Okay. Much better dialogue between Romano and Beneventi below. I decided Beneventi is a ghost, not merely a figment of Romano's guilty conscience. As before, no one else can see or hear Beneventi, unless Beneventi wants them to. Also, I decided he doesn't read minds. It's more fun if Romano keeps getting caught talking to him. For added enjoyment, Beneventi can manipulate his environment. Also, it turns out his eternal punishment is to spend forever with Romano. There is a way out, but he's not allowed to tell Romano what it is. Should be fun.
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Romano was about to get up, when the man turned his head and faced him. Antonio Beneventi. Romano closed his eyes and muttered, “Go away.”
Beneventi rose, approached Romano, and said, “I’m not going anywhere. My place is with you — until the end of time, if necessary. I’ll follow you to the darkest ratholes on the planet.” He shrugged. “I don’t have a choice really. You see, you’re my punishment.”
Romano arched an eyebrow.
“That’s right. It’s not enough that I’m in Hell. Turns out Hell consists of spending an eternity with you. Ironical, isn’t it? But, believe me, if I have to suffer, then you will, too.”
Romano began second-guessing his decision to accompany Connor on this trip, as requested by Nnamani. Although Romano didn’t consider himself a threat to the boy, Romano knew he wasn’t a well man. He glanced at Connor. The boy needed someone along he could trust.
Beneventi followed Romano’s gaze. “His wellbeing isn’t the real reason you’re here, is it?”
Romano’s eyebrows shot up. Beneventi was reading his thoughts.
“No, Gregorio, I’m not reading your mind. I’d need a microscope to find it. But you’re predictable. You always were. The real reason you’re here with all your baggage in tow is that you think he might really be Christ.” Beneventi laughed. “And you’re going to follow him around like a puppy, carrying his water, hoping at the end he’ll feel so grateful to you he’ll grant you three magic wishes.”
Romano glared at Beneventi.
“Don’t give me that look. I’m right. And we both know what your first wish will be, don’t we?”
Romano said nothing.
“You want him to rescue me from an eternity of suffering.”
“Yes,” Romano whispered.
Beneventi covered his heart with both hands. “How noble of you. Or is it? Fess up. What you really want is for him to save you from an eternity of guilt.”
Romano stared straight ahead.
“Hah! I’m right.”
Romano looked him in the eyes. “Leave!”
“Who are you talking to, Father?” Connor asked.
“Oh, uh, just thinking out loud.”
Beneventi whispered menacingly, “Together forever, Gregorio. That’s us.”
“You’re not real!” Romano hissed.
“Oh?” Beneventi smacked Romano’s tray from underneath, spilling his water bottle.
Romano jumped, then watched, mouth open, as Beneventi returned to his seat.
