Chapter 12

“Would you like me to re-heat your food?” he said. “I was reluctant to interrupt your conversation with il Conte.”

“I’m sure it will be just fine,” Marco said.

It was obvious that the man was dying of curiosity, so I said, “My friend is il Conte’snephew from America.”

The man looked at Marco and said, “You are the son of the late Conte’sdaughter Giulietta?”

“Yes, I am.”

“I knew your mother as a girl, Signore, she and my daughter were friends. She is well, I trust?”

“She resides in Florida,” Marco said, “but her health is poor.”

“I am very sorry to hear that. When you see her again, please be so kind as to tell her that Rosa’s father wishes her well.”

“Thank you, I will do that.”

The man hurried back into the building, retrieved our food, and placed it on the table. Lunch over, we left money on the table, walked back to our hotel, and got in the rental car. We spent the afternoon exploring the area to the north and east of town.