflect a compass needle without any viable intermediary? What is needed is the development of instruments to establish the reality of this occult force. We were unable to detect the existence of the X-ray until science gave us photography and the vacuum tube. Once we had the necessary instruments, doubt was dispelled.
    As for my scientific colleagues, there surely will be doubt. Let us seek the truth together. I will be making arrangements for
Signora
Poverelli to be scientifically tested in my laboratory, and I challenge other scientists to do so as well, with the results of these tests – whether favorable or unfavorable – to be shared with the public upon completion.
    Say what you want about Lombardi – the guy had a pair. He knew he would be accused of bringing witchcraft within the domain of science, but when he made up his mind, he didn’t back down. He was ready for a fight.
    Me, I was ready for a drink. Alessandra was heading to Torino, leaving me behind. After we escaped Rossi’s building, Alessandra headed home and I accompanied Rossi and Lombardi to the
Mattino,
feeling miserable
.
Doffo stopped me in the hall and begged me to tell him what happened at the séance, but I told him to fuck off and locked myself in the darkroom. Shortly after lunch, he pounded on the door.
    “Venzano wants to see you.”
    “Get lost!” I shouted through the door.
    “Fuck you, then. I’ve given you the message.”
    I opened the door, expecting him there, but he had already disappeared. I walked up to the fourth floor where I found Julieta, Venzano’s secretary, impatiently waiting for me.
    “What took you so long?” she hissed. “Follow me.”
    Lombardi and Venzano were having a cigar when I entered the office and took a chair. Venzano looked at me with an air of amusement, then turned to Professor Lombardi.
    “A rascal, Professor, but intelligent, hard-working and ambitious. I’ll miss him.”
    I looked bewildered at Lombardi who studied me for a moment then floored me with his announcement.
    “I want you to come to Torino to serve as my photographer to document my investigations and experiments with Alessandra.”
    I looked over at Venzano, my heart racing. He had a huge grin on his face. He leaned forward in his chair.
    “The pay is double what I can offer, Tommaso, and I would have lost you anyway in a few years. Besides I’ll still get something out of your worthless hide for a few more months. Professor Lombardi has agreed to give the
Mattino
first crack at any stories and photographs he shares with the public.”
    “Does Alessandra know about this?” I stammered.
    “Not yet,” Lombardi said. “If you accept, she will be informed. But before you decide, there is one other duty I will expect you to perform for me. I don’t pretend to understand Alessandra. We have nothing in common. You’re from Naples, you understand her, and I’ve observed enough people in my profession to recognize that she trusts you, perhaps even likes you.”
    My face turned red, but I said nothing.
    ”She’s a woman,” he resumed, “and like all members of the weaker sex, is governed by her emotions. It will be your job to make sure that she doesn’t get homesick and quit, or get in trouble during the six