Chapter 2

Father decided to join us on the trip south to Porto Bari. Knowing a conspirator had been missed turned our investigation into a priority. Our private car on the train could easily accommodate several couples as well as servants. It was much more comfortable than the transport car I had taken to Cardino. Twelve had been nervous when we started our journey, but relaxed once she saw this car did not have an open seating area for indentures. Instead, we had three comfortable drawing rooms with attached bathrooms, a lounge area with open seating, and small kitchen area with ample storage and supplies laid on. Twelve wasted no time before inspecting the kitchen.

On this trip, there would be no time for elaborate meals, but she did a fine job of providing us with a late lunch. After dishes were cleared, we relaxed in the comfortable chairs and let the rolling hills of the coastal range slip by as we headed south of the capital. Twelve knelt nearby, paying close attention to fetch anything we might need. She was wearing loose grey pants and a blouse as her traveling attire, but still knelt with her knees spread and hands atop her thighs.

“You mustn’t rush your tasks in Porto Bari,” father was saying. “You never know what clue might be revealed in your next interview. Look at what you found in an abandoned lab.”

I sighed. “But we don’t have much time to intercept whoever is meeting them in the Free Cities,” I insisted.

“There are no ships sailing west for the next ten-day, at least,” father said. “You’ll have time to complete this task, return to Cardino and then head onward.”

Samantha perked up at that, turning from her quiet conversation with mother. “Head onward?” she asked.

“Twelve and Seven are the only two people who have seen the conspirators. Cosimo will need to take them to the Free Cities if we hope to intercept them and the person meeting them. I think they had a plan to rendezvous there already, even before that cipher was left in the building. That would explain why Kenyon did not want Dryden to leave for the Kingdom in the Clouds. She wanted to stick to the plan.”

We had discussed the implication of the encoded note for over an hour last night. It made sense that it was left by someone after the initial sweep by the judiciary since it would not have originated with one of the people that were captured or already left the empire. What we did not know was who had left the message. It could have been another high guilder scientist, or it might have been an Aristo missed in our initial sweep. That was a theory father would have to chase.

“Or she really didn’t like Dryden,” mother added.

“Or they were in a secret affair, and it was a lover’s quarrel,” I chimed in. “We may never know why she killed him, assuming she actually did. The key is, we need to get to the Free Cities and find them before this mystery person does. If we don’t, we might never discover who else was involved.”

“I’ll take the regular train to Cardino from Porto Bari as soon as possible,” father said, “and brief your grandmother. I’ll then head up to Romanifo to make preparations.” He looked at Samantha. “I’m afraid you won’t be able to join Cosimo on this trip, my dear.”

“Why not?” She asked. “I’m of age. I can be helpful, I’m sure. He needs someone he can trust with him.”

“I’ll make sure he has some trustworthy help, but even I can’t give you enough training in the time available to help not cause a stir over there.”

She looked ready to argue but he held up a hand and mother rested her hand on Samantha’s arm as if to restrain her.

“Cosimo knows how to blend in and not draw attention to himself. Seven and Twelve will be servants under his and other’s protections. You would stand out too much, and draw attention to yourself, them, or him. It would possibly endanger them, which I know you would not want.”

“I could wear a disguise,” she insisted.

It was mother’s turn to shake her head. “Cosimo, show her.”

I stood and walked to the end of the lounge. I stopped at the door and relaxed my shoulders. I rolled my neck and thought about my alternate identity as r’Co. I puffed my cheeks and squinted my eyes. When I turned around and strolled closer.

“You’re a right bit of tasty, love,” I said in a deeper voice, as I gaped at her cleavage and then gave her a leer.

Samantha gasped.

“I guess I understand,” she said with a frown. “How did you do that?”

I straightened and resumed my normal look. “Lots of practice. A different outfit helps, but blending in is as much about attitude and body language as it is about the clothes you wear. Speech patterns make a big difference too,” I added.

“Have you been out of the empire and tried that?” she asked.

“No, but I’ve been around a lot of the rougher neighborhoods in several cities here. I’ve also ventured into the free port of Romanifo. I’m comfortable blending in.”

“And I’ll make sure he has backup,” father added. “It’s never smart to go undercover totally alone.”

Samantha’s look had gone from resistant to concerned. “How dangerous is this trip really going to be?”

