Hugo heard something earlier in the day here in Rocca Sorrentina, something quite surprising and he needs to speak to Beatrice right away. Hugo finds Beatrice in her apartment, dusting of all things, and tries to settle himself before beginning. Things don't quite start off so well, as fatigue and suspicion have worn Hugo's temper a bit thin these days. Hugo barely gives Beatrice a chance to say hello before he begins asking her the question that he needs an answer to.

"Hello Beatrice, you look lovely dusting," and grins at her slyly. Beatrice offers Hugo a beaming smile while putting down her dust cloth and teases, "It brings out the best in me."

"Beatrice, I was at the cafe today and I heard some news ... about you," Hugo begins tentatively. Beatrice smiles sweetly and replies, "Oh? What did you hear? I hope it was good."

"Lady MacBain mentioned that you have a new position here on the island? With the Conte Foscari?" says Hugo as he can't help but look troubled. "Yes, I am very pleased. I will finally able to earn some money," Beatrice replies and seeing the pained look on Hugo's face nervously adds, "Are you concerned Hugo? Do you know something I don't?"

Hugo leans over and takes Beatrice hand, patting it carefully, "No, not at all Beatrice. I was merely surprised to hear it from Lady MacBain and not you is all." Squeezing her hand once again, "Honestly, there is nothing to fear," and murmurs to himself, 'I hope.'

"It has been a while since we have seen each other. But I do hear you in the middle of the night-pacing!" Beatrice exclaims, with her beautiful brown eyes widening. "I haven't seen much of you lately, now I know where you've been hiding," Hugo answers in a flat tone of voice.

Beatrice visibly bristles at the way Hugo is speaking to her, "I have not been hiding Hugo, just busy, the Conte Foscari has a lot of correspondence to write." Attempting to lighten the atmosphere Beatrice patiently asks, "Would you like something to drink? Coffee, tea, wine?"

Hugo says quietly, "I'm genuinely sorry if I've offended you Beatrice, I've just had some things on my mind is all. Have I still been keeping you up at night?"

"Not too much, but I AM aware you are preoccupied with something. I hope you feel comfortable sharing your concerns with me." Beatrice replies and watching Hugo carefully she adds, "We ARE old friends, aren't we?" As the two of them have been standing for the conversation up until then, Beatrice looks around her apartment and asks Hugo, "Where shall we sit my dear- on the sofa for now?"

Hugo starts to walk over to the sofa and waits for Beatrice to join him, "Of course we can sit, perhaps it is time I tell you what has been worrying me ...." Beatrice settles herself in front of a chair and sits down, "Please have a seat. There is some grappa to drink. I hope you enjoy it, the Conte gave me a bottle he brought from the south."

Hugo sits down on the sofa and holds the glass of grappa and takes a big sip before beginning. He looks over and sees Beatrice has gotten herself some coffee and she sips it quietly. He knows he must finally tell her what's been bothering him, but it won't be easy. With the grappa giving him some courage he takes a deep breath, "Alright dear Beatrice ..... I've been wrestling with some thoughts and suspicions of late. I haven't told you anything before because well, I honestly don't know the truth, yet."

Beatrice leans forward, patting Hugo's hand now. It was her turn to reassure him, "Ah, perhaps I can help." Beatrice says as Hugo looks at her and can't help but smile, she looked so pretty with her butterfly curls, primping a bit in the chair.

Hugo musters up his courage and finally comes out with it, "I think Mercury Gandt is a sbirri agent." Beatrice puts down her coffee and gasps, "But, why? I thought they were his enemies."

"Well, one of my last contacts in Venezia informed me that Gandt was seen entering and exiting the headquarters of the sbirri. He never even came to the ship to see us off! We left Venezia with his letter for us to come here to safety which was much appreciated but still," Hugo attempts to keep his temper in check, quietly seething with anger.

"I assumed he was detained," Beatrice stated a bit more calmly now, perhaps trying to soothe Hugo's temper. Hugo laughing and smugly states, "Perhaps, but he was detained by whom. I doubt it was in a brothel, he barely had enough money when we met." Beatrice carefully asks, "Have you spoken to anyone else about this?"

"No, most of my contacts in Venezia are long gone now .... I haven't been able to find out anything else about Gandt or his activities," Hugo looks down in defeat and answers her. Beatrice, looking as though she's mulling it around in her mind finally answers, "This is most perplexing. What would have changed his mind?" Hugo practically bursting with anger now, "Money, how else could he stay in Venezia so long. Unless someone else is paying his way?"

"Money? Well, I think he had a boatload of debts ... but he was so found of us ... um ... of all of us," Beatrice answers and runs her hair through her curls in perplexity. Hugo answers quietly, "I understand Beatrice, perhaps I am being too hasty but after so many sleepless nights thinking about this, but I am inclined to trust my instincts."

Beatrice makes a suggestion and asks, "Have you spoken with Professore Stern? I would think he would bring a level head to this entire situation." Hugo shakes his head, "No, I haven't .... I didn't want to intrude on our hosts since they seem to have a bit of a soft spot for him. I apologize if I've upset you and that was not my intention."