Assignment Milan, page 10
Dearest Bianca,
A whirlpool has captured my life since we were last together. I wanted to join you in Siena to tell you about my induction into the guild, but the stars had other plans for me. These words are coming to you from Milan. Yes, Milan.
No sooner did I gain membership in the guild than I was offered a position in a newly formed commission and sent on a mission to Milan. There is much to tell you, too much for a letter. At least I can tell the latest good news: today, I presented my first case before a magistrate, and I won a favorable verdict. I often mused about my first case as a lawyer and wondered in which of Florence’s many tribunals I would begin my legal career. I never dreamed my first would be in a foreign country.
Sharing the details of these events is only one reason that I long to be with you. I miss you more each day and pray this mission will reach a favorable conclusion quickly so we can be together soon.
Your Nico
Since Nico was a Florentine envoy, his letters could be taken to the chancery in Florence by an official courier. A friend at the chancery would see that they were sent on to their final destinations. Nico sealed the letters, then he stared ahead at the blank wall to let his mind paint Bianca’s image. Her eyes came into focus first, bright and intelligent. Then the curve of her nose, her oval chin, and her flowing honey-gold hair.
18
Gaggiano
Traffic on the Naviglio Grande, grand canal, peaked in summer when barges carried grains and building stone from farms and quarries to the hub of the duchy, Milan. Late in the year, wood for heating and cooking fires was the only cargo, so very few boats traveled the waterway. Because the canal was barely wide enough for two barges to pass each other, steerman were attentive during the peak season when they applied all their skills to the task of maneuvering their unwieldy craft. In late season, they grew lax.
Antonio began piloting boats on Naviglio Grande in his teen years. As a young man, he paddled small craft carrying produce from outlying farms to the town of Gaggiano. In later years he advanced to ever-larger craft as his skills developed. Now he enjoyed the prestige of being a steerman on the largest barges permitted on the grand canal.
Steering big heavy boats required precise control. Their inertia kept them from turning quickly; every course change had to be planned and initiated well in advance.
As Antonio’s barge, piled high with logs from a forest near Lake Maggiore, floated by the town of Gaggiano, a pretty girl in a too-tight dress walking beside the canal caught Antonio’s attention. It mattered not that she was decades younger than he, younger even than his own daughter. The steerman did not move his eyes until his ears sent him the crunching sound of the boat striking the sidewall of the waterway. The impact dislodged two giant logs from the stack; they swept across the deck and into the water, nearly taking Antonio with them.
The impact sent the boat veering across the water toward the opposite bank. In a panic, Antonio shouted, “Stop! Stop!” to the horseman. He grabbed the long guide pole and plunged one end down to the canal’s muddy bottom. He braced a knee against the boat’s low rail for leverage and strained his biceps until they nearly popped. With all the strength he could muster, he pulled on the pole in a frantic effort to stop the barge’s wayward motion. Ever so slowly, the massive barge responded, finally becoming still in the water. Even though his hands were shaking and his heart was pounding, Antonio could not help but glance to the bank; the girl was no longer in sight.
“It is stuck on something,” Antonio called to the horseman.
The hooked end of his steering pole had snagged on an underwater object. He wiggled the pole, hoping to free it, but without success. He retrieved a coil of rope from the equipment locker, lashed one end to the pole, and tossed the other end to the horseman who attached it to the team’s harness. The powerful animals easily raised the pole, and with it the bookkeeper’s body, to the surface and up onto the bank.
The horseman had done a stint as a mercenary during the War of Succession, so the sight of Salvetti’s bloated body did not upset him as it did Antonio. “We should leave him. We need to go, or we will be late to Milan,” the horseman declared.
“We can’t do that,” Antonio protested. “If we leave the body, animals will feast on it. Whoever he is, he deserves a proper burial. I will go report him to the authorities in town. I will be quick.” They secured the craft to the side of the canal, and Antonio headed into town.
A short time later, a sergeant and a young recruit, returned with Antonio. The recruit had never seen death before, at least not death that turned the skin blue and swelled it as though it were pumped full of air. A wave of nausea made him turn away.
The sergeant gave his young colleague time to regain his composure, then said, “You must look at him. Think of the body as not a man, just an object pulled from the water, and tell me what you see.”
“He…I mean, the body is tied to a stone to hold it under the water. His death was not an accident.”
“Good. What else?”
Gradually the recruit regained an analytic perspective. “The skull is crushed, again proving that the death was not a suicide.” The young man shuddered as he added the obvious, “He was murdered.”
The sergeant nodded his agreement and said, “I do not recognize him. Do you?” The young officer merely shrugged. The sergeant continued, “Someone in the town may know of a missing person. We can ask at the shops, taverns, and churches, although I doubt that he’s a local. Many times, I have been called to disrupt heated disagreements and brawls, but I cannot believe that anyone in our town would commit murder. I suspect that he was thrown from a passing boat,”
Turning to Antonio, the sergeant said, “You may leave, but when you reach Milan, you must report this incident to the military. Tell them we are arranging to transport the body to Milan.” The army assumed jurisdiction over all difficult cases occurring in towns and outlying areas because the local authorities did not have the training or experience to investigate murders or other complex crimes.
To the recruit, the sergeant said, “Fetch Grisaldi. Ask him to come for the body. Tell him that it cannot be buried soon, so he must embalm it and prepare it for transport to Milan.”
A short time later, the doctor and two laborers returned with the young officer to the site where the body was stretched out on the ground, still bound to the heavy stone.
“The body was dragged out of the canal by a barge steerman. We did not move it while we waited for you,” the sergeant informed the doctor.
The doctor untied the rope and slid the stone aside. “From his color, he could have been in the canal for several days. It is difficult to say.” He leaned over to get a better look at the head. “This injury did not result from a fall into the canal. He was definitely struck with something. I agree with your conclusion that this was most likely a murder.”
The doctor kneeled to examine the body closely, looking for any other clues. After several minutes he stood and said, “I cannot find any other marks on the body, but the tunic is interesting. It is fine silk of an unusual style. No one in Gaggiano and few even in Milan wear this style. Quite possibly he is a foreigner.”
With his examination complete, the doctor instructed the laborers to transport the body to his office. He accompanied the sergeant to the town office to prepare the official report of the incident.
19
Pollo da Cielo restaurant, Milan
Midday bells summoned the three commissioners to the Pollo da Cielo, chicken from heaven, restaurant where they had agreed to meet for lunch. Scala’s friend Piero Tollino had recommended the restaurant, claiming, “Members of the Ducal Court all consider it a favorite.”
Massimo was already seated and sampling a glass of local wine when Nico arrived. When Vittorio arrived a short time later, he was greeted by two smiling colleagues holding their glasses high in the air. “A toast to you, investigator,” Massimo announced. “You are now a free man thanks to our talented lawyer.” He laughed as he added, “I passed the Florentine embassy this