Homeport

by Nora Roberts

  They faced each other across the room, both appraising swiftly.

  Elizabeth spoke first. “How was your trip?”

  “Uneventful.”

  “Good.”

  “You look well.”

  “I am, quite well. And you?”

  “Fine.” Miranda imagined herself doing a wild tap dance around the perfectly appointed office, and stood straight as a cadet at inspection.

  “Would you like some coffee? Something cold?”

  “No, thank you.” Miranda arched a brow. “You haven’t asked about Andrew.”

  Elizabeth waved toward a chair. “How’s your brother?”

  Miserable, Miranda thought. Drinking too much. Angry, depressed, bitter. “He’s fine. He sends his best.” She lied without a qualm. “I assume you told Elise I was coming.”

  “Of course.” Because Miranda had remained standing, Elizabeth rose. “All the department heads, and the appropriate staff members, are aware that you’ll be working here temporarily. The Fiesole Bronze is a priority. Naturally you’ll have full use of the labs and equipment, and the cooperation and assistance of any members of the team you choose.”

  “I spoke with John yesterday. You haven’t started any tests yet.”

  “No. This delay has cost us time, and you’ll be expected to begin immediately.”

  “That’s why I’m here.”

  Elizabeth inclined her head. “What happened to your leg? You’re limping a bit.”

  “I was mugged, remember?”

  “You said you’d been robbed, you didn’t say you’d been injured.”

  “You didn’t ask.”

  Elizabeth let out what from anyone else Miranda would have considered a sigh. “You might have explained you’d been hurt during the incident.”

  “I might have. I didn’t. The priority was, after all, the loss of my documents and the delay that caused.” She inclined her head, in a mirror of Elizabeth’s gesture. “That much was made very clear.”

  “I assumed—” Elizabeth cut herself off, flung her hand in a gesture that might have been annoyance or defeat. “Why don’t you sit down while I give you some background?”

  So, the matter was to be tabled. Miranda had expected it. She sat, crossed her legs.

  “The man who discovered the bronze—”

  “The plumber.”

  “Yes.” For the first time Elizabeth smiled, a quick curving of lips that was more an acknowledgment of the absurdity than genuine amusement. “Carlo Rinaldi. Apparently he’s an artist at heart, if not in deed. He’s never been able to make a living from his painting and his wife’s father owns a plumbing business, so . . .”

  Miranda’s quick eyebrow flick was a measure of mild surprise. “Does his background matter?”

  “Only insofar as his connection to the piece. There appears to be none. He, from all accounts, literally stumbled over it. He claims to have found it hidden under a broken step in the cellar of the Villa della Donna Oscura. And that, as far as has been verified, seems to be the case.”

  “Was there some question of that? Is he suspected of fabricating the story—and the bronze?”

  “If there was, the minister is satisfied with Rinaldi’s story now.”

  Elizabeth folded her perfectly manicured hands on the edge of the desk. Her New England spine was straight as a ruler. Unconsciously, Miranda shifted ever so slightly to level her own.

  “The fact that he found it,” Elizabeth continued, “smuggled it out of the villa in his toolbox, then took his time reporting it through the proper channels caused some initial concern.”

  Troubled, Miranda folded her hands to keep her fingers from tapping on her knee. It didn’t occur to her that she now exactly mirrored her mother’s pose. “How long did he have it?”

  “Five days.”

  “There was no damage? You’ve examined it?”

  “I have. I’d rather not make any comments until you’ve seen it yourself.”

  “Well then.” Miranda cocked her head. “Let’s have a look.”

  In answer, Elizabeth walked over to a cabinet, and opening the door, revealed a small steel safe.

  “You’re keeping it in here?”

  “My security is more than adequate. A number of people have access to the vaults in the labs, and I preferred to limit that access in this case. And I thought it would be less distracting for you to do an initial exam here.”

  With one coral-tipped finger, Elizabeth punched in a code, waited, then added another series of numbers. Opening the reinforced door, she took out a metal box. After setting it on her desk, she opened the lid and took out a bundle wrapped in faded velvet.

  “We’ll date the cloth as well, and the wood from the step.”

  “Naturally.” Though her fingers itched, Miranda rose and stepped forward slowly when Elizabeth set the bundle on her spotless white blotter. “There are no documents, correct?”

  “None, so far. You know the history of the villa.”

  “Yes, of course. It was once the home of Giulietta Buonadoni, a mistress of Lorenzo the Magnificent known as the Dark Lady. After his death she’s believed to have become a companion of other Medicis. At one time or another every light of the Renaissance in or around Florence was welcomed into her home.”

  “So, you understand the possibilities.”

  “I don’t deal in possibilities,” Miranda said curtly.

  “Exactly. That’s why you’re here.”

  Gently, Miranda brushed a finger over the tattered velvet. “Is it?”

