Stealing Venice

by Anna E Bendewald

  Motion in his periphery caught his attention, and he turned toward the main road. Approaching the property was a specially outfitted SUV that looked as if it was armored, followed by an official-looking stretched black sedan. Okay, this doesn’t look like a friends—this is something big. There was too much activity; he had to get off the property before he was spotted. Sprinting back through the field from tree to overgrown bush, he cursed being so tall. He only felt less vulnerable after he’d made it to the forest where he could run to his car unseen. He dove inside his rental car and started the engine. He’d get back to his hotel room through his private entrance and pretend he’d been there the whole time.

  On the main road, Alphonso drove at a conservative pace and thought fast. Either Henri or Fauve were on that property now, so next time he saw them he’d fish to see if they’d divulge what was happening out there today. As he approached Aiglemont, he tried to shake off the ridiculous notion that his call to Scortini had resulted in the sudden swarm onto the estate. There was no way that could be the case.

  Carolette was in a deliciously naughty mood. The moment Ippy called with her invitation to this evening’s dinner party, she hatched a plan to get Markus. Immediately after accepting, she went to her favorite salon, where she splurged on her hair and makeup. As she rode with Henri and Fauve to the château, she made final touch-ups in the visor mirror.

  Fauve glanced at her, looking uneasy as they bounced along in the Range Rover. “Go easy with that iridescent stick.”

  “It’s just a little highlighter.”

  “You’re having dinner with Vincenzo’s parents, Coco. You don’t need to glow in the dark,” Henri cautioned. “You look pretty without all that paint.”

  Carolette stroked her fingertips over her cheeks and brow bones to blend the application. “How do I look?”

  “Like you should be hung up on Star Fall,” Fauve declared.

  As they arrived at the estate, she stuffed her cosmetics back into her purse and arched a brow. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

  They followed the caterer’s truck and the florist’s Lexus up the driveway and parked in the courtyard. Henri climbed out from behind the wheel and jogged up the château steps. Hurrying behind him, Fauve called over her shoulder, “Come on Glamour Puss, we should help set up.”

  Carolette hopped down from the passenger seat and took a moment to adjust her body-hugging knit dress. “I’ll be there in a bit. I’m going to visit Markus first. We have time.”

  The couple disappeared inside as Carolette walked to the stable house to present Markus with an invitation he couldn’t refuse. Boldly entering, she heard the shower running on the other side of the pastel partition. The thought of Markus’ wet body gave her an audacious idea. She heard the crunch of gravel as more vehicles arrived, and hesitated for just a moment. The Veronas are arriving, but they won’t be looking for me.

  Feeling irresistible, she stepped out of her shoes, quickly stripped off her clothes, and hopped naked onto Markus’ bed. Hearing the shower turn off, a thrill of anticipation made her pulse quicken, and she got up onto her knees at a flattering angle. She busied herself pinching her nipples to make them perky and smoothing her hair. Moments later, Markus walked naked into the bedroom, and she did her best burlesque pose. Reaching her arms out to him, she arched her back.

  “Do you think we have time for sex before dinner, Markus?”

  But, inexplicably, he was staring past her to the door. Carolette followed his eyes over her shoulder, and turned to see the head of the Roman Catholic Church and some bodyguards standing less than ten feet behind her. She shrieked and snatched at the bed covers to hide her body. The Pope made a minute head movement, and his security team ducked back out the door.

  The Pope’s eyes took in Markus’ naked form before he turned to her. “My child, what is your name?”

  “Carolette, Holy Father. Carolette,” she stammered.

  “Carolette, have you seen Giselle today?”

  “No, Holy Father. I believe she’s in the château, but no…I haven’t seen her today…no.”

  The Pope turned to Markus. “Markus, forgive my intrusion.” With that, he let himself out.

  Rolling off the bed in a panic, Carolette began dragging on her clothes. “What the fuck was the Pope doing in your bedroom?”

  Markus walked to the window and peered around the curtain as the leader of the most powerful church in the world walked down the lane toward Giselle’s château. He shrugged.

