Page 23 of Ciao Bella
“Your mother knew of this, Mr. Robicheaux, but it was His Holiness who requested to meet you. All world leaders know your reputations. The pope is no different. He wanted to give you all peace. So that you might know that whatever might be keeping you up at night is forgiven.”
“I can’t believe this,” whispered Nine.
“He did this favor for me once,” said the captain. “I was Special Forces. SOG, like your teammate Noah Anders. I was forgiven, and the freedom I felt was unlike anything before.”
“You’ve been so gracious,” said Erin. “Thank you for allowing us to be here.”
“It was my greatest honor. Enjoy Italy, and I might suggest you feed those two,” he smiled, pointing to Alec and Tailor. “They’ve been eating granola bars through the entire tour.”
“Tailor! Alec!” chastised Erin.
“What? We were hungry, Erin. Sorry, captain,” frowned Tailor.
“Do not be sorry,” he laughed. “The men and I were in awe of you all. Safe travels, my friends.”
The team loaded into the vans and drove silently through the streets back toward the villa. When they arrived, they entered to find a host of chefs preparing their evening meal.
“Who are you?” asked Gaspar suspiciously.
“We were sent by Father Nicholas, but rest assured, we belong here at the villa,” smiled the man. “We are to prepare your meals while staying in the villa. Please relax on the veranda, and we will let you know when it’s ready.”
Changing out of their suits and ties, they put casual clothing on and sat outside by the open fire pits. No one said a word, quiet and in awe of what their first day had brought them all.
Peace.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
“I’m not even sure what to say about what just happened,” said Lauren. “I can’t explain it, but there is a feeling of peace and love, warmth that has swept over me.”
“Same,” said Erin, looking at the others.
The kitchen staff brought out pitchers of water and wine along with several plates of appetizers.
“My chest always feels tight as if something is going to break,” said Trak. “It no longer feels that way. It’s strange, as if the weight on it is gone.”
“Maybe it is,” said Gabriel. They all turned to stare at the man who seemed to have a connection yet divulged. “Think about it. A man who literally preaches peace, non-violence, calls all of us to meet with him. Men who are arguably some of the most violent bastards on this planet. He prays for us. For our rotten souls and touches our flesh, and we somehow are able to breathe.”
“We chose to come here,” said Ian. “Have you all thought about that? We had a lot of countries on our list, but we chose this one and meeting him was arranged on day one. Don’t you think all of this was intentional?”
The entire group stared from one face to another, all of them seemingly perplexed.
“I don’t think it matters,” said Gaspar. “I’m looking at all of you, and you feel the same way I do. You feel relieved. You’re smiling. We’re all lighter than when we left Louisiana.”
“We are,” nodded Nine. “Lighter is the right word for it. We need to remember this feeling, hold onto it. That man told me that I made a difference. I didn’t think I was doubting that until he said it.”
“Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen, dinner is ready.”
They followed the chef inside to be greeted by tray after tray of pasta dishes, veal, fish, and much more. Filling their plates, they took their seats along the two massive dining tables, laughing, joking about their adventures thus far.
When the dishes were cleared, desserts were served with strong Italian coffee. It didn’t take long for the yawning to begin, and slowly, people made their way to their rooms. When everyone was gone except Nine, Ian, Gaspar, and Ghost, the men raised a final toast to one another.
“To Matthew and Irene,” smiled Ghost. “For giving us the gift we didn’t know we needed.”
With the smell of bacon wafting through the villa, the team was up and ready to attack their first full day in the city.
“I want to see the Colosseum,” said Erin.
“Me too!” said Lauren. “Then maybe lunch and some shopping.” The men stared at one another, nodding. This was a good deal. A half-day doing what they wanted to do anyway, then a half-day doing what the girls wanted to do.