Chapter 19

“The apparent abduction of the famous statue of Davidby Michelangelo remains a mystery. Authorities have no leads and no idea how a work of art of that size, so well-guarded, could have disappeared in what seems to be a twinkling of an eye. It is as if David Copperfield, the master magician, had pulled off one of his amazing vanishing acts. The whereabouts of the world famous sculpture is still unknown.”

“Well, we know where ‘he’ is, do we not, mio amore?” Tonio said as he rose and pulled Karl into his arms.

“Yes, I guess we do.” Karl initiated a kiss for the first time. His heart warmed and he hardened. “I guess we better get ready to join the tour.” He hesitated. “That is if you want to?”

“But of course, it will be fun. I am learning so much of your way of life, now my way of life.” Tonio bent down, picked up his shorts, and started to dress.

“No, we need to shower.”

“Shower?”

“Yes, bathe, clean up. We…uh…kind of smell.”