The Secret Supper by Javier Sierra

Author:Javier Sierra [Javier Sierra]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2011-04-15T21:00:00+00:00

28

Indeed, the master of the house was not long in returning. His servants had cleared away all traces of the duel and the dwelling had recovered its comfortable and untidy look.

Oliverio Jacaranda could not hide his satisfaction. He had washed and perfumed himself, and was dressed in a new wool garment that reached his feet. He greeted his daughter and invited me to pass into his study, to talk in private.

“I know that my work doesn’t please men of the cloth like yourself, Father Agostino.”

His first words disconcerted me: Jacaranda spoke a mixture of Spanish and Milanese dialect that lent his speech a peculiar tone. In fact, everything about the man was peculiar, even his study, full of curious musical instruments, strange paintings and the remains of ancient masonry.

“Are you surprised by what you see?” His question interrupted my perusal of the place. “Let me explain: my work consists of rescuing from oblivion those things that our ancestors left beneath the earth. Sometimes there are coins, sometimes nothing but bones, often the effigies of pagan gods that, according to such men as you, should never be allowed to resurface. I love those statues that date back to Imperial Rome. They are beautiful, well proportioned…perfect. And expensive. Very expensive. My business, why deny it, is better than ever.”

Jacaranda poured out some wine in silver goblets and offered me one, before continuing proudly:

“Maria must have informed you that the Holy Father gives his blessing to my activities. In fact, years ago, when he was still a cardinal, he reserved for himself the privilege of seeing my pieces before anyone else. He chooses what he wants and pays generously.”

“She did mention it,” I said. “But I doubt if you’ve sent for me merely to inform me of your business.”

The master of the house let escape a small cynical laugh.

“I know well who you are, Father Agostino. A few days ago you presented yourself as an inquisitor to the duke’s officials and asked to pay your respects before the funeral of Donna Beatrice. You come from Rome. You’re lodging in the monastery of Santa Maria and you spend your time trying to solve Latin conundrums. As you can see, you can keep no secrets from me, Father.”

Jacaranda drank a sip of wine and corrected himself:

“Hardly any.”

“I don’t understand,” I said.

“I’ll come to the point. You seem like an intelligent man and perhaps you can help me solve a problem we both have in common. I mean Father Alessandro’s death, Father.”

At last he had mentioned the dead librarian.

“Long before you arrived in Milan, he and I were the best of friends. I might even say that we were associates. Father Alessandro acted as intermediary between some of the most important families in Milan and my business. Through him, I would inform them of my antiquarian offerings without raising suspicions among the clergy, and Father Alessandro would then receive a certain payment for the service.”

The antiquarian’s words took me aback.

“Does it surprise you, Father? Other priests in Bologna, Ferrara and Siena assist me in similar tasks.

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