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On The Rocks – Part 5: The Euganean Hills

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

Written for The Unicorn Challenge where
we are urged to get creative in 250 words or less.
The photo below is our inspiration; this is my story.

© Ayr/Gray

When Nigel recognized Camilla’s long-estranged brother, his blood ran cold. “What is Donovan Saunders doing here in Padua?” Nigel wondered as he hid behind his menu. It was less than a minute when he heard the scraping of moving chairs at the corner table and the clickety-clack of high heels on the marble floor. To his relief, the sound became more faint with each click. When Nigel realized the outside door had opened and the engine of a sports car had started up, he knew he was safe; Donovan had a penchant for expensive sports cars. But what was he doing here?

Nigel still didn’t recall who the redheaded woman was but that unanswered question could wait. Did Donovan know Nigel and Camilla had been in Sicily? Perhaps Camilla contacted him when Eunice, her lover, died. Camilla, Eunice and Donovan had attended the same university; Donovan and Eunice got along famously.

Downing his drink in one gulp, Nigel left the dining room and retreated to his suite; from his window he could see the Euganean Hills. It was a serene sight but all he could think about was Camilla tumbling down the cliffs in Agrigento. Now his head was pounding; he felt paranoid yet intrigued by Camilla’s brother.

And with good reason. For little did Nigel know that Donovan had been in Sicily and spotted Nigel and Camilla. He secretly followed them to the ancient temples in Agrigento, but he saw only Nigel return and drive off. Where was Camilla?

NAR©2025
250 Words

If you wish to refresh your memory, you can read Part 4.

This is “One Of Those Days” by Eilen Jewell

The Unicorn Challenge-21/03/25

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for Nancy’s Notes 🖊️🎶, The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk, The Rhythm Section, et al., and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.

26 thoughts on “On The Rocks – Part 5: The Euganean Hills”

  1. Pingback: On The Rocks – Part 6: Being Irrational – The Elephant's Trunk

  2. Clever title and captivating storytelling, creating movies for us, with your words. Your song share is the one that found me a few weeks ago, before mentioning to you that I liked this band. Great song! 🎶

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    1. So glad to know you’re enjoying this little saga of mine, Michele. It’s definitely fun and a true process involved. Eilen Jewell is amazing, isn’t she? I first featured her a couple of weeks ago with Sea of Tears; the song today is a new one …. and one that hits the mark with this story. Thanks for another fabulous comment, Michele! ❤︎🎶

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    1. Next week? The pressure is on but it’s highly doubtful! It’s a process, you know, lol.
      That song was a lucky find. I was familiar with Eilen’s Sea of Tears but not the song I used today. It’s a good one!
      Thanks very much for your lovely comments, Chris! I’m glad you enjoyed the story. The plot thickens!

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  5. Hahaha — I had to laugh when I saw the name Donovan. That’s what I chose for my main character! You have more claim to it, of course, since you’re in part 5, but still.

    Great story. I need to go back and read all the priors! I’m curious.

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  9. Ooh, ‘what goes on in the dark…’
    Good tension, Nancy, and I can’t wait for Nigel to get his comeuppance.
    (I seem to be predisposed to think ill of anyone called Nigel – I apologise if there are Nigels in your nearest and dearest – the problem is mine, not theirs! Media brainwashing, no doubt🙃)
    I’ve just been wandering around the Euganean Hills on Googel – beautiful.

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    1. No Nigels in my family but I get where you’re coming from. I feel that way for my kin with names like Luca, Fredo or Santino. My father was named Vito; he’s the only exception to the rule.

      The hills are gorgeous but then so are most places in Italy. I’m partial and proud!

      Thanks for your generous comments as always, Jenne. I’ve no idea what’s up for Nigel, Donovan or the mysterious redhead. When I know, you’ll know.

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