Twenty-Four

 

After our shower, we got dressed for dinner with my grandfather. I was both excited and terrified by the prospect of the two of them in a room together, but it was a necessity.

Armed guards lined the halls wherever Domenico went, a huge leap in security. They wouldn’t pause in taking him out if they perceived him as a threat.

When we arrived in the dining room, my grandfather was already waiting for us. However, instead of it just being the three of us, there were two guards at the door, and I was certain another dozen were just outside.

“How are you feeling, Domenico?” my grandfather asked as we headed to the two table settings that were thankfully next to each other.

There was more to the question than politeness, but I wasn’t sure the extent.

“Sore, but I should be ready to leave soon.” Domenico nodded and held out his hand. “Laureano, I cannot thank you enough for your hospitality and generosity.”

My grandfather stared at his hand before giving it a shake. “Hmph, so y