When I'm finished, I check myself out in the mirror. Considering the tumultuous emotions raging inside me, I appear composed.
I step out into the corridor, half expecting someone to tell me to go back to my room, but there's nobody around. I head downstairs, noting that there's no guard at the front door today.
Leaving still seems risky, so I walk along the corridor until I run into a tall, pale man in a black suit, He has a funereal air about him.
"Good morning."
He nods stiffly. "Good morning, Signorina Caruso."
It's disconcerting that he knows my name, but I suppose Damiano has briefed his staff on my presence.
"Do you know where Signore Volante is?"
"The dining room. If you follow me, I will take you to him."
"Thank you, uh…."
"My name is Gianni." His clipped tone suggests he's not much of a conversationalist and indeed he says nothing more ashe leads me along a corridor and around a corner before finally walking through an open doorway.
Damiano is already seated at the head of a long wooden table in the most magnificent dining room I've ever seen. It's ornately decorated with painted ceilings and opulent velvet drapes at the windows.
As usual, Damiano is wearing a dress shirt and tie. The only concession he's made to being in his own home is that he hasn't got a jacket on. It is, however, draped over the back of his chair. He's so intent on whatever's on his iPad that he doesn't notice our arrival.
"Signorina Caruso," Gianni announces as he crosses the room to pull out a chair for me.
I'm glad I made some effort with my appearance since there's an air of formality. Damiano rises and waits until I'm seated comfortably before sitting down again. There's no faulting his manners.
As Gianni leaves the room, I scan the array of pastries on the table. My stomach rumbles loudly as I consider what I'd like to eat.
"Help yourself," Damiano encourages me. "Lina will bring coffee in a moment."
Nodding, I reach across to take an almond pastry. Only a minute passes before Lina comes in with an espresso for me. Things run efficiently around here. I wonder what the secret is. I smile as she sets the cup down in front of me.
"Thank you, Lina."
"My pleasure, Signorina Caruso. Is there anything else I can get for you?"
"No, thank you."
As she leaves, I feel Damiano's eyes on me. "You don't drink cappuccino?"
I shake my head. "I don't like milky drinks."
"Nor do I." He offers me one small thing we have in common. I file that away for later. "Did you sleep well?"
"The bed was comfortable."
Damiano studies me for a moment. "That's not what I asked."
"It wasn't the best night's sleep I've had." Needing something to bolster me for the rest of the conversation, I sip my coffee. "How is your brother?"
"Alive." There's an undercurrent ofno thanks to youin his tone. It's hard not to flinch.
I knock back the rest of my coffee and set the cup down.
"When can I return to work?" I need something normal.
I expect him to tell me I can't, but he surprises me. "I will allow it in a day or two, when I've made arrangements."
