Belly of the Beast

Chapter 16

After the hearing, everyone was ready to run from the building and never look back. Okay, that was me, but George and his son, Travis, saw a need and decided to join us for our sightseeing tour. Vincent hadn't taken his father's lapel pin out of his pocket, and he kept his hand tucked inside his jacket as we made the chilly walk across the Castelvecchio Bridge.

"It doesn't look as old up close," Griffin said as she touched the red and orange bricks. "I'm sure the original was much prettier."

"You'll like the museum better," Travis told her as he kept a vigil at her shoulder. "My favorite is the sword taken from Castelvecchio's sarcophagus. What's your weapon of choice, Griffin?"

Griffin's face flushed at Travis's question, although I couldn't understand why. They were both gollums. "When I spar, I use my talons more than anything."

"I had you pegged for a talons fighter," he said with a smile. "I saw you clenching your fists during the hearing."

"Oh, that. It's a habit I'm trying to break."

Their banter continued as we made our way to the museum, with Travis keeping Griffin mute for most of it. She was obviously taken by him, which was putting her off her game. When everyone had settled into the quiet murmur of the museum, I took the opportunity to query Vincent.

"How old is Travis?"

"He's fifteen."

"Has Griffin ever had a crush before?"

Vincent looked at me as if he was just realizing why I was questioning him. Then he followed my gaze to Griffin, who huddled next to Travis as they peered through a glass case filled with jewelry. "She and Damon Cromwell have shown an interest in each other."

"Rafael's little brother? Are you sure that's not just puppy love? Look at her, Vincent. She's speechless in Travis's presence. That never happens to Griffin."

"You're right about that. Too bad he lives in San Francisco."

"Well, if George is named high magister, then we can visit more often."

"Do you really want to facilitate a long-distance relationship, Reese? When Griffin comes of age, she will have to make the choice to leave her domus. It could be a harsh blow if she has to tell him no."

When Vincent finished his speech, I remembered the letter I'd found under the nightstand, illustrating just how harsh a blow like that can be. My pensive silence must have alerted him.

"No, I don't regret my relationship with Angelique," he said as he tipped my chin up to capture me. "She helped make me the tolerable gollum I am today. Before her, I was all beast. You wouldn't have given me the time of day."

Vincent took my hand and held it for the rest of the museum tour. Afterwards, we ate lunch at a place George recommended overlooking the Adige River. Here, Griffin found herself again, and she talked through the entire meal. When the sky grew dark, we parted with George and Travis and made for the airport.

On the flight to London, Griffin had gone quiet again, occupying herself with looking out the window. Of course, there was nothing to see but black sky and faraway stars. Was she thinking about Travis? Did she want to be out there, flying into his arms?

Vincent patted my leg. "Why don't you rest, Reese?"

"Not a fan of airplanes, remember? I need to be awake in case we careen toward the ground."

"You know I would never let you go down with the plane." He offered a covert smile as he dove in for a kiss. I knew he could save me from a fiery plane crash. Hell, I could probably save myself. But what about everyone else?