  “I do not know. Looking for sinners maybe?”

  “The Pope knows you?” she croaked.

  “No, of course not.” He seemed unperturbed.

  “He knew your name!” She was all thumbs trying to fasten her bra.

  “He heard you say it.”

  “Oh, mon Dieu! Help me with this!” She backed over to him, and he hooked her bra for her. “Un-fucking-believable!” She pulled her dress over her head and tripped toward the door trying to slide her feet into her high-heeled sandals. “I have to call everybody I know, and tell them I just met the Pope! No! Wait, he saw me naked! I have to take this to my grave! No one can ever know!”

  “As you say.” Markus walked over to the armoire to retrieve a pair of pants.

  Carolette yanked the door open, and then spun back to look at him. “You really are unbelievably hot. Can you see us getting together?”

  “I think that there is no bigger warning sign from God than being interrupted by the Pope.”

  Cringing in shame she shrieked, “Too right!” and slammed out the door.

  As Casimir climbed the château steps, he joined Gabrieli who asked, “What are you up to?”

  “I just received a phone call from Scortini. He claimed that Giselle was having intercourse with a Russian man in that stable house. He is watching this property.”

  “He what?” Gabrieli ushered him into the foyer. “That’s it. He’s gone too far.”

  “I agree. Tell Petro and Tiberius to come in here at once.” Casimir swept his eyes across the art-filled hall of the sumptuous home and was gratified to see Giselle safely in her husband’s arms. Everything here was happily normal. He put his hand on Gabrieli’s arm and they paused. “We have to make the family aware of the situation. But I am afraid I must cut this visit short and attend to this matter in Rome.”

  Gabrieli nodded his agreement as Giselle headed in their direction.

  “Papa, I’m so happy to finally welcome you to my childhood home.” She dropped into a graceful curtsey, then stood and offered her cheek.

  “It is a splendid home, my child, most splendid.” He gave her cheek a kiss. “And another time I will ask you to give me a tour. But right now, I have come to see your sculpture and to speak to you about your inspiration.”

  “Of course, Papa.” He could see her surprise.

  “You and I have shared a vision from God.”

  Her eyes widened, but he would have to explain later. He kept focused on the matter at hand.

  “Right now I must speak to my team. I will join you shortly.”

  Giselle and her in-laws retreated to a receiving room to wait for him.

  Casimir beckoned the Verona bodyguards and his security team to follow him to a cloakroom near the front door.

  “Search this property for a spy. Question all the staff setting up for dinner tonight. I don’t have a description other than Scortini called him, ‘my man.’ I have no idea if he is dangerous, but I want him found.”

  Turning on his heel, Casimir left the security team to their tactical logistics and walked back to the expectant faces awaiting him in the receiving room. He adjusted his vestments as he sat down on a velvet chair.

  “My family, you are all so precious to me. I am sad to tell you that…well…it is perhaps through my actions that you are now in harm’s way. I believe that by passing Salvio Scortini over for Verdu Mer, he has gotten certain ideas into his head. Ideas that have made him dangerous.” When no one appeared surprised,
he continued. “Just minutes ago he persuaded my Vatican staff to connect him to my mobile phone, and he tried to convince me that you, my dear,” he opened his hand to Giselle, “were being untrue to your marital vows.” Her face registered shock and her hands flew up to her face. Vincenzo put his arm around her protectively. Casimir sought to reassure her. “I know you are innocent, my child.”

  Juliette reached over and patted Giselle’s knee. “If Salvio thinks he can take over the project by humiliating us, he will be looking for bad conduct. But we are not afraid of him.”

  Gabrieli looked tense. “We have nothing to fear. Now that we are aware of his obsession with Verdu Mer—and by extension with us—we need to stay alert and keep ourselves safe. I’ve known him to be impetuous…”

  “And erratic…” Vincenzo added.

  Gabrieli nodded, but held his hand up. “Salvio has personality flaws, but he is devoutly Christian.”

