Carter recognized it at once. Forgetting that he was hot and tired and growing hungry, he immediately stopped and gazed at the painting, as if he had been struck dumb. He understood of course absolutely none of the work’s symbolism or classical inspiration, nor for that matter did he care about any of it. What captivated him most at that moment was the tranquil beauty of the naked goddess’s face, the eyes, the delicate line of her jaw, the perfect sensual lips, and the long, lovely windblown hair. The longer and more intensely he regarded her, the more he saw the very face and hair of Elena. It was as if he had been transported back to that breezy spring afternoon in May when he had first laid eyes on her and his whole life changed.

Suddenly, Carter now realized that nothing else mattered to him anymore. He had no interest in seeing another painting, no matter how great a masterpiece it might be. He no longer cared to see another statue or visit another museum or behold another astounding cathedral. He had seen enough, and he had learned enough, and now at long last, he finally felt ready to accomplish that to which he had set his heart.

It was time to go to Roccasale.

CHAPTER 32

CHAPTER 32

The train for Bologna pulled out of the station just after seven the next morning.

Despite having passed a sleepless night, tossing and turning, Carter had awakened precisely at six, dressed, and with his duffel bag strapped over his shoulder made his way across the center of Florence to the station. Anxious as he had been to get there well in advance of the train’s departure, he had not given even a thought to breakfast. There simply had been no time for it. Besides, he had not been feeling particularly hungry. It was a hot, muggy morning; the clear skies that had prevailed since his arrival in Italy were now gray and heavy with ponderous billowing clouds, and the oppressive sticky air felt like the steamy breath of some enormous beast. Little wonder that he had found himself with no appetite at that hour. To be sure, he had known that it would not be long before his stomach began to rumble, but there would be plenty of time for him to find something to eat later on.