Lorenzo set the candle on the table beside Daoud and sat beside him.
"What the devil did those bastards do to you?"
Daoud saw the rage in the penetrating dark eyes, and it delighted him, because Lorenzo was furious for his sake.
"Nothing that I will not recover from. More quickly, now that I see your infidel face. Have you come here to parley with the podesta?"
"Yes, Duke Rinaldo has sent his son, Lapo, and me to meet with d'Ucello here at Ugolini's."
Lorenzo had accomplished everything Daoud asked of him, and more. His timely arrival had saved Daoud's life. To think that Daoud had once wanted to be rid of him. Except for Sophia, he had never in his life felt so happy to see anyone as this grizzled Sicilian.
Sophia said, "I have tended your wounds enough for tonight, David. I leave you in Lorenzo's care." She smiled at Lorenzo and put her hand briefly on his shoulder.
As she went to the door, Lorenzo scooped something from the floor, jumped up, and handed it to her. "I believe this is yours, Madonna." He held out her red leather belt.
Sophia swept it from his hand. "Thank you, Messere," she said coolly.
"Good night, Sophia," said Daoud with a smile. "You have brought me great comfort tonight."