Cesare looked sorrowful, glancing at the entrance of the operating room, and whispered, "Can I go see Mario first?"
Frank whispered back, "No, we have more important things to do. Come with me."
Frank reached out and nudged Cesare, then went directly to a small room nearby, opened the door with one hand, pushed Cesare inside, casually shut the door, and then pulled out Cesare's phone, saying in a low voice, "Here's your phone. Call everyone important and have them come to the house for a meeting today at six o'clock, telling them Mario is calling them."
Cesare took his phone, turned it on, and asked softly, "Can I ask what you plan to do?"
Frank hesitated for a moment, then said quietly, "I've already called Claudio; his plane has taken off and he'll be back soon. I've told him not to come to the hospital but to wait at home."
