Gabriel's Promise (Gabriel's Inferno)

by Sylvain Reynard

  Paul cursed. “It’s ridiculous. You’re in your last semester of coursework. Edinburgh has a program in Italian, and Graham is there. What’s Cecilia’s problem?”

  “It’s a long story, but basically I think she’s upset she was passed over for the Sage Lectures. Our dean gave her some heat and I think she’s taking it out on me.”

  “That’s bullshit.”

  “Grad students are pawns. Or rabbits.”

  Paul gave her a quizzical look.

  “Don’t you know the parable of the rabbit and the typewriter?” Julia asked.

  Paul shook his head.

  “The rabbit is in her warren, typing furiously on a typewriter. She types for days and nights and finally, when she’s done she emerges with her project. And there’s a lion seated outside her warren, who has been scaring everyone away.”

  “And the lion eats the rabbit,” said Paul.

  “No. The lion protects the rabbit, so she can get her project done.”

  “You’ve lost me, Jules. I think you need to sit down, have a cold drink.”

  “The rabbit is the graduate student and the lion is a good dissertation director.”

  Paul searched Julia’s eyes for a minute. “That’s some bullshit right there. Who wants to work with a lion?”

  “The point is you have to have a director who is strong and powerful enough to protect you from all the other animals that are trying to attack you.”

  Paul rubbed his forehead. “I am so glad I’m not a student anymore. I thought working with Gabriel was bad. Which lion will you work with now?”

  “Katherine Picton.”

  Paul grinned. “She’s a lion, for sure. The story of her calling out Christa Peterson and telling her she wasn’t invited to the Oxford conference is legendary. Someone made a meme of Katherine yelling, ‘Codswallop.’”

  “I’d like to see that.”

  “I’ll send it to you. I know Cecilia does great work, but Professor Picton is better. I’d choose Katherine over Cecilia in a heartbeat.”

  “I love Katherine, you know that. But I don’t like to quit.”

  Paul bumped her shoulder amiably. “You aren’t quitting. You’re moving on to bigger and better things. There’s a difference.”

  Julia smiled weakly. “Thank you.”

  “What are you going to write your dissertation on?”

  “I’m still putting together the proposal, but I’d like to write about Guido da Montefeltro, St. Francis, and the death of Guido’s son. I’d like to do a comparison between the two death narratives.”

  “I like your reading of why Francis appeared. You could bring in some of the hagiography of Francis, as well.”

  Julia’s smile widened. “That’s what I was thinking. I could talk about Franciscan spirituality and contrast that with Guido’s political machinations.”

  “This workshop is perfect for you.”

  “It’s been great. And people have been kind. I’ve had a lot of suggestions of books and articles to look up. I feel like I’m making progress.”

  “Good.” Paul turned sideways so he could see Julia better. “Did Professor Picton agree to supervise you?”

  “Yes. I still have to get the approval of my chair and Katherine has to sign the form. But she can’t do that until she joins the faculty at Harvard, which happens in August. So for the time being, I’m without a supervisor.”

  At that moment, Paul’s cell phone rang. The ring tone was “Guantanamera.”

  Julia eyed him curiously. “Cuban music?”

  Paul’s color deepened. “A friend of mine chose her own ring tone.”

  “Huh.” Julia wanted to ask about Paul’s friend but decided the subject might be too delicate.

  Paul seemed to read her mind. “Her name is Elizabeth. We work together.” He stopped abruptly and declined the call. “It’s complicated.”

  “Sometimes complicated can turn out great.” Julia gave him an encouraging smile.

  “Sometimes.” Paul put his phone back into his pocket. “Are you happy? With your life, I mean?”

  “You’ve caught me at a bad moment, but in general, yes. I’ve come to the conclusion that falling in love is easy; it’s life that’s complicated. But I wouldn’t trade my life for anyone else’s, even though it hasn’t always turned out the way I hoped.”

  “I’m glad you’re happy.” Paul looked down at his shoes. “You deserve to be happy, Rabbit.”

