Chapter 213

For the first time in weeks, he was out of the manor and, as far as he could tell, unsupervised.

The conclusion derived from watching his back constantly as he drove and he hadn't spotted a car following him. 

He sat opposite Father Armando now, a desk between them and the returned rosary lying pretty on it. God, how he yearned to get it clasped around his neck once again.

"It's been hard to reach you these days," Father Armando said, observing him. "I see you also lost weight." 

He wasn't sure he could take it any longer; he'd have to find a way out of Sicily, even if it meant shoving his pride down his throat and calling Adler. 

"It's been hard to reach you for weeks; I was worried," Father Armando said, observing him. "That's valid because here you are a shadow of yourself."

"Not that bad,"' Salvatore answered, knowing he was lying to himself; he had stood before the mirror hours ago, staring at his hollow eyes and gaunt