MASSONI DROVE A BMW X5. Everyone drove an SUV nowadays, except Pernazzo. That was something else that was going to change. Another thunderstorm rolled down from Palestrina and burst as they climbed into the car. Massoni drove fast over the wet roads, one hand on the steering wheel. He seemed to be trying to send a text from his phone. At San Camillo Hospital, he did something that must have canceled all the hard work of the last few kilometers, because he braked, cursed, and hurled his phone on the floor in front of Pernazzo. As the phone hit the floor it flashed and began to vibrate, and Antonello Venditti started singing “Quanto sei bella Roma.” Massoni held out his right hand. “Give it back.” Pernazzo stole a look at the screen before placing the phone in Massoni’s palm, but all he saw was a number. Massoni flipped open the phone, cutting off Venditti’s anthem.
