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"I think it's a good idea." I smiled. 

"It's not a joke." He said. 

"I know. And how is this company supposed to function?" 

"First point." he said opening one hand and starting to count the fingers with the index finger of the other. "The members must be people of continuous creativity and of proven sensitivity. Second point: the members must not be envious of each other. Third point: the members must help each other if necessary. Fourth point: the members must... ah , I forgot to tell you that the founding partners are you and me."

"And who will the other partners be? The only ones who use the Tower, besides us, are the cats." 

"You don't necessarily have to work in the Tower to be part of the White Tower Incorporation. In fact the cats, living down here, would have all the rights. Since they are cats, I would say to admit them as honorary members. And, to avoid jealousy, how about Black Dog and Negrita?"

"Approved," I said, stretching my legs on the floor. 

"And also Mary who comes to sunbathe on the roof of the Tower and was an excellent journalist." 

"Miss Mary will be part of the steering committee. With Gianfranco, war hero, partisan and future writer." 

"El Monstruo?"

"He doesn't seem like a great artist to me." Papa smiled. 

"But he is a true artist with a rifle. We will make him secretary to maintain the connection with the partners: Marlene Dietrich, a great woman; Ingrid Bergman, an extremely sensitive actress; Ava Gardner, nice tough girl; Gary Cooper, is not it's his fault that he got played in the first movie based on my book, A Farewell to Arms, was turned into a happy ending rubbish. To recap: Marlene, Ingrid, Ava, Gary, all dear friends. Now you submit some other partners."

"I know Orson Welles, he often comes to Venice for the...