Chapter 20

“Please sit, watch, and do not say anything until it is done. Trust me when I tell you that no harm will come to the man whom you obviously love so deeply.”

“Okay,” I said, too stunned to argue.

I sat quietly with my father and watched the other man rouse Dani from his nap just enough to implant a few suggestions. Apparently satisfied, he rose and walked over to where we sat.

“It is done,” he said. “The young man will wake up in a few minutes with no memory of my visit.”

“Thank you, my friend,” Father said.

The man nodded and left the room.

“You understand why this was necessary, do you not?” Father said.

“Yes, Sir, I do. You have a responsibility that transcends individual considerations. I can see that.”

“Just so. I will leave you now and go prepare to see Venice.”

I walked to the door with him, and closed it after he’d left the room. I stood watching Dani for a minute or two, then I bent down and kissed him.

“Wake up, sleepyhead. It’s time to go tour Venice.”