The Master and the Student
The heavy entrance door to Francesca’s villa swung open—dark wood, iron-studded, like something out of a forgotten century. Had it always creaked like it was catching you mid-crime?
Lucia shifted on her feet. The late-afternoon sun pressed on her back like a warning. Next to her, Penelope stood tall and still, her expression an impassive mask.
“Good afternoon, Lucy,” Francesca addressed her, though her gaze immediately zeroed in on Penelope. “Dr.Blackwell. It’s good to make your acquaintance.”
“Likewise, Ms. Greco.”
“Please, call me Francesca.”
“Only if you call me Penelope.”
Lucia’s gaze darted between them. The tension crackled, cool and sharp, dropping the temperature around them. Neither Francesca nor Penelope seemed fazed by the other, and their silent standoff had the air of a meeting between equals—both standing straight, neither flinching, neither yielding.
“Uh, could we maybe come inside?” Lucia asked. “I assume this meeting isn’t meant to happen on the front step?”
Francesca stepped back and gestured for them to enter.
They stepped into a hallway cool with marble and quiet as a museum. Francesca’s heels clicked across the floor as she led them to the living room—wide, vaulted, and sparse but unmistakably expensive.
Skye lounged on a leather couch, scrolling through her phone. She didn’t look up, but her smirk made clear she knew they were there.
Lucia stifled the urge to grab Penelope’s arm and drag her back outside.
“Hiya, Gracie,” Skye drawled.
Lucia turned to Francesca. “Was it necessary for her to be here, too?”
“What we have to discuss impacts Skye as well. Jules was supposed to be here, too, but she couldn’t make it. Sit down.”
Lucky Jules.
They took their seats—Lucia beside Penelope, Francesca opposite, Skye to the side, watching like a cat about to pounce.
The leather creaked under Lucia’s tense posture.
“I heard you have questions?”
Penelope held Francesca’s gaze, sitting so straight, it made Lucia’s own back ache. “What is your plan for the Meridian?”
“Why do you assume there is a plan?”
“You didn’ttestme with your forgeries for fun.”
Francesca leaned forward. “Maybe we just wanted to learn more about the players in town.”
“I’ve worked at the Meridian for a little over a year, so you’ve had plenty of time to test me. And when you consider the changes to our procedures, the upcoming ball?” Penelope’s tone turned cool. “The timing is a little too convenient.”
“Why would we trust you with anything?” Skye asked. “We’re not lovesick fools like Gracie.”
Lucia stiffened, her hands curling into fists against her knees.
Penelope didn’t even glance at Skye. “Then why did you ask me to come here?”
“Did we?” Francesca asked, her tone soft, benign, yet Lucia’s heart thudded against her ribs.
“Not in so many words, but given your need for me, I’m sure I was merely faster,” Penelope said, still holding Francesca’s steely gaze.