  “I wanted the best, and I’m in a position to access what I want. I also demand discretion. If news of this find leaks, the speculation will be wild. That is something Standjo can’t and won’t risk. The government wants no publicity, and no public speculation until the bronze is dated, and tests are complete.”

  “The plumber’s probably already told all his drinking pals.”

  “I wouldn’t think so.” Again that small smile played around Elizabeth’s mouth. “He took the bronze out of a government-owned building. He’s quite aware, at this point, that if he doesn’t do precisely what he’s told, he could go to prison.”

  “Fear is often an efficient gag.”

  “Yes. But that isn’t our concern. We’ve been commissioned to test the bronze, and to provide the government with all the information science can offer. We require an objective eye, someone who believes in facts, not romance.”

  “There’s no room for romance in science,” Miranda murmured, and carefully unwrapped the velvet.

  Her heart gave one hard thud against her ribs when the bronze lay naked. Her skilled and experienced eye recognized the brilliance of the workmanship, the glory of it. But she frowned, instinctively burying admiration under skepticism.

  “It’s beautifully conceived and executed—certainly the style falls within the realm of the Renaissance.” She slipped her glasses out of the case in her pocket, put them on before she lifted the bronze. She judged the weight, turning it slowly.

  The proportions were perfect, the sensuality of the subject obvious. The smallest details—toenails, each tendril of hair, the definition of calf muscles—were stunningly depicted.

  She was glorious, free, wonderfully aware of her own power. The long curvy body was arched back, the arms lifted up, not in prayer or supplication, Miranda noted. In triumph. The face wasn’t delicate, but stunning, the eyes half closed as if in pleasure, the mouth curved slyly in enjoyment of that pleasure.

  She was balanced on the balls of her feet, like a woman about to leap into a warm, scented pool. Or a lover’s arms.

  It was unashamedly sexual, and for one baffling instant, Miranda thought she could feel the heat of it. Like life.

  The patina indicated age, but such things were deceiving, she knew. Patinas could be created. The style of the artist was unmistakable. But such a thing was all but impossible. Styles could be mimicked.

  “It’s the Dark Lady,” she said. “Giulietta Buonadoni. The
re’s no doubt about that. I’ve seen this face often enough in paintings and sculpture of the period. But I’ve never seen or heard of this bronze. I’ll do some research on it, but I doubt I’d have missed it.”

  Elizabeth studied Miranda’s face rather than the bronze. She’d seen that quick flicker of excitement, of delight, both of which had been quickly controlled. Exactly as she’d expected them to be.

  “But you agree it is a bronze of Renaissance style.”

  “Yes. That hardly makes it a lost piece from the fifteenth century.” Her eyes were narrowed as she slowly turned the bronze in her hands. “Any art student with a clever eye has sketched and copied her face over the years. I’ve done so myself.” Idly, she scraped a bit at the blue-green patina with her thumbnail. The surface corrosion was visibly thick, but she needed more, much more.

  “I’ll start right away.”

  Vivaldi played lightly in the air of the lab. The walls were a pale hospital green, the floor a spotlessly white linoleum. Each station was militarily neat, fitted with microscopes, computer terminals, vials or tubes or sample bags. There were no personal items, no pretty framed family pictures, no mascots or souvenirs.

  The men wore ties, the women skirts, and over all were the crisp white lab coats with the Standjo logo stitched in black on the breast pocket.

  Conversation was muted and minimal, and equipment hummed like well-oiled clocks.

  Elizabeth expected a tight ship, and her former daughter-in-law knew how to run one.

  The house in Maine where Miranda had grown up had presented precisely the same atmosphere. It made for a cold home, Miranda thought as she scanned the area, but an efficient workplace.

  “It’s been some time since you were here,” Elizabeth began. “But Elise will refresh your memory as to the setup. You’ll have free access to all areas, of course. I have your security card and your codes.”

  “Fine.” Miranda fixed a polite smile on her face as Elise turned from a microscope and started toward them.

  “Miranda, welcome to Florence.” Elise’s voice was quiet, not quite breathy, but with the promise it could be if she were properly aroused.

  “It’s nice to be back. How are you?”

  “Fine. Busy.” She flashed a hundred-watt smile and took Miranda’s hand. “How’s Drew?”

  “Not quite so fine—but busy.” She lifted a brow when Elise squeezed her hand.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s none of my business.”

  “I’m still sorry.” She released Miranda’s hand and turned to Elizabeth. “Will you head the tour, or shall I?”

  “I don’t need a tour,” Miranda said before her mother could speak. “I need a lab coat, a microscope, a computer. I’ll want to take photos, and X rays, of course.”

  “There you are.” John Carter loped his way over. Miranda’s lab manager looked endearingly rumpled in the midst of ruthless efficiency and style. His tie with silly grinning cows grazing was already askew. He’d snagged the pocket of his lab coat on something so that it flapped from loose threads. There was a nick on his chin where he’d cut himself shaving, a thumb-sized stub of a pencil behind his ear, and smudges on the lenses of his glasses.