  Juliette’s expression was tense. “Well, I certainly do not have to give him the benefit of the doubt. It is un-Christian to prey on us like this. I am a mother, and I will fight back.” She grumbled, “Thank God his mother did not live to see this behavior.” She made the sign of the cross and closed her fingers around the crucifix at her throat.

  Casimir clasped his hands together. “Once back at the Vatican, I will begin an inquiry into Scortini’s behavior and slanderous assertions. Then I will call him before an inquest to answer for himself.”

  Standing up, Casimir reached out again for Giselle’s hand. “Because my visit has been cut short, I must ask you to take me to see your sculpture now, my dear.”

  Giselle led him to the construction area in the courtyard, with the family following behind them. Markus appeared, but stayed at a distance.

  Standing in front of the huge metal structure, pride was evident on her face. “Papa, this is my newest sculpture. I call it Star Fall.”

  “Extraordinary! I saw Star Fall in a dream, but it served as homes in Verdu Mer.”

  “Sì, it’s just as you sketched.” Gabrieli moved closer and gazed up at a glass star. “What you saw as halos, she’s interpreted as glowing stars.”

  “We have been given the same vision from God, my child.” He tore his eyes away from the sculpture just long enough to give his goddaughter a knowing look. “But from what I hear, your interpretation is far too dangerous for you to continue building.”

  Giselle threw a look of betrayal at Vincenzo, who explained, “I told them about the irrodium.” She cocked her head and furrowed her brows. “I had to,” he pled.

  “Take me to your blueprints, my dear.” Casimir put his arm around her as she walked him to the greenhouse. Gabrieli and Juliette followed close behind, listening intently to the genesis of this dream project.

  “Tell me how your vision for Star Fall came to you.”

  Vincenzo watched as his family followed Giselle and the Pope inside the greenhouse to discuss miracles. He tilted his head toward the stable house for her boyfriend to follow him there. Once they were inside, Markus closed the door and turned on him.

  “You are playing a dangerous game.” Markus growled.

  “I am?” He was caught off guard. “Me? What about you and Gigi!”

  “Do not try to play innocent! You just tried to have us caught by the Pope!”

  “No, I didn’t! He came to see the sculpture. I couldn’t get him out here if I wanted to. I don’t tell the Pope what to do.”

  “But you knew! You could have warned us he was coming!”

  “I’ve been calling Gigi since I found out this afternoon.” Vincenzo held out his phone. “She’s got nearly twenty texts from me.”

  “We have been busy.”

  “I know. Scortini’s spy reported that he watched you two having sex. I was an idiot to think you could be trusted to be discrete!”

  “Do not try to change the subject. You are lying to me,” Markus countered. “You brought the Pope here to frighten her away from me!”

  “That isn’t what happened at all. He really only came to see the sculpture.”

  Markus paused, and then seemed to accept his explanation. “Now that you and I are alone again, we are not leaving this room until you tell me what lie you and Giselle are living.” The icy blonde inched forward menacingly. “Why did you not take her virginity? Do you not desire her?”

  “No! What? She’s very desirable, but I’ve never done that with her.”

  “Done that? You say it with distaste. You think sex is something bad?”

  “I’m not going to answer to you…you…gigolò!”

  In a flash, Markus grabbed him and bent him painfully backward over a table.

  “What did you just call me? Why do you not fulfill her needs?”

  “Get off me!” He tried to pull the iron hands off his neck and kick out, but this powerful artist was becoming enraged.

  “You think sex is something sinful?” he snarled.

  “No, I have sex all the time!” He could barely choke out an answer. Markus’ grip was so tight he could barely breathe. He was seeing spots, and had to get this man off him now. “With Leonardo!” he blurted.

  “Leonardo?” Markus rocked back on his heels and released him, letting him drop onto the table. Gasping for breath, Vincenzo rolled off the table onto the floor. Markus stood over him with his hands on his head.

  “Who is Leonardo? You are homosexual? How long has he been your lover?”

  “None of your business.” It came out as a squeak.

  “Stop this pretending!” Markus put his hands on his knees and leaned over him.

