Private Rome

Chapter 100

Fate put me in the same place as Matteo Ricci, in Fatebenefratelli Hospital on the Isola Tiberina, in a private room tucked away under the eaves.

Justine, Mo-bot and Sci came to visit me during my five-day stay. Cardinal Peralta had shot me in the shoulder, but the bullet had passed through muscle and bone and hadn’t harmed anything vital. Although it was painful and my mobility would be impaired for a while, my prognosis was good.

I was also visited by Inspector Mia Esposito, who wanted my testimony and details of everything we’d uncovered during our investigation. No amount of power or money could save Cardinal Peralta or Joseph Stadler. In fact, Stadler was feeling so much pressure from the police there was already talk of him doing a deal with the prosecutor, giving up Propaganda Tre in exchange for a shorter prison sentence.

On my fifth day in the hospital, as the warm summer wind was blowing over the Tiber and in at my open attic window, bringing with it the glorious rich smells of the city, Dr Farid Jalili entered, a frown on his face, a chart and pen held in his hand. He made a point of studying my records, but I knew it was for show. I had taken a shine to the charismatic, funny doctor.

“It’s good news, Mr. Morgan.” He broke into a grin. “It looks like you’re fit to go. I can discharge you.”

“That’s really great,” I said, getting to my feet.

I hadn’t been up much since my admission except for short trips to the bathroom, and it took me a moment for me to steady myself.

“Thank you, Dr Jalili, you and your team have been amazing.”

“You’re welcome, Mr. Morgan. Try not to get shot again.”

He left the room. In the closet beside the bed I found fresh clothes Justine had brought over during a visit.

I put on a dark blue suit and white shirt, taking great care to properly fit the sling they’d given me to support my injured shoulder. The black shoes were the most difficult thing to manage, but despite working one-handed, I succeeded in the end. I made a call on the new phone Mo-bot had given me.

“Justine, it’s me. Yeah, they gave me the all clear. Thanks. I’ll wait for you outside.”

I hung up, excited to see her and our friends.

I had originally planned to wait on the bridge in front of the hospital and watch the river go by, but after thanking the ward staff, I took the stairs down to Matteo’s room.

He was lying in bed when I walked in.

“Jack,” he said. “How’s the shoulder?”

“I get to keep it,” I replied.

He smiled, though it didn’t last long. “If you want my resignation, I won’t be happy to give it but I’ll understand why.”

I was silent for a moment.

“It’s clear to me you made a couple of bad judgment calls, but none of us is perfect,” I replied. “Once you’re on your feet, I would like you to finish setting up the Rome office. You have the necessary skills and experience to make Private Rome exceptional.”

Matteo nodded and his smile returned. “Thank you, Jack. Thank you so much.”