Page 359 of Niccolo

The Vatican representative whispered something to Don Severino, then withdrew to the end of the corridor where the dozen ‘holy foot soldiers’ lurked silently.

Don Severino waited to speak until we were ten feet from Fausto. “The gentleman from the Vatican urges that you remember where you are – in one of the holiest places in all ofthe world – and to refrain from any behavior that would be aninfamia.”

“If hereallywants us to behave, maybe he should let us talk in the Sistine Chapel,” I joked.

Don Severino glared at me.

“Or not,” I said.

“I’llkeep the peace,” Fausto said darkly.

“And so will we,” Dario replied.

“Then I will withdraw and let you speak in private,” Severino said. He moved as though to go… but turned back.“Don’tmake me regret this.”

Then he walked down the hall to join the men from the Vatican.

“Well,” Fausto said coldly. “Here we are.”

“Here we are,” Dario agreed, his voice just as cold. “What did you want to discuss… Uncle?”

Sofia and I exchanged looks, but she cast her eyes down at the floor before I could get a good read on her.

“Let’s take a walk,” Fausto said as he gestured down the hallway.

Dario began to stroll next to him.

Sofia walked behind her boss, and I walked behind my brother. Neither of us looked at each other.

“Look at this,” Fausto said wonderingly as he gazed at the walls. “An empire, rendered as art. You know, someone once said that the Roman Empire never died… it just became a church and thus became immortal.”

“I’m not here to discuss artorempires,” Dario growled. “I’m here to see what you want.”

“This,” Fausto said as he swept his arm out. “I want this.Allof it.”

“The art – or the empire?” Dario asked.

“Because the pope might have something to say about the art,” I added cheekily.

Fausto glared at me, then said to Dario, “Let’s take a walk, just the two of us. I’m not so fond of yourconsigliereat the moment.”

Dario gave me a warning look, and then he and Fausto proceeded down the corridor alone.

“Finally – alone at last,” I said to Sofia.

“No more jokes,” she said seriously. “I’ve decided.”

My heart skipped a beat. “…and?”

“I’m in.”

I peered into her eyes. “You’re sure?”

She gazed back at me and nodded. “I’m sure.”

“…alright. I’ll make the arrangements on my end.”

“And I’ll make them on mine.”

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