FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A LONG TIME, Tommy felt such great relief. After a nice hot bath in one of the exquisite suites of the White House, he was cared for by a nurse, who applied the correct dressings for his most serious injuries, on direct orders from the President. But what gave him the real feeling of lightness was not that simple physical care.
His mind wandered through all the problems he had overcome in the last two days, Katherine was safe at home, the President's drama was somewhat resolved and, last but not least, he could finally see himself free of the path he had taken with the mafia after Tony's death.
Before taking a shower, the first thing he did was try to get an opportunity to talk to his wife, using the telephone that was in that room:
"... Katherine and Tommy Leone's residence..." — said the answering machine, in Katherine's voice.
Tommy hated these devices.
"...we are not, or cannot, answer. If you wish, please leave a message..."
— Hi, Katy, — Tommy said, intending to leave something to ease her fears. — It's me. We arrived safely and...
— Tommy? — she asked, picking up the phone.
— Hi, Katy.
She let out a loud sigh of relief that he could hear on the other end.
— I couldn't stand not knowing what had happened any longer, you have no idea! — she said, unsure whether to be moved or angry.
— Well, now you know...
— Don't be rude!
— Sorry, I didn't mean to.
— And when will you be back? How are your injuries?
— I am fine.
— Tell me, when are you coming back?
Tommy thought for a moment and replied, without options:
— I don't know, love. I'm at the mercy of the decisions here...
— I don't believe it! — she replied disappointedly.
She sighed slowly on the other end of the line, making him feel her regret.
—I wasn't supposed to believe it, was I?
— I'll try to get back to you as soon as possible, Katy.
— He already has so many for his safety, why do you have to stay there? Why so many things I can't know, Tommy? Do you know something I don't?
— Well, I'll do everything I can to come back soon, love. I promise.
— Honestly, — she said gravely, — I've never been able to know many things, have I? I'm not so sure I really know you anymore...
Tommy fell silent.
— Do what you think is best. — she said sadly. — I hope you get well...
After saying goodbye, she hung up.
WHILE THE NURSE DID her job, Tommy remembered the conversation. Everything he was going through, all the reflections he had made during the great flood of problems that had almost drowned them, all served to make him realize one thing: the bonds with his beloved were being lost, like tears in that rain of mistakes and bad surprises.
He was determined, he would no longer live that life! He would no longer maintain habits that separated him from the only person who gave him reasons to live. When he returned, everything would be different, he would be different.
—Is it okay, Mr. Leone? — asked the nurse, regarding the bandage.
— Err... yes, yes. — he replied after having his thoughts interrupted.
— Aren't you putting too much pressure on it?
— No, it's comfortable.
— Okay, then I'll let you rest. — She gave him a friendly smile. — Don't hesitate to call if you need any care. — She said obligingly.
— Thank you. — he replied, somewhat awkwardly.
The nurse left the room, but Tommy didn't let himself be overcome by the intense fatigue he felt. He got out of bed and walked to the door. He was watching the hallway full of people passing by, leaning against the doorframe, when a woman, very well dressed in a formal style, stopped and spoke to him:
— Mr. Leone? — he said smiling.
— Yes, it's me.
—Lunch will be served in twenty minutes. President Kenan insists on having you with him.
Tommy stammered something, flustered, but she continued:
— Your clothes are laid out beside the bed. I will wait for you right here to lead you to the room where you will be served.
With nothing to say, Tommy closed the door and looked through the clothes that had been left for him. A complete suit and tie set, with nice shiny shoes, was hanging neatly on a suitable piece of furniture, ready for Tommy to dress himself in.