{SERGIO}
San Luca
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Polsi
The drive up the mountain was slow and bumpy. I winced with every twist and turn, but didn't complain. The church and monastery were situated in the Aspromonte mountains, nestled at the bottom of a gorge.
I was grateful for the road, rough as it was. A few decades ago, the place was accessible only on foot.
Tradition dictated that the Dvina leaders meet here, and I had never missed Crimine. I wasn't about to start now, even though I felt terrible.
I could endure it. I had a lot to accomplish today.
"How are you doing back there?" Maksim looked over his shoulder from the passenger seat.
"Fine," I gritted out.
"Stitches feel okay?"
They burned like the fires of hell, but I didn't want him to baby me. "Yes. Stop worrying. You are worse than Lucia."
"Lucia's not half as bad as your wife. I already have fifteen text messages from her."
I picked up my phone and texted Ivanna :
I am fine.
