“De Luca was a connection between collectors and items. He could put anything into anyone’s hands—he was a great source of objects and also information. His death could have serious consequences.”
Both Grenville and I listened in some amazement. “He told me his father and grandfather had begun his collection,” I said. “And he simply picked up what he liked.”
“That might be true.” Denis gave me the barest hint of a nod. “But de Luca had the gift for knowing what was valuable. He not only obtained objects, but information about people—who wanted what and who dealt in what. You need to lay your hands on that information, if he indeed kept it in written form.”
“Good Lord,” I said, my interest growing by the moment. “Did he have a dossier on you?”
“Possibly. But more likely he had one on anyone who ever worked for me. As you know, I have agents in many places. They are my eyes and ears. Exposing them is not what I wish.”
I had encountered one of his agents in Egypt, much to my regret, and I knew he had men placed throughout the Continent and beyond to find things for him or commit deeds for him, or both.
“I believe I understand your worry,” I said.
“You cannot grasp it fully, but I am pleased you have an inkling. I will provide you any resources you need, as long as you find out who killed de Luca, why, and if he had lists of his contacts and mine. I want to know if the person who killed him absconded with the information.”
“I will have to write to my wife,” I said dryly. She would not be pleased with me, and she, for one, never had fear of taking Denis to task.
“I have already done so,” Denis said. “I imagine she will arrive soon.”
While I had a momentary flash of pleasure that Donata would join me, it did not come without trepidation. Donata preferred me to remain whole and hale, not beaten down by murderers and ruffians as happened whenever I decided to investigate a crime. If she’d decided to come, it would be to keep an eye on me. She’d trust no one else with that duty.
My hesitation also stemmed from the fact that my last investigation involving Denis had nearly meant the death of Donata’s son. She’d not quite forgiven either of us for that yet.
Denis had nothing more to tell us. He retained his cool demeanor when I asked how he found Florence.
“The city is a fine one. I suggest you add it to your travels. I am staying in Rome for now, so when you have information, bring it to the house next to the Palazzo Borghese. Good afternoon, gentlemen.”
He glided out, opening the door himself. Gautier stood rigidly down the hall, watching Denis exit the house before he rather firmly shut the front door.
“Well.” Grenville watched out the window as Denis mounted a carriage and rolled away at an unhurried pace. “He has certainly set us a task.”
“He must be worried.” The carriage turned the corner, sunshine gleaming on its black top. “To cut short whatever business he had in Florence to race here and find out what happened to de Luca means he is indeed concerned.”
“You are right,” Grenville said. “Where do we begin?” He let out a breath. “If Denis is correct that Mrs. Lacey will soon join you—and I feel that my wife won’t be far behind—I must have Gautier see to decent accommodations for them. This is rather a bachelor’s house.”
I noted the pride in Grenville’s voice when he saidmy wife, but did not remark upon it.
“We’ll begin by paying another visit to Gian,” I decided. “If anyone knows where things were in that house, it is he.”
Grenville agreed, and after he’d spoken to Gautier about readying rooms for the ladies, we made to depart for de Luca’s home. Brewster joined us as we left the house, the dressing on his arm renewed.
“Your valet got to me,” he told Grenville when Grenville remarked upon it. “Bloke thinks he’s a surgeon.”
“He knows about wrapping limbs,” Grenville said. We trudged into a wind that blew from the north. “I’ve certainly given him practice, tumbling from horses and out of boats and off rocks I’d been adamant to climb.”
“Aye, he did a fair job,” Brewster admitted. “Cold fish, but competent.”
“I will pass on your thanks,” Grenville said as we walked on.
When we reached the lane that led to Conte de Luca’s abode, we found a large crowd gathered at the gate. Some were simply watching, but others had joined in the shouting that sounded within the courtyard.
Brewster managed to shoulder his way through until we stood at the open gate. Inside the courtyard, Gian protested using much gesticulation with a group of uniformed men, who were attempting to carry things from the house. The more unruly of the watchers had taken Gian’s side and were yelling and throwing hunks of mud at the police, or whoever they were.
“What the devil?” I demanded.
The crowd ignored me. When the commander of the troop swung about and made for me, I recognized the captain who’d previously tried to arrest me.
“You,” he snarled. “You have caused enough trouble. Go home.”