  He made Miranda feel cozily at home.

  “You okay?” He patted her arm in three bouncing strokes, then: “How’s the knee? Andrew told me the guy who mugged you tossed you around.”

  “Tossed you around?” Elise looked over quickly. “We didn’t know you were hurt.”

  “Just shaken up. It’s all right. I’m fine.”

  “He held a knife to her throat,” Carter announced.

  “A knife.” Elise put a hand to her own throat. “That’s horrible. It’s—”

  “It’s all right,” Miranda said again. “He just wanted money.” She turned, meeting her mother’s eyes. “And I think he’s cost us enough valuable time.”

  For a moment Elizabeth said nothing. There was challenge in Miranda’s gaze, and she decided the time for sympathy had passed.

  “Then I’ll let Elise set you up. Your ID and security cards are in here.” Elizabeth handed Miranda an envelope. “Elise should be able to handle any of your questions or needs. Or you can contact me.” She glanced at the slim watch on her wrist. “I have another meeting shortly, so I’ll let you get started. I hope to have a preliminary report by end of day.”

  “You will,” Miranda murmured as her mother walked away.

  “She doesn’t waste time.” With another smile, Elise gestured. “I’m so sorry you had to go through such a terrible ordeal, but the work here should help you keep it off your mind. I have an office set up for you. The Fiesole Bronze is a top priority. You’re authorized to pick your team from any of the A security staff.”

  “Miranda!” There was a wealth of pleasure in the word, and it was delivered with the heavy and exotic tones of Italy. Miranda felt herself smiling even before she turned and had her hands taken and lavishly kissed.

  “Giovanni. You don’t change.” Indeed, the chemistry technician was as outrageously handsome as Miranda remembered. Dark and sleek, with eyes like melted chocolate and a smile that radiated charm. He stood an inch or so below her and still managed to make her feel feminine and tiny. He wore his glossy black hair in a ponytail—an affectation Elizabeth permitted only because besides being beautiful to look at, Giovanni Beredonno was a genius.

  “But you change, bella donna. You’re even more lovely. But what is this about being hurt?” He fluttered his fingers over her face.

  “It’s nothing, just a memory.”

  “Do you want me to go break someone in half for you?” He kissed her gently, one cheek, then the other.

  “Can I get back to you on that?”

  “Giovanni, Miranda has work.”

  “Yes, yes.” He brushed off Elise’s stiff and disapproving words with a careless gesture—another reason for Miranda to smile. “I know all about it. A big project, very hush-hush.” He wiggled his expressive eyebrows. “When the direttrice sends to America for an expert, it is no small thing. So, bellissima, can you use me?”

  “You’re first on my list.”

  He tucked her hand through his arm, ignoring the tightening of Elise’s lips. “When do we start?”

  “Today,” Miranda told him as Elise gestured toward a doorway. “I’ll want tests run on the corrosion layers and the metal right away.”

  “I think Richard Hawthorne would be helpful to you.” Elise tapped the shoulder of a man hunkered over the keyboard on a computer.

  “Dr. Hawthorne.” Miranda watched the balding man blink owlishly through his glasses, then fumble them off. There was something vaguely familiar about him, and she struggled to place him.

  “Dr. Jones.” He gave her a shy smile that added appeal to his face. His chin was short, his eyes a distracted and pale blue, but the smile was sweet as a boy’s. “It’s nice to see you again. We’re, ah, happy to have you here. I read your paper on early Florentine humanism. It was quite brilliant.”

  “Thank you.” Oh, yes, she remembered. He’d done a stint at the Institute a few years earlier. After a moment’s hesitation, which Miranda knew came only because Elise had recommended him, she relented. “Elise has an office for me. Could you join us for a moment? I’d like to show you what I have.”

  “I’d be delighted.” He fumbled with his glasses again, hit a series of keys that saved his work.

  “It’s not a large space.” Elise began with an apology as she ushered Miranda through a door. “I’ve set it up with what I thought you’d need. Of course you can requisition anything you like.”

  Miranda took a quick scan. The computer station appeared efficient and neat. A wide white counter held microscopes, slides, and the small hand tools of her trade. A tape recorder had been provided for detailing notes. There was no window, only the one door, and with the four of them inside, barely room to turn around.

  But there was a chair, a phone, and the pencils were sharpened. It would
do, she thought, very well.

  She set her briefcase on the counter, then the metal box. Carefully, she removed the wrapped bronze. “I’d like your opinion, Dr. Hawthorne. Just on a visual examination of the bronze.”

  “Of course, I’d be delighted.”

  “The project’s been the hot topic around here for the last day or two,” Giovanni put in as Miranda began to unwrap the velvet.