  “Thank you. You’ve always been a great friend.” Impulsively, Julia leaned against his shoulder.

  In return, he took her hand and squeezed it.

  It was an intimate exchange, to be sure, but one born of true affection and friendship. Paul knew in that moment that Julia loved him. And although her love for him was not romantic, it was affectionate and it was deep. And it was the kind of love he hoped would continue through their lives, even as he pursued a different love with someone else.

  They moved apart at the same moment, smiling shyly down at their shoes.

  Footsteps sounded from nearby, and Julia saw Gabriel striding toward them, pushing Clare in her stroller. She was barefoot and kicking her feet happily, a toy bunny hugged to her chest.

  Paul leaned toward Julia and whispered conspiratorially. “I see my rabbit was a hit.”

  “Don’t mention it in front of Gabriel, but it’s her favorite toy,” Julia whispered back. “She won’t go anywhere without it.”

  “She has great taste.”

  When Gabriel reached them he greeted Julianne with a kiss. Then he extended his hand to his former student. “Paul.”

  “Professor Emerson.” The two men shook hands.

  The Professor hesitated, his blue eyes evaluating the other man. Seemingly satisfied, he said, “You should probably call me Gabriel.”

  Julia’s mouth dropped open.

  Paul appeared surprised but quickly recovered himself. “Gabriel,” he repeated dutifully.

  “When did you get back?” Julia asked, hugging her husband extra tightly.

  “A little while ago,” he replied. “I went straight to the rooms to drop my luggage and then brought Clare to find you. Don Wodehouse said he thought he saw you over here.”

  “Paul, this is Clare.” Julia leaned over and kissed the baby on her head.

  “Hello, Clare.” Paul reached out for the bunny. He wiggled it in her arms.

  Clare pulled the bunny away from him. “Bababa,” she replied, as if she were scolding him.

  “I won’t take your baba. I promise.” Paul straightened. “How old is she?”

  “Just over seven months,” Julia replied. She spoke to the baby, asking how her morning was. The baby chattered in return.

  “Katherine has invited us all to dinner at All Souls,” Gabriel announced. “We’re supposed to arrive at six thirty. Appropriate dress is required.”

  The Professor resisted the urge to stare at Paul’s casual clothing of a button-down shirt and jeans. However, he adjusted the collar of his own pristine white shirt, possibly subconsciously.

  “Great. Thank you.” Paul pointed in the direction of the library. “I need to look up a few things before tomorrow’s seminar. And then I guess I need to change. I’ll meet you at All Souls tonight.”

  Gabriel nodded formally.

  “Thanks, Paul.” Julia gave him an appreciative smile before he departed in the direction of the Magdalen library.

  “And thank you.” She hugged her husband once again. “Thank you for being nice to him. He’s been supportive of me all week. I was so grateful he was here, especially since Cecilia has been giving me the cold shoulder.”

  “Something has changed in Paul.” Gabriel gazed into the distance. “He relates to you differently.”

  Julia shut her eyes and opened them. “I can’t imagine how you could tell suc
h a thing within a few seconds of seeing him.”

  “Call it a husband’s instinct.” Gabriel focused on his wife. “What is happening with Cecilia?”

  Julia scratched the back of her neck. “I went to see Cecilia a little while ago. I ran into Paul after I left her office.”

  Gabriel pulled Julia’s hand away from her neck and held it. “What did she say?”

  “She said what she said before—she won’t approve a semester abroad.”

  Gabriel pressed his lips together. “And what did you say?”

  “You’d be proud of me. I told her I was switching supervisors.”

  “I am always proud of you.” Gabriel’s eyes met hers. “But are you sure you want to do that?”

  “Absolutely.” Julia leaned closer. “She was spiteful. Spiteful and vindictive. I wasn’t even going to tell her who I was going to work with. I simply thanked her and tried to leave, but she pressed me for details. When I told her I was going to work with Katherine, she said she wouldn’t serve as a reader on my dissertation committee. And she said she wouldn’t write a letter for me for the job market.”

