Though it has no scientific basis, and rests on mere superstition, her suspicion indirectly supports my own theory: that the subject possesses the traits of a “primitive alpha male.” In Freud’s definition, he is a “Father,” a dominant male, an individual equipped with exceptional authority, capable of ruling over the masses and subjugating the primitive horde—the earliest incarnation of human society.

The “Father” possesses a mysterious power that might be termed animal magnetism. Like a hypnotist, he uses his eyes to exert his influence. There is notably something sinister about hypnosis itself: one takes without asking, one enters uninvited.

We must conclude that the subject in question possesses what Freud described as mana.

In light of the attendant’s observations, I have studied the behavior of the individuals situated in proximity to the subject.

As of now, I can report that those closest to the alpha male are deteriorating at a slower rate than the others, as if some form of communication were helping them overcome their isolation and draw strength from elsewhere (from the “Father”?).

We must thus concur with Spitz’s closing observations: social interaction is crucial to human survival.

To those who might object that the subject is too young to manifest the characteristics of a “Father,” I shall reply in Freud’s words:

“Just as primitive man virtually survives in every individual, so the primal horde may arise once more out of any random crowd.”

That is what is happening here.

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-50-

Superintendent Battaglia had decided to follow the ambulance that was carrying Abramo Viesel to the hospital in the city. Massimo, who had insisted on driving, was spurring the car as fast as it would go in the wake of the ambulance’s blaring sirens. Neither of them said a word on the way. He was pretending to concentrate on the road, she on the view outside the window, and on those sweets of hers that so irritated him. He didn’t understand how she could be so cavalier with her health. She was popping them into her mouth one after the other, so slowly, he thought, that she had to be doing it on purpose to goad him into voicing his disapproval. But Massimo didn’t take the bait. His sense of unease left little room for anything but silence. He could picture Teresa’s thoughts and knew she must in turn know his. At long last they had something in common, but it was something horrific: an act of violence so extreme that it numbed the soul. Together, they had witnessed a profound darkness and come away from it with their stomachs cramping and their hearts burdened.

They arrived at the A&E to find a frenzy of activity as the paramedics unloaded the stretcher. Soon, Viesel was swallowed by the sliding doors, and calm reigned once more.

“You should go home,” said the superintendent.

Massimo opened his mouth to object, but she didn’t give him the chance.