Chapter 48

“I think it’s past time for us to go,” he said, “but we’ll be back tomorrow afternoon, okay?”

“Okay,” I said.

He kissed me, and to my surprise, so did his grandmother—only she kissed me on the cheek. Father Rinaldo contented himself with a handshake, followed by a short benediction, and the three of them left.

20

Duchy of AragoniMarco

WHEN IT BECAME obvious that our visit was wearing Dani out, I saw to it that we left the room so that he could rest. Neither Grandmother nor Father Rinaldo said a word until we were back in the car and headed up the mountain.

“Marco,” Grandmother said, “this business of Dani tiring so easily is not a good sign, yes?”

“No, it’s not. It’s not good at all.”

“I will pray for his recovery as soon as we are back at your house,” Father Rinaldo said.

“Thank you, Father.”

“It is what I do.”

“Thank you anyway.”