The Masked Butler: The Pit and the Pendulum

The Doctor From Baztan

Nico and Francis found the dinner table ready and waiting for them, with a good deal of food set out on the table. Nicholas sat at the head, with Catherine across from him. Upon entering the dining room, Nicholas asked that Francis sit on one side of the table and Nico on the other. While there could be more chairs at the table than the eight present, the table wasn't so long that they felt like they had to shout to have a conversation. The four sat down to eat their supper.

"So, you live in Italy, right, Mr. di Angelo?" asked Nicholas.

"Yes sir," said Nico.

He glanced between Francis and Nico. "In a way, I can understand how you two could be related, seeing as how Elizabeth . . . came here to live with me." He turned to Nico. "So I assume your mother did the same?"

Nico and Francis glanced at each other. Francis merely took a sip of his wine. Nico pursed his lips. Well, guess it was time for him to take a turn telling a story. "Actually, my father was kind enough to allow my sister and I to take my mother's maiden name so the family name wouldn't be lost."

"Really?" asked Catherine. "I didn't know you could do that."

Nico nodded. "Oh yes, it requires special permission from several people, including my grandfather and the mayor, but it can be done."

"And how is your family?" asked Nicholas.

Nico gulped. His host didn't know the Pandora's box he was opening. "My, my mother and my sister were murdered some years ago," Nico said in barely a whisper.

Catherine gasped and covered her mouth as she shot Nicholas a look. Nicholas also gasped, but then spoke in a soft voice. "I am so sorry to hear that. Then you understand somewhat my pain."

"Yes," whispered Nico, "somewhat." There was a moment of silence while they ate. Francis shot Nico an apologetic look. Nico shot him a soft, reassuring smile in return. It wasn't their fault, they just didn't know. Well, now they did.

After a few minutes of silence, Catherine decided to change the subject. "Um, where, where exactly do you live, Mr. di Angelo?"

"On the family's personal island in Venice," said Nico before taking a bite of food.

"You have a whole island to yourself?" asked Nicholas. Nico nodded. "That must be really nice."

"You have no idea," mumbled Nico.

"And you, Mr. Barnard, do you live in London?" asked Catherine.

Francis nodded. "Yes, with some friends while we finish up our college. And you, Dona?"

"In Barcelona, with an aunt." She glanced at Nicholas. "I only came for a couple of days the first time as my aunt needed help in other matters. Those matters are finally finished, so I came again to take care of Nicholas."

"For which I am very grateful," said Nicholas. All four jumped when a loud banging was heard at the front door. From where Nico was sitting, he had a full view of the sitting room. Maximilian walked towards the front door.

Catherine glanced at Nicholas in shock. "Who would that be?" Nicholas shrugged before glancing at the living room. His eyes widened when he saw Maximilian lead in a well-dressed gentleman. Francis turned to look, but he couldn't see as well as Nico could. Nicholas shot Catherine a glance before rising from his chair and walking into the living room to greet the newcomer. Maximilian took the man's hat and coat and walked away as Nicholas approached him and shook hands with him.

"Nicholas! How are you, my friend? You look pale. Did you sleep badly?"

Nicholas glanced at the table with a hint of concern. "Charles, we have a couple of visitors." Nico and Francis glanced at each other.