“The Church. Like many, he is not devout, but he is superstitious. There are many superstitions about the Church and its priests. Even some people who don’t believe think that we have special powers, like witches. Casselli believes I can send him to hell. Only God can do that.” He smiled. “But I can wave goodbye to him. Has anyone had sight of the young woman?”

“No, Your Eminence, not yet, but we are hopeful that she will be found soon, perhaps on the road from Amalfi to Rome.”

“May God make it so.” Then the cardinal began to work the room like a politician, shaking hands and chatting with people. Finally, he made his way toward the elevator, then stopped and turned. “You are all brave men and women,” he said, “and I will pray for your success tonight.” Then he was gone.

“I wasn’t expecting him,” Jim said.

“I was,” Dante replied. “He asked the minister if he could come and see us off.”

Marge packed up her gear, then came back to Stone and gave him an aluminum rod. “This is how it works,” she said, unfolding it. “Practice it a few times, and use it tonight—it will lend credibility.”

Stone got the hang of it. “Thank you, Marge, for this and for the new nose.” He gave her a hug.

“Just do me proud,” she said, then left.

Dino began packing up his drums and putting them into their cases, and Stone helped him.

“Would you have believed a week ago that you and I would be playing a gig tonight?” Dino asked.

Stone laughed. “No, I wouldn’t have believed that.”

“Nice of the cardinal to drop by.”

“Yes, it was. First cardinal I ever met. No, that’s wrong—I met one in Venice who was all set to marry me to Dolce Bianchi, until Providence intervened.”

“Only Providence could have saved you from that fate,” Dino said.

The room began filling with people, some in police uniforms, some in waiters’ clothes, and some in suits. Introductions were made, and hands were shaken.

Stone and Dino went to their respective rooms to change into their tuxedos.

When they came back into the living room a large screen had been set up, and the group had arranged themselves around the room, some of them on the floor.

Mike Freeman got off the elevator, and someone pointed out Stone.

Mike came over. “Is it you, Stone?”

“You must have me confused with someone else,” Stone said. “I am the blind pianist.”

“I recognize the voice,” he said, laughing. “I hear you’re the entertainment tonight.”

“Dino and I, plus Jim Lugano and Guido, our guitarist. Until the shooting starts.”

“I hope there won’t be any shooting.”

“We can all hope,” Stone replied.

55