  After a fit of shallow coughs, he said, “He’s always been my lover.” He gingerly touched his windpipe.

  Markus appeared relieved as he bent down and helped him off the floor. “I am sorry if I hurt you. You know I have been desperate here. This secret life you have been leading with Giselle has been plaguing my mind.”

  “I can only imagine. You really hurt my throat.” He twisted his back gingerly. “And I think you hurt my back...”

  “You must toughen up. You may have to defend yourself against this man, Scortini. Have you ever been in a fight before?”

  “No, and I’m not about to fight Scortini.”

  “I could tell. You are more like a dancer than a tough guy.”

  “I’m a banker, I don’t need my fists.”

  Markus went to the window seat and sat down, and Vincenzo sat next to him.

  “I feel so guilty. Gigi’s my best friend, and she knows that my family has a special relationship with the Church. It would be complete heartbreak for my family—a disgrace for the Vatican—if they discovered that I’m homosexual. My family has never even suspected it. I’ve always surrounded myself with girls.” Warming to his argument he continued, “And Gigi and I have a wonderful life together…”

  “That is no marriage,” Markus said. “How can you take her love from her? You have her living the life of a nun while you enjoy a lover!”

  Vincenzo shook his head, trying to convince himself. “She’s the one who proposed it.”

  “Not fair! A schoolgirl idea…a heart-broken orphan…in mourning when she walked to the altar.”

  “She’s my wife. I can’t lose her.” He dropped his head into his hands. “We love each other.”

  “You have friendship.” Markus stood up, getting agitated again. “That is not the same. So selfish! She is trapped by your secret. She has had no one to talk to about your lie.”

  Vincenzo began feeling defensive, and a bit angry. “And yet you’ve gotten her to do so much more than talk to you.” He looked up at this stranger standing over him. “We don’t know you. And I’m not going to let you put your hands on me ever again. I only need to give Petro the word, and he’ll put you off this property.”

  Markus headed for the door. “Do not try a power play with me Vincenzo. You will lose. Come now. We will go to her and plan what to do next.”

  The two returned to the greenhouse, stalking
side-by-side in silence. His father, the Pope, and Giselle were wrapping up their conversation over her blueprints as his mother looked on.

  The Pope declared, “I propose that you create a housing design based on this…” He tapped his fingers on the blueprints, “and submit it to the consortium. I believe this is God’s answer to the housing dilemma that we face. I see Verdu Mer becoming a special place that the world will look to for inspiration.”

  His father gave Giselle a stern look. “I must insist that you stop working with your irrodium spindles immediately.”

  She ducked her head, looking ashamed.

  He reached out and pulled her to him in a hug. “Dearest Gigi, who could have known that your family legacy would afford you such comfort with deadly things?”

  “What can be done to keep this lethal artwork safe?” Juliette gestured to the triumphant sculpture arching outside. “What if a bird flies into it?”

  “Close it off.” Vincenzo looked from Giselle to Markus. “Will the two of you get an enclosure for Star Fall right away? Bernard’s farm supplies in Aiglemont sells those enormous prefab barns that his men can set up quickly.”

  Looking chagrinned, they both nodded.

  Juliette clapped her hands together. “Then let us eat before we rush back to Italy.”

  Giselle hung behind with Markus and Vincenzo as Papa and her in-laws returned to the château. She looked up at Markus.

  “Have you heard that Salvio had a spy here today? He saw us together and alerted Salvio, who called Papa.”

  “So that is why he came into the stable house? He thought you were inside with me?” Markus ran his hand over his bristly hair, looking frustrated. “He almost scared Carolette to death.”

  “What did I miss? How did Carolette get mixed up in this?” Vincenzo asked.

  Markus shrugged. “I came out of the shower, and Carolette had gotten naked on my bed. The Pope walked in as I found her. He must think that Salvio’s spy mistook her for Giselle.”

  “That was too lucky.” Vincenzo shook his head. “But now the Vatican will have to reprimand Scortini, and that’s going to make him more desperate.”