  “That’s absurd!” Gabriel sputtered. “You’ve been working with her for over two years. She should give you a letter on those grounds alone.”

  “She won’t.” Julia’s spine straightened and her eyes flashed. “That’s when I knew I was making the right choice, not just for you and me, but for my career. I don’t want to work with someone like that. I don’t want to have to walk on eggshells for fear she’ll drop me at any moment. Katherine would never do that.”

  Gabriel tugged Julia into his arms, burying his face in his neck. “So you’re coming with me to Edinburgh?”

  “Yes. I need to call Greg Matthews and explain the situation to him. I’ll update Katherine over dinner.”

  Gabriel’s arms tensed around Julia’s back. “I’m furious with Cecilia. Are you sure you don’t want me to talk to her?”

  “No, I handled it. Even if Cecilia hadn’t been spiteful, I wasn’t going to allow her to keep us apart. I just wanted to give her a chance to do the right thing.”

  “Patience is one of your greatest faults.”

  “I thought patience was a virtue.”

  He pulled back to make eye contact. “In my case, definitely. In your case, not even close.”

  Julia laughed.

  “The University of Edinburgh has offered us a row house on Drummond Street, near Old College,” Gabriel announced enthusiastically. “There’s a brilliant coffee shop on the corner, and good sidewalks for the stroller.”

  “We’ll have to childproof it. Clare will be walking by then.”

  “Really?” Gabriel ran his fingers through his hair. “So soon? That’s marvelous. We’ll be able to explore the city together and the rest of Scotland as well.”

  “I think you’re going to be busy being the lecturer in residence. And I’ll be taking courses, and serving as Graham Todd’s teaching assistant, if he’ll still have me.”

  “He’d be fortunate to have you. We’ll travel on weekends. And holidays.” He picked her up and lifted her toward the ceiling.

  “Put me down!” Julia shrieked, clutching his shoulders. “Professor Wodehouse will see us and kick us out.”

  “I doubt it. I’m sure Don has twirled pretty girls in the Cloisters a time or two in his past.” Gabriel’s laughter matched her own.

  Clare made noises in her stroller, demanding attention.

  “Hi, Clare.” Julia waved at her. “Mommy and Daddy are talking right now.

  “What about our house in Cambridge?” Julia asked, when her feet were finally on the floor. “What about Rebecca?”

  “I’m hoping Rebecca will come with us because we’ll need the help,” Gabriel said firmly. “What would you think about having Rachel and Aaron house-sit while we’re away? They can keep an eye on the house and it will save them rent.”

  “I think that’s a great idea.” Julia closed her eyes, momentarily distracted by all the things she was going to have to do in order to prepare to move to Scotland.

  Gabriel caught her hand once again. He thumbed her wedding band. “I’m so grateful we will embark on this journey together. I know we’ll be busy and I know it will be an adjustment. But I think living in Edinburgh will be an adventure.” His blue eyes shone.

  “And here I thought you were a hobbit, who liked to stay in his warm, safe hobbit hole in Cambridge, and disdained adventures.”

  Gabriel sniffed his dissatisfaction. “I look more like Aragorn than a hobbit.”

  “Yes, I suppose you do.” She kissed away his frown.

  “We haven’t a moment to lose. You should call Greg Matthews immediately.” Gabriel took hold of the stroller and pointed Clare in the direction of their rooms. “I’m going to call one of the kilt makers in Edinburgh and order a kilt for Clare.”

  “I didn’t know the Emersons had a tartan.”

  “They don’t, but there’s a Clark tartan. She’ll dress in their plaid, in honor of Richard and Grace. And there’s a Mitchell tartan, too, I think. We should have a kilt made to honor your father.”

  “I’d like that.” Julia took hold of his arm. “But as we plan for Scotland, there’s still one more thing.”

  “Anything.”

  Julia smiled sadly. “The memento mori. Before we invite Aaron and Rachel to house-sit, shouldn’t we be sure the thief won’t come back?”

  Gabriel looked down at Clare, who looked up at him. She smiled, exposing her gums.

  Gabriel grinned back.

