The doomsday conspiracy

chapter 45: she's my wife

Day Seventeen

Rome, Italy

Robert was awakened by the sun hitting his face. He sat up abruptly, looking around for an instant in alarm, disorientated. When he saw Pier,

memory flooded back. He relaxed. Pier was at the mirror, brushing her hair.

“Buon giorno,” she said. “You do not snore.”

Robert looked at his watch. Nine o’clock. He had wasted precious hours.

“Do you want to make love now? You have already paid for it.”

“That’s all right,” Robert said.

Pier walked over to the bed, naked and provocative. “Are you sure?”

I couldn’t if I wanted to, lady. “I’m sure.”

“Va bene.”She began to dress. She asked casually, “Who is Susan?”

The question caught him off guard. “Susan? What made you ask?”

“You talk in your sleep.”

He remembered his dream. Susan had come back to him. Maybe it was a sign. “She’s a friend.” She’s my wife. She’s going to get tired of

Moneybags and return to me some day. If I’m still alive, that is.

Robert walked over to the window. He lifted the curtain and looked out. Th