Page 73

To these o’rlooked Places, please make haste

“It is a list of more churches!”

“Shh. Of course it is.”

If empty peace is what you seek

Find San Paolino, of the Meek

A simple place, but in its store

A relic of San Francesco poor

For goodly walk and greenly trees

To Miniato of the Mountain, will you please

“But the thief has visited these places also!” said Lucia.

“Don’t you think I know? Shh.”

Construction clogs old Reparata

But one parish past, is Santa Margherita

Their church is small but full of charm

And holds San Pancrazio’s virtuous Arm

“We must go there—”

“Shhh—”

And for respite, in Good Sisters’ Care

Sant’Elisabetta has room to spare

In Oltre Arno you will find

Holy bread, with blood of Christ Divine

“Oh, Ginevra, isn’t that where—”

“I must go! I must go at once. Lucia, PLEASE. Just stay here until I am back.”

“Ginevra—wait.” Lucia reached into her purse, and held out the squashed orange she took from the party. “I’m sorry. Really.”

Ginevra took the sticky orange and realized how awful it felt to be in a fight with her only friend in the whole world, besides maybe Taddea. How she never wanted to feel this way again. She lifted her eyes to the ceiling, and before she could change her mind, she said, “I have something for you, too.” Onto the table next to Lucia’s face, she placed a pointed crystal, harder than steel, clear as water: the diamante. A rare and precious thing. Given as a gift, to end all quarrels. Immediately, Ginevra felt lighter.

A tear rolled down Lucia’s face onto the table.

Ginevra patted her head. “I must go now, dear friend. Drink water and do not stop until you feel better. I’ll be back soon.”

Ginevra took the book and flew toward the convent of Sant’ Elisabetta, praying that Taddea’s locks had held. Once more over the bridge, over the stinking river. Every other piece stolen is a piece of body. He did not take the crucifix of San Giovanni Gualberto. He did not take the shoe. He would not take the bread. She prayed this would be true.

She burst through the doors as soon as Taddea opened them.

“Ginevra! What’s going on? Have you caught the—”