Mother patted her arm. “It will be as safe as possible, Samantha. Cosimo has plenty of reasons to be careful, don’t you son?”

I smiled. “You all know I do,” I said. “In the meantime, let’s focus on our plans for Porto Bari.”

Father nodded. He and mother exchanged a look, but I had given up trying to decipher those glances years ago. Instead, I just waited.

“Samantha and I will handle the management reviews,” mother finally said. “You and your father can focus on the collegium.”

“I think we should mix it up,” I countered. “How about you and I handle the first part of the management reviews, mother, and let Samantha and father visit the collegium. She can start some of her training on blending in and subtle interrogation and I can learn more about the Porto Bari club under your supervision.”

“I think that’s an excellent suggestion,” father said. “Samantha, let’s work out a good cover for why we are asking about students from so long ago,” he suggested.

Soon they had moved to the other end of the lounge, and I was nearly alone with mother. “Why did you suggest that, Cosimo?” she asked.

“She is going to feel left behind with the hard ‘boring’ work of club management and school while I’m off on some adventure. It won’t matter that I’ll likely be cold, wet, and dirty. She wants some of the adventure and will miss it. This will let her start dipping her toe into the more clandestine side of our business.”

“Is that a good thing?”

I snorted. “You wanted her father to come to dinner so I could ask his permission to propose just yesterday.” She looked to deny it, but I stopped her. “I know the look you gave me. You and grandmother both want us to wed and a child on the way, I know it. We’ll get there, but I’m not going to be pushed along too fast by either of you. I will talk to her father when the time is right, based on our feelings for one another, and not before.”

Mother smiled. “Just so long as it is before the end of the next social season, Cosimo. Tongues will be wagging if you wait beyond that.”

“Like I care what the aristocratic tongues do.”

“Perhaps but think of Samantha. She met you last season. If she is still on your arm at the end of next season and you don’t propose, she’ll be the one cast in a bad light. You’re just a high guilder, after all.”

I had not really considered that viewpoint. “I understand, mother. I’ll keep that in mind. Now, let’s discuss Porto Bari.”

By the time our train arrived nearly nine hours after departing the capital, we all were ready to get settled in and get some sleep. Instead, we were greeted in the atrium of the club by Phillipa Escano, grand master of the club in Porto Bari.

“Lady and Master Onwane, it’s a pleasure to see you both again,” she said effusively as she kissed mother’s cheeks and gave father a hug. She was a tall woman with erect bearing and short red hair. She was wearing an impeccably tailored flattering business suit, with a wide lapeled jacket of navy blue over a silken blouse closed neatly to the neck. She was taller than anyone in our party but did not act like she was looking down on any of us.

“And who are these youngsters?” she asked as she held onto my mother but looked at Samantha and me.

“Lady Phillipa,” mother said. “It’s my pleasure to introduce you to my son, Cosimo and his girlfriend, Samantha Dennison. Cosimo is doing a partial tour of some regional clubs to familiarize himself. He is mother’s designated heir,” she added.

Lady Phillipa looked at me sharply, then smiled. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both. It’s quiet here today, since it’s just sixth day. How long will you be staying?”

“Charles will be on the train to Cardino on eighth day at the latest, but Cosimo, Samantha and I will be staying until at least tenth day,” mother replied.

“In that case, I’ll put you in the imperial suite,” Lady Phillipa said. “I doubt the emperor will be using it, and none of our locals are likely to want that charge on their account at this time of the year.”

“Does the suite get much traffic at other times?” I asked.

She nodded her head as she motioned to the concierge on duty and waved her hand for some keys. “It actually does. It warms up here in second month, so we often have the suite occupied by people getting away from up north as soon as the rains slack off. People visiting for a vacation indulge themselves. Many high guilders want to be able to say they’ve stayed in the imperial suite.” She gave a little shrug. “I’d rather take their money and let them tell friends and competitors about our hospitality than keep it closed off.”

“An admirable approach,” I said with a chuckle. “We do the same in Cardino, but I haven’t seen much of a slow season there, yet.”

Lady Phillipa smiled. “I loved my time in Cardino.” Then she glanced at my mother. “Don’t get me wrong, the grand dame is a formidable task master, but Cardino is a special place. Porto Bari is a coastal town too, but it has more commercial pursuits than Cardino. Our fishing fleets troll the seas to help feed the empire while Cardino is more of a destination for vacationers. You should spend some time down on our docks and amongst our warehouses. It’s rough and tumble sometimes, but it’s good to see why our high guilders are so appreciative of the finer entertainments we have to offer.”

