.......Hugo sits down after much weary travel and business to write in his journal. He sits back and takes a deep breath and watches the candle flicker for a moment before beginning.Raising the quill, he smoothes out the page as he starts his entry.....

Journal Entry 3rd of February

My business of late has kept me from giving you some needed attention. As always you, my old journal, keep my thoughts clear and sorted.

I have been called upon to help an old friend of the female persuasion. She sent word to me not long ago from Venezia,but seemed to hesitate to reveal everything in the message. I cannot help but smile to myself however, one hopes it won't cost much coin in the end. Perhaps I'm being cynical but in the end, it's always the coin that speaks the loudest.

Although, one does have secrets ..... but the secrets one holds over others can often be the best kind. One can make of that a pun, it would seem. It's a 'toss up' between the coin and the secrets, which one holds more value? Until next time .....

........ lays down his quill and rubs his eyes and considers what the future may hold. Hugo leans over and blows out the candle and decides to sleep. He cannot help but recall the swish of satin and the smell of fragrant perfume of the dear lady that requires his attention. Hugo drifts off to sleep with the face of the woman in his memory, her substantial charms not far behind.