Dr. Aiello looked at me with undisguised irritation. “Signor Rosolini, I’ve been more than understanding up to this point – ”
“Doctor,”I snarled in my most commanding voice, “IsaidI need a moment alone with my wife.”
The blood drained from Dr. Aiello’s face, and he quickly left the room.
Alessandra looked at me in panic. “What’s going on?”
I knelt by her chair and took her left hand in both of mine. “We’re afraid that Cesare Caproni is coming here to the hospital – ”
Her eyes widened. She struggled to sit up, but I clamped down firmly on her hand.
“ – so Lars is taking me away. The rest of my men will stay with you – ”
“You’releavingme?!” she wailed, her eyes filling with tears.
“Amore mio,he’s coming forme,”I whispered. “As long as I’m here, I’m a threat to you and Elena.”
“But – ”
“This is the hardest decision I have ever had to make in my life – and if you want me to stay, I will. But my only thought is of you and the baby. If I stay, there is an excellent chance wealldie. IfIleave, at least you and Elena will live.”
Alessandra’s entire body was wracked with sobs. “I don’t want you to go.”
“I know.”
Alessandra looked down at her belly and cradled it protectively with her free arm. “But…”
“I know,” I whispered.
Alessandra looked back at me and pleaded, “Tell me it’s going to be alright.”
“It’s going to be alright.”
“Swearto me it’s going to be alright.”
I gripped her hand. “I swear on my father’s soul, I will do everything in my power to make sure you and Elena live a long and happy life.”
Her face crumpled in anguish. “Swear to me thatyou’regoing to be alright!”
I smiled at her sadly. “…I can’t.”
She doubled over and sobbed uncontrollably.
I stood up, tilted her face towards me, and kissed her –
Perhaps for the last time.
“I love you,” I whispered. “And no matter what happens… tell Elena that her father loved her.”
I raced out of the room, fearful my resolve might falter –
As my wife wailed behind me like a dying animal.
117
Giorgio
Iwas getting close to the historic part of Florence when my cell phone rang.