“If there is time, that might be worthwhile,” I said. “But as mother said, this is more of a familiarization visit. I want to meet the staff and chat with them more than patrons. I’m sure I’ll be back to spend longer here and will keep some tours in mind for that trip.”

Lady Phillipa nodded and then guided us to an elevator before taking us to the top level and the four-bedroom suite there. “It’s dark now, but in the morning, you’ll be able to see the Insulam Luminis, the Isle of Light. It has a nearly transparent peak on the island and reflects the dawn light spectacularly. It really is a sight to enjoy when you visit.”

Samantha smiled at me as I said we would make sure to rise early enough to see it. Soon we were alone in the suite. Mother and father retired to one bedroom while Samantha and I took another with a wide balcony facing the sea. Twelve joined us, stripping off her traveling clothes and settling to kneel by the door.

“May I be of service, master or mistress?” she asked.

Samantha looked at Twelve and then at me. “Twelve, if I am not able to travel with Cosimo, will you and Seven take care of him?”

Twelve gulped once. “Of course, Lady Samantha. This slave will always look after her master.”

Samantha pulled out a chair and turned it to face Twelve. “You’ve gone from being nearly a peer to his family to being his slave. Are you certain you’ll serve and look after him once you’re outside the empire?”

Twelve smiled as one would for a child. “Lady Samantha, Master Cosimo literally saved this slave’s life and that of her daughters. He has saved us three times over. First, he saved us from the public auction in San Mateo, buying us for the clubs. Second, he saved us from the regular pens and training at the club when he learned of this slave’s former husband’s plotting. Finally, he saved us from being owned by a cruel master when he took us into his and his grandmother’s household and bound us to his family. This slave will look after him even unto sacrificing her life to ensure his commands are carried out and he is well served, regardless of where on this world or any other we may be.”

Samantha was shocked by the vehemence in Twelve’s voice. Before she could ask any further questions, I decided it was time to turn in.

“Twelve, please unpack for us as we take a quick shower before bed. Samantha, don’t you think a shower will set things right for a good night’s sleep?”

Samantha looked up then nodded. She didn’t say another thing until she was in my arms under the warm spray of water. “That isn’t normal, Cosimo. I can see being grateful, but that was much more than gratitude.”

I kissed her and ran my fingers down her spine before cupping her tight bottom.

“None of that,” she said as she pushed her hands against my chest. “I know you’re trying to distract me. Why is Twelve so loyal to you?”

“I told you of her first day, right?”

She nodded.

“A few weeks later, before the season started, grandmother asked her about the beating I had administered, and if she deserved it. Twelve told her anything less would not have gotten through to her that her old life was over. A while after that, Seven learned what would have been expected of her if her father had been successful in his plans. Elven was included in that discussion. All of them realize that while they are not free, they are much better off than what others had planned for them. I don’t know if it’s all true or a self-delusion that gets reinforced by our day training at the clubs,” I lied, “but Twelve is convinced of her own loyalty to me and the reasons in her mind for that loyalty. Let’s not try to disturb her worldview, since servitude is all she’ll know for the rest of her life. It would be cruel to try and convince her of some alternative.”

Samantha looked me in the eye, avoiding the spray of the shower. Finally, she nodded. “I don’t know what she went through, but I can’t imagine two days changing my worldview so dramatically.”

“I hope you never have to experience what she went through, love,” I said as I hugged her to me fiercely.

I was ready for our interview to be over. Mother and I were talking to the local shift manager for the blue wing, and I could tell already they did not have enough experience to be considered for promotion or rotation to a different position. At the same time, I was worried about father and Samantha following up on the lead of the two scientists. Several questions to ask had come to mind, and I was afraid I would have to revisit their interviews.

“Thank you for your time, Carlito,” Mother said as she rose to show the manager to the door.

As soon as the door was closed, she turned on me. “What is the club’s most important resource?” she asked sharply.

I was startled from my thoughts. “It’s people,” I replied.

“Then I suggest you start acting like it,” she said crossly. “I don’t know what you were worried about, but when we are interviewing staff, you will give them your full attention. They deserve that from us. Is that understood?”

