“Where are we gwoing?” Cesario asked, peering ahead as Marcello carried him in his arms.

“We’re going to meet someone,” Marcello answered quietly.

Azzurra had wanted to come along, but Marcello reassured her the boy would be safe. Though she hated staying behind, she trusted him and let Cesario go under his protection.

“Swomeone?” Cesario pressed, his babyish lisp soft in Marcello’s ear. Marcello only nodded.

He stepped into his study where Mattia stood with his back ...