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“I’m sorry, that was an oversight. We already have your room picked out. It’s very nice – there’s a beautiful view of the gardens. We’ll also have a tailor take your measurements tonight and get you a week’s worth of suits. If you need anything else – say, t-shirts or sweats for training purposes – just let me know. And we have a garage full of vehicles, from sports cars to sedans. Feel free to take any of them out whenever you want. Or we can have someone drive you, if you prefer.”
Again, I think he misinterpreted my silence because he added hastily, “I mean, unless you want to stay somewhere else. I think we could probably find you a nice house for rent somewhere – ”
“No – this is wonderful – it’s beyond generous.”
Roberto smiled. “It’s the least we could do for the man who saved Dario’s life.”
Then he continued eating lunch as though nothing out of the ordinary had been discussed.
116
After lunch, Niccolo took me to my new room.
As we walked through the mansion’s halls, I stared in wonder at the opulence all around me. I was beginning to realize just how much Dario had sacrificed by taking the fall for his family. He had traded paradise for the open sewer that was San Vittore – all so his father could be safe.
I’d always thought Dario was smart and capable – but in the last two hours, my respect for him had tripled.
Niccolo interrupted my thoughts as we walked up the stairs to the third floor. “So – what did you think of my father?”
If ever there was a loaded question, Niccolo’s was one of them.
“I liked him,” I said truthfully. “He’s authentic – very warm and welcoming. And… uh… kind of a character.”
Niccolo laughed. My appraisal had apparently gone over well.
“My father is definitely a character,” he agreed. “He’s a bit more old-world – rougher, less polished. But don’t let that fool you. He’s very clever.”
“The enemies you underestimate are usually the ones who kill you.”
Niccolo looked at me. “I like that – I’m stealing that.”
“It’s all yours,” I said with a grin.
“Mille grazie. Aaaaaand… here we are.”
I followed Niccolo into an absolutely opulent room decorated in old-world, masculine style. Dark mahogany furniture, centuries-old paintings of battles and soldiers, and a navy blue comforter on a king-size bed. Glass doors opened onto a balcony that looked out at a gorgeous view of the topiary gardens, just like Roberto had said.
“Given your background, we went with a military theme,” Niccolo said as he gestured at the paintings. “I hope it’s to your satisfaction.”
“It’s amazing,” I said in awe. “There’s just one thing.”
“What?”
“The windows and balcony doors,” I said. “Is the glass bulletproof?”
“Ah… no,” Niccolo admitted.
“How about the rest of the house?”
“No.”
“Is there a reason?”
Niccolo snorted. “Mostly because my father’s view of the family business is frozen at some point in the mid-20th century.”
“Look… I don’t want to make waves on my first day here – ”
“No, you’re absolutely right; it’s a problem. I’ll talk to Roberto and see about getting everything changed out as soon as possible.”
