Chapter 78: Assassination in the Piazza and Cotton’s Counterattack
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
In the Piazza della Signoria, sniper Thomas Dewberry, positioned in the Hotel Duomo, fires two shots at Eric Casaburi. The first hits Casaburi’s spine, the second his chest. Casaburi collapses and dies as the piazza erupts in chaos. Stefano, a former calcio player, spots Cardinal Richter standing exposed in the open. Despite the danger, Stefano sprints across the square, shoves bystanders aside, and tackles Richter to the ground just as Dewberry fires again—the bullet misses.
Meanwhile, Cotton Malone, who has traced Dewberry to a hotel room, kicks open the door. Dewberry fires blindly through the wall, but Cotton anticipates the move, falls into a forward roll, and lures Dewberry to shoot at a sound. Cotton then rolls into the doorway, rises to his knees, and fires three shots: two to the chest, one to the head. Dewberry dies. Cotton checks the piazza: Casaburi lies dead, Richter and Stefano are safe. Ascolani has fled. The immediate threat is over, but the hunt continues.
Key Events
- Sniper Thomas Dewberry kills Eric Casaburi with two well-aimed shots in the piazza.
- Cardinal Richter steps into view, becoming the next target.
- Stefano sacrifices his own safety to tackle Richter, saving the cardinal’s life.
- Cotton Malone locates Dewberry’s room, forces entry, and kills the sniper in a close-quarters gunfight.
- Ascolani escapes the scene, leaving a loose end for the protagonists.
- The assassination plot against the Medici‑related figures partially fails, but Casaburi is dead.
Character Development
- Cotton Malone demonstrates tactical brilliance and physical courage. He anticipates Dewberry’s response to the door kick, uses a roll and a distraction to close the distance, and fires with lethal accuracy. The chapter reinforces his role as a decisive, experienced operative willing to take risks.
- Stefano shows self‑sacrifice and athletic prowess. He races across a panicked piazza without hesitation, using his calcio‑honed speed to reach Richter and absorb the tackle himself. His actions highlight loyalty and quick thinking.
- Cardinal Richter appears vulnerable and momentarily passive. He is an observer in the crossfire, saved only by Stefano’s intervention. The chapter underscores his dependence on others for survival.
- Eric Casaburi and Thomas Dewberry are eliminated. Casaburi’s death removes one antagonist, while Dewberry’s defeat ends a direct sniper threat. Their ends confirm the high stakes of the conspiracy.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Sacrifice for Others: Stefano tackles Richter at personal risk. This act contrasts with the self‑interest of the assassins and emphasizes the theme of protection.
- Chaos and Panic: The piazza becomes a scene of screaming, fleeing people. The disorder mirrors the broader instability caused by the Medici‑related secrets.
- Violence as Resolution: Both Casaburi and Dewberry die by gunfire. The chapter presents lethal force as the only effective response to immediate danger.
- Quick Thinking Under Pressure: Cotton’s roll and Stefano’s sprint both succeed because of split‑second decisions, reinforcing the motif of resourcefulness.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 78 serves as a turning point in the assassination subplot. The death of Casaburi removes one major antagonist, while the defeat of Dewberry eliminates a weapon of the conspiracy. Cardinal Richter remains alive, keeping the central conflict alive. The chapter also demonstrates Cotton and Stefano working as an effective team, setting the stage for the pursuit of Ascolani. The high‑stakes action raises tension and reaffirms that no character is safe.
Study Questions and Answers
1. How does Stefano’s tackle of Cardinal Richter demonstrate his character?
Stefano’s willingness to risk his own life to save Richter shows his loyalty and bravery. He acts without hesitation, using his athleticism to cover the distance quickly. This moment elevates him from a supporting role to a key protector.
2. Why does Cotton anticipate that Dewberry will fire blindly through the wall?
Cotton knows that Dewberry, cornered and armed with a high‑powered rifle, will try to stop anyone entering. He expects Dewberry to shoot toward the door—and through the thin hotel walls—so Cotton stays to the side, then uses a sound distraction to draw fire before advancing.
3. What does the chapter reveal about the danger Cardinal Richter faces?
Richter is completely exposed in the piazza and nearly killed. Even after Casaburi’s death, Dewberry targets him immediately. The chapter shows that Richter is a prime target of the conspiracy and cannot move safely without protection.