I love you, my darling.

And I, you.

We held each other for several silent minutes, before I finally kissed her goodbye.

I went to my room to fetch my cloak. I had intended to leave directly for the Archbishop’s palace, but I felt compelled to stop and record the many happenings of today before I departed.

As I reflect upon the past few terrible months since I began to write about my experience, I realize that while the world has seen the very worst of times, I truly have been blessed. Gabriella and I have found each other, and together we have found sanctuary here at San Giovanni.

I depart now for the Archbishop’s palace with renewed hope for tomorrow.

Chapter

Fifty-Six

Ignoring Brother Samuel’s protests, Alana and Sergio march past him and up the stairs to Don Arturo’s room.

The abbot’s face creases in surprise when he opens the door to them. But his confusion quickly gives way to an amiable smile. “Dr. Vaughn, you have become my most frequent visitor.”

Samuel is breathing heavily as he catches up to them. Before he can say anything, Arturo dispatches him with a small flick of his wrist. Brooding, Samuel turns and trudges away.

After Alana introduces Sergio to the abbot by his full title, they follow Arturo back into the living room where Alana had been only hours before. But this time she refuses his offer of coffee, as does Sergio. Neither of them sits down. “We need to discuss Brother Stefano,” Alana says.

Arturo only nods.

“You told me this morning that he was a simple and dedicated monk,” she says.

“He is,” Arturo says.

“You didn’t mention anything about his mental health issues.”

“Of course I did not,” Arturo says, as though it should be self-evident. “That is extremely private information. How did you even learn of it?”

“We spoke to Dr. Lonzo,” Sergio says.

Arturo grimaces. “And the doctor shared such confidential information with you?”

“He did,” Sergio says. “As a matter of national security.”

“National security? Brother Stefano?” Don Arturo’s voice rises in surprise.

“The photo I showed you this morning—” Alana starts to say.

“You never told me where it came from or how it related to your inquiry.”

“It was taken in Naples,” she says. “It confirms Brother Stefano is the link to the deliberate spread of the plague.”

“Stefano? The plague?” Arturo drops into the chair behind him. “How can this be?”

“Stefano got his hands on the infected rats that had been living under the monastery since the Middle Ages. He has been releasing them in public places to spread the plague.”

“Such a suggestion is very . . . distressing.” Arturo shakes his head. “I cannot believe such a thing.”

Sergio folds his arms across his chest. “What do you know about his illness? His delusions?”

“He hears voices sometimes, yes. But his condition is controlled when he is on the right medicine. Stefano always fulfilled his monastic duties. He never caused me concern.”