  When he turned to Julia, he was somber. “We still have the object. We still have a sketch of the intruder. As far as the Cambridge police are concerned, it’s an open investigation. I won’t give up making inquiries, but so far, I’ve found nothing. I’m inclined to think that the thief would have returned to the house by now. Either he couldn’t find a collector for the artwork we have or he’s been deterred by the security system.”

  “So Rachel and Aaron will be safe?”

  “By the time they arrive, it will be September. The break-in was back in December. The chances of the thief returning would be very small indeed.”

  “Good.” Julia touched his biceps. “Maybe we should keep the memento mori, just for a while. Then donate it anonymously to Palazzo Riccardi. I’m sure they’d be happy to have it.”

  “Yes, they would.” Gabriel began pushing the stroller, with Julianne at his side.

  Clare turned around in her seat and pointed a chubby finger at Gabriel. “Dadadadada.”

  Gabriel practically tripped over himself, he stopped so fast. He came around to the front of the stroller and crouched in front of Clare.

  “Dada.” He pointed to himself. “Dada.”

  “Dada.” Clare repeated. She moved her head back and forth. “Dadadada.”

  “That’s right, Principessa.” He pointed to himself once again. “Dada.”

  “Dadadada,” Clare repeated. She clapped her hands and grabbed her bunny and began to chew on it.

  “Dada,” Gabriel whispered. It was more of a prayer than a name.

  “I’ve been trying to get her to say Mama first.” Julia touched Gabriel’s shoulder. “Of course Clare, like her father, has her own ideas.”

  “I think Clare, like her mother, has her own ideas.” He ruffled Clare’s hair and straightened.

  “That was intense.” He pressed his lips together for a moment. (And if you had said his eyes were watering, he would have told you it was his allergies.) “Where are we going? I’ve lost track of what we were doing.”

  Julia took hold of the stroller. “We’re going to our rooms so I can call Greg Matthews. And then I’m going to take a video of Clare calling you Dada. We can save it for posterity and send it to our families.”

  “Perfect.” Gabriel fell into step with Juli
a and the stroller, keeping a watchful eye on Clare.

  In that moment, with his family, with the name his beloved daughter had blessed him with, and with the prospect of a new adventure in Scotland together, Gabriel had never been happier or more hopeful. No matter what challenges or dangers he and Julianne faced, they would do so as a family.

  And that was Gabriel’s promise.

  Fin.

  Acknowledgments

  I owe a debt to Cambridge, Boston, Selinsgrove, Edinburgh, London, Cologny, Zermatt, Miami, Florence, and Oxford. Thank you for your hospitality and inspiration. All quotations of Dante’s Divine Comedy are from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s translation. All quotations of Dante’s La Vita Nuova are from Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s translation.

  I am grateful to Kris, who read an early draft and offered valuable constructive criticism. I am also thankful to Jennifer and Nina for their extensive comments and corrections.

  I’ve been very pleased to work again with Cindy Hwang, my editor, and with Cassie Hanjian, my agent. I’d like to thank Kim Schefler for her guidance and counsel.

  My publicist, Nina Bocci, works tirelessly to promote my writing and to help me with social media, which enables me to keep in touch with readers. I’m honored to be part of her team. She is an author in her own right and I heartily recommend her novels.

  I am grateful to Erika for her friendship and support. I also want to thank the many book bloggers who have taken time to read and review my work.

  I especially want to thank you, readers, for your tremendous enthusiasm. This book was written for you, with my gratitude. While I was editing this novel, I learned that Tori, a longtime reader and supporter, had passed away. Tori was my first reader and she shared her affection for the Professor with her family and friends. She was kind and encouraging and is greatly missed.

  I want to thank the Muses, Argyle Empire, FS Meurinne, the Fox Den on Facebook, the readers from around the world who operate the SRFans and TMITBS social media accounts, and the readers who recorded the podcasts in English, Spanish, and Portuguese devoted to my novels. Thank you for your continued support.

  I am also thankful to Tosca Musk and her team at Passionflix, who will be bringing The Gabriel Series to film.