Chapter 60

“Yes, I think that would be very appropriate,” he said.

The Lanes and I discussed and settled upon a suitable gratuity and left it on the table. We were in the reception area saying goodnight to Tony when ‘Mama’ came up and said something in Italian to Charles. He replied in kind, and she embraced him and kissed him on both cheeks. After we were outside, I asked him what she’d said, but he just smiled and pretended not to have heard me. I let the matter drop, making a mental note to ask him again when we were alone.

WE RETRACED OUR steps as far as the Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall complex, where we walked around the area and watched the people for a while before going to a different subway station. After emerging from the Arlington Street Station, we walked back to the hotel, where Charles invited our hosts to the bar for a nightcap. The four of us were quickly seated at a table in the lounge, and after drinks were served, we sat in silence for a minute.