.Hugo again puts quill to paper but not before taking a large mouthful of wine. The day has been somewhat eventful with the story that dear Beatrice has related. Hugo knows full well that he has some demons of his own ..

Journal Entry 11th of February

After the gondola ride to the caf in Venezia, Beatrice finally began to relate some of her reason for sending for me. Shewas nervous as the waiter and barkeep seemed to be keeping an extra close eye on the both of us.

I must digress and say she looked lovely as ever. Watching those large eyes of hers and gentle hands brought back a few moments of delicious memories for me as we spoke. Her soft perfume and skin nearly made me forget myself. Besides, if I do her a favor andhelp her, she will owe me in the future.

She suggested we move further down the PiazzaSan Marco and I couldnt help but comply. In our new spot she told me a tale of her poor sister, Elisabetta, imprisoned unjustly and caught up in a scheme she was innocent of. Beatrice was beside herself with worry and rightly so. A gentle woman in a prison is a horrid proposition, especially in Venezia. I raged inwardly at the mention of the sbirri , the secret police and the name of the barbaric chief, Cristoforo de Cristofoli.

Beatrice spoke of her sister being used as a pawn in the games of Cristofoli. The Foscari family, well known in Venezia, seems to have misplaced their Contessa Elena. Cristofoli has imprisoned Elisabetta to forcedear Beatrice to divulge her whereabouts.

Beatrice assured me that she has no knowledge of Contessa Elena and further mentioned her friend, a Mr. Gandt, who was even beaten and used as a pawn as well. I cannot help but wonder what magic this Contessa holds over Cristofoli.

Poor Beatrice, she ended up in tears near the end of the tale. I consoled and reassured her that I would do the best I could to help her and her sister. She was hopeful that I could help so I finally divulged a few secrets of my own.

Beatrice leaned in as I revealed that I knew the city fairly well, having several business dealings being in the trade of tea and indigo. The port here had served not only my respectable diversions, but the not so respectable ones. I had dealt with this Cristofoli in the past, padding his pockets so that my real trade would be less noticed. Those ridiculous sbirri are his mindless minions after all. But my real trade, opium, is a valuable commodity and one needs discretion above all else.

On a particular occasion, Cristofoli had me clean up a mess for him. He had someone of importance in the city disappear and I aided him after the fact. I found it vile and disagreeable but in the end it gained me more freedom for my ships so I did comply. Not being stupid, I managed to keep a certain trinket off the poor soul, a ring should I ever have need of some, shall we say, leverage over Cristofoli?

I further shared with Beatrice that Ive become bored of this city and the brutality of it. Again, its bad for business and I look forward to finding a new harbor to work from. I will offer to exchange the ring for the release of her dear sister, Im sure that Cristofoli would only be too happy to agree.

At least, if this Contessa Foscari is not more valuable of a prize?

I will arrange a meeting with Cristofoli and see if he will comply. I shall arrange passage for Elisabetta, if released, and offer safe passage to Beatrice. Beatrice mentioned Rocca Sorrentina as her choice of safe haven. She also mentioned that I myself may enjoy Rocca Sorrentina as my new home.

And regarding this Gandt fellow, Beatrice seems fond of him but worries about his thirst for vengeance. Contessa Elena seems to have made more than one enemy. Perhaps it might be entertaining to leave Gandt here in the city with some ducats that I can provide. Beatrice has said he's a gambler, a man after my own heart. Gandt can perhaps further his own ends and maybe keep Cristofoli more engaged with this Contessa mystery. Travel with us or remain, Mr. Gandt can make his own choice when the time comes.

Hugo pauses a moment and then decides to end his journal entry for now. He finishes his wine, takes a deep breath and stands, walking over to the window. Hugos mind wanders back to his own dealings within that once shining city and considers the plans about to unfold..