Chapter 22

“Father, I realize that you’ve always been there for me when it counted, and I didn’t mean to sound ungrateful. That being said, it was difficult to feel really close to someone I’d only met once, and who lived on another continent.”

“I understand,” he said. “Hopefully, that will change over the coming months.”

Early one morning a few days later, our tour of Venice complete, we boarded a Learjet and were on our way to Aragoni. When we were at cruising altitude, I took a good look at my father, and chose to comment on his appearance. “You look rather sad this morning, Father,” I said. “Is leaving Venice behind after so many years that difficult? I presume we can talk a little more freely in the plane?”

“You presume correctly. It is not only Venice, I’m leaving Carla behind as well. When I said good-bye to her earlier today, it was good-bye forever.”

“Why? If I may be so bold.”