Beatrice rubs her forehead feeling a headache coming on and offers, "You MUST speak to someone about this Hugo, it isn't good for you to harbour such fears on your own. And what if it is true? Someone needs to be warned, like the Conte."

"I was going to write a letter to the Conte's servant, Valerio Saturnines, I've heard that Saturnines can perhaps 'get things done' but I wasn't going to tell the Conte about it." Hugo says and holds up his hand, "But I won't now, not with you working for him."

Beatrice asks "Why not speak to the Conte? I don't think it is wise to share information with his servant and not with him."

"What if the Conte and Don Aldo take offense by asking them?" Hugo answers. Beatrice asks a question and comments on Hugo's, "Why should they? They like Mercury but ... not to that extent."

"Perhaps, I feel out of the out of the loop here with no information," Hugo says angrily and pours the last of his grappa down his throat. Beatrice calmy speaks, "It is important we know if we are to have future dealings with Mercury Gandt. I have become aware that there is A LOT of activity going on here that you may not be first aware of. You are closer than you think to the centre of a lot of political activity that spreads beyond this little island."

Hugo Dieter asks "We are? On this paradise we are close to what?" Beatrice goes on, "Boats come here from many countries bordering the Meditarranean and beyond. It is a freeport as well so things are often done "unofficially." For instance, did you know that Aldo has been importing cannons?"

"I did hear that those 'guests' that followed us from Venezia to Sorrentina, the sbirri thugs, have left or escaped. Wait ... cannons you say?" Hugo frowns slightly mulling it over. Beatrice adds, "God knows what for..." letting her words hang in the air.

Hugo smiles and responds, "As a port there's no harm in having some defenses. I'm sure Don Aldo knows what he's doing. Unless, the sbirri ..... with the Conte here and Contessa Elena still missing ..... could he be preparing for something?"

Beatrice answers, "Hmmm, I suspect they are not for him. These are all speculations on my part but I think we are in thick of something that has to do with Austria. I shouldn't tell you this but the Conte is hoping I can serve him in the role of emissary to Austria! I know Vienna well and I speak the language."

"I offer you congratulations Beatrice, you will be a huge help to the Conte." Hugo says. Beatrice gazes affectionately at Hugo's fine profile and wishes he wasn't so worried, "Hmm I am not so sure about that ... but it will certainly be interesting," sighs deeply wondering what she has got into, frying pan to fire she thinks.

Hugo leans in closely to Beatrice, "Please don't discuss anything about Gandt to anyone, I wouldn't want the Conte to bear us any ill will. Especially you with your new job with him." Beatrice says "Of course I wouldn't! But I will ask him if he knows what has happened to Mercury. It will be interesting to hear what he has to say."

"I'm sure the Conte knows what he is doing, and you will do well but be safe above all things, please?" Hugo asks her gently. Beatrice smiles and nods, "Of course. I spend more time listening than talking." Hugo lifts his eyebrow and adds, "And yes, some SUBTLE inquiries to the Conte about Mercury might be helpful, I just would like to know what we are up against." Beatrice grins, "Very well, I will ask him as discretely as possible."

Hugo stands up and puts his now empty glass of grappa on the table. "I need to do something Beatrice, will you accompany me?" Beatrice nods and then they stroll off towards Hugo's rooms, just on the other side of the wall. He walks into his apartment and approaches his desk, sitting down in the chair while Beatrice sits down beside him.

As Hugo rummages through his immense piles of papers, Beatrice asks, "Will you write a letter?" Hugo shakes his head, "Not this evening my dear .... I want to destroy that letter I started to write to Valerio Saturnines about investigating Mercury, I don't want anyone to find it. I shall burn so there's nothing left to chance, and I think I shall be patient," Hugo pulls out the unfinished letter and walks over to the fireplace, tossing the letter into the flame and watches as the page curls while it burns.

Beatrice looks over watching the letter go up in flames and says to Hugo, "A wise decision I think. But I still feel you should talk to Professore Stern."

"Do you honestly think I should?" Hugo asks. Beatrice replies, "Yes, I honestly do! He is totally to be relied upon," and watches as Hugo brushes a lock of hair from his face in exasperation. Beatrice smells the smell of burning hopes and says, "I hope your suspicions are wrong. Let's hope so. Mercury, despite all his faults, is a good person I think."

Beatrice gives Hugo a gentle hug and smiling back at her Hugo says, "Thank you my dear Beatrice and I will think about meeting Don Aldo and asking him about Mercury Gandt, but for now I shall be patient."

"Hugo, don't leave it too long ... if he is a sbirri agwent, we should be aware of it," Beatrice says and releases him from the hug. Hugo responds, "I understand ..... please don't fret ... I will take care of it," and kisses Beatrice's hand, gently. After Hugo bows and wishes her well, Beatrice insists it's time for some rest, for both of them.

Beatrice smiles and curtsies, "Buona sera dear Hugo," wanders out the door and disappears into the night.