I realized I had been more than a little distracted. “Yes, mother. I apologize.”

“It’s not me you need to apologize to, it’s Carlito. Can you tell me a single detail he shared in response to any of my questions?”

I thought furiously. “He’s been overseeing the blue wing here for five months. Prior to that he was the night manager for the white wing. He came to Porto Bari from the capital club a little over a year ago.”

“Why did he move here?”

I did not know. I said as much.

“He grew up outside Porto Bari. He requested a transfer to be closer to his mother, who has had some health issues. You must pay enough attention to people to know what is most important to them, Cosimo. It will almost never be their job at the clubs, so you must understand what motivates them if you are going to assess where they may move within the organization. You know better than you’ve shown this morning. Where is your head?”

“I thought of some things Samantha and father should be asking at the collegium, assuming they talk to the professors that instructed our scientists.”

Mother shook her head. “Do you think Samantha, or your father are stupid?”

“Of course not.”

“Do you think their interviews are more important than the work here?”

I thought about that for a minute. “I guess I do,” I finally admitted.

“You’re wrong,” mother asserted. “Chasing traitors may feel more exciting and important, but there is a real chance they will never face justice in the empire or even stick their heads up again for us to find them. Understanding the people that form the backbone of our club operations is ten times more important than finding all the answers about some traitor’s history from years ago. They may have been lovers here at school, or they could have been the deadliest of enemies. It doesn’t tell us what their plans are or where they are going next. If they did some research together and left a paper trail, it may help us understand what they created, but even that doesn’t really matter. The coup they were assisting failed. They are merely the loose ends we want to clean up. Our mystery conspirator might just be another scientist or manager that was part of the plot. They may not even be aristos, so I could make a case that they are not our concern under edict zero.”

I sat back. I had not thought about that. “I guess you’re right,” I said. “I was getting too caught up in the chase and the mystery.”

Mother nodded. “Most of our focus is on preventing failure, Cosimo. Failure, for us, is not having the resources and the network in place to discover the plots of aristos and the high guilders who want to tilt our rule of law in their own favor. We use the clubs to build that network. Our secrets are built on the trust of our people. These visits are about starting to build their trust in you as the next head of the family. Do you understand why spending time with these managers is much more important than chasing some tenuous lead in our mystery?”

“I do now, mother. I’ll find Carlito before he goes off-shift and apologize for being distracted. I’ll also see if there is something we can do for his mother. Maybe she would be suited to oversee a local inn or fill some other role for the clubs.”

Mother nodded. “Good. Make sure you ask and show you care about him and his family. It was important enough for him to move back closer to home, so showing that it’s important to us will go a long way to cementing his loyalty to our organization.”

“I’ll do better for the next interview,” I promised. “Who is it?”

Mother gave me a tight smile. “Since Samantha is not with us, I want to check on Thomasin. He’s the manager for the black wing here.”

“Why do you want to meet with him?” I asked.

“He’s an interesting man. His wife and daughter died in a fire just over a year ago. He asked for placement in the black wing. It’s not uncommon for people who work on that part of the business to turn to darkness and withdraw. I want to make sure he’s bearing up under his loss.”

I wondered what it would feel like to lose a family suddenly and then take up a role in the depths of the club’s black wing where the worst of the empire were consigned for punishment and death. I had experienced some minimal training in the black wing, so knew the protocols and processes they followed, but could not imagine working there for days on end.

I thought about our role in the Imperial justice system as we walked down a hallway and took and elevator down to the street level of the club. Two security doors, each with different key cards needed, separated the back-of-house area of the black wing from the rest of the club. Each area of all our clubs had public spaces that formed what most people thought of as the wings. Of course, all areas patrons and guests could access had at least as much space again for staff functions. The white wing had catering facilities for preparing food and drink. The green and blue wings had areas for maintaining the pools, fountains, plants, and services of those areas. The red wing had its private suites and dungeons as well as common areas where people could watch or be seen as their own fancies drove them, but such intricate facilitates required an equally elaborate infrastructure. The black wing was no different.

We entered the staff area through a long corridor lined with thick glass looking on sterile industrial holding cells. There were three cells visible, each with solid bars separating them from the open aisle on the other side of the glass. The cells were narrow, with just enough room that a tall man could touch each wall if they stood in its center. Each cell had a thin bed and a fixed toilet at the far end. Prisoners here had no privacy.