After the thrill of takeoff over the steep range, the stoic commandant in the co-pilot seat visibly relaxed. “Well, at least you can fly.”
“It’s all you, Commandant. You taught me.”
“So, Caruso. What did you do to Il Duce to piss him off enough to send you to war?”
“Ah, Commandant. That is between me and the great one. But I promise you, it was not a woman. Not even my charm can compete with Mussolini’s power. I know my limitations.”
They shared a chuckle.
“I noted your ‘limitations’ were endless on the ship over here.” The colonel’s voice was tinged with envy as he remembered Pietro’s ease with the Mussolini-issued courtesans.
“Just trying to take the pressure off you, as the ladies’ first choice, Commandant. Always looking to relieve you of your more trying duties.”
They had a 180
