“If I don’t, I will no longer be employed by the Tiepolo Restoration Company.”
“I’m going to miss you. In spite of everything, I’ve enjoyed having you around.”
“With any luck, I’ll be back soon.”
“The Leonardo?”
Gabriel nodded.
“I suppose we should discuss your fee.”
“It will be astronomical.”
“Didn’t you listen to my homily in Palermo? Blessed are the poor.”
“I have a wife and two children who need looking after.”
Donati smiled sadly. He and Veronica were going to have children too. Lots of children.
“Which train are you taking?” he asked.
“Midmorning, I suppose.”
“Is there any way I can convince you to postpone your departure until after the Angelus?”
“I really should be leaving.”
Donati sighed. “When a pope personally invites someone to attend the Angelus, the answer is yes.”
“It would be my honor, Holiness.”
“Perhaps our friend would like to attend as well.”
“Is that an invitation?”
“I suppose it is.”
“Then I’m sure the answer is yes.”
55
St. Peter’s Square
The video of Gabriel’s encounter with the crucifix-wielding pilgrim in Lampedusa was by half past ten the following morning an Internet sensation. Nevertheless, when he checked out of the Hassler, the girl at reception handed him a copy of his bill with a vacant smile and wished him a pleasant day. He left his bag with the porter and headed across the Piazza di Spagna to Caffè Greco. Veronica Marchese and Luca Rossetti were drinking coffee at a table in the front room. Gabriel ordered a cappuccino at the counter and joined them.
Rossetti pointed to the photograph splashed across the front page ofLa Repubblica. “The fellow on the Holy Father’s right reminds me of someone I know.”
“He’s a plainclothes Swiss Guard who happens to look a bit like me.”
“The resemblance is uncanny.”
“Not if you look closely.”
Veronica did just that. “I’m afraid I have to agree with Luca. But since when does the Swiss Guard hire men of your age?”
“And what age is that, Dottoressa Marchese?”
“Bronze.”
