I turn to my cousin. “Marta. Who exactly is she? Surely not my father’s mistress?” He shakes his head. “She’s his assistant, to those outside. She fields any visitors or phone calls if your father’s too sick to see anyone. Makes his excuses. I believe she also plays the role of nurse. Sees that Sal is taking his medicine. That he’s eating healthy.” It’s hard to imagine the well-dressed woman who answered the door yesterday being a nursemaid. “And Franco?” “One of our soldiers. He’s also Marta’s son.” “My father trusts them with his secret?” I find that hard to believe. Having anyone besides
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