Page 4 of An Inside Job

“Thedottoressa?”

“Your daughter.”

“Enjoy every minute we have with her.”

“That’s easy for you to say.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means that, for understandable reasons, Irene has you wrapped around her finger. Therefore, despite her frequent misbehavior, you have never once disciplined her.”

“Why would I want to do a thing like that?”

“Tell me something, Gabriel. Do you think your daughter is anormalchild?”

“Of course not. But neither is her brother.”

“Or her father, for that matter,” added Chiara quietly.

“Let’s hope Dottoressa Saviano doesn’t find out. Otherwise she might have second thoughts about taking me on as a part-time art instructor.”

“Have you taken leave of your senses?”

“It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.”

“Teach?”

Gabriel nodded.

“Why not teach at the university?”

“They won’t have me. Unlike you, I don’t possess an advanced degree from an esteemed institution of higher learning.”

The truth was, Gabriel had no degree at all; he had abandoned his formal study of art to undertake a mission of vengeance for his country’s secret intelligence service. Chiara, after completing her graduate studies at the University of Padua, had worked for the same service.

“Perhaps I should begin referring to myself as Dottoressa Zolli,” she said.

“It does have a nice ring to it.”

“But how will your students address you?”

“Signore Allon, I suppose.”

“What about Maestro Allon?”

“Can you imagine?”

“I can, actually. You’re looking more and more like a maestro every day.” Chiara trailed the tip of her forefinger through Gabriel’s platinum-colored hair. Then she turned to the barman and asked, “Wouldn’t you agree, Paolo?”

“By all means, Dottoressa Zolli. I shall refer to him by no other name from this day forward.” The barman winked at Gabriel. “Another glass of wine, Maestro?”

“A fine idea. And one for Dottoressa Zolli as well.”

“I couldn’t possibly,” she protested.

“I must obey the maestro,” said the barman, and placed two more glasses of wine on the counter.

Chiara nudged hers toward Gabriel. “Have you decided what you’re going to say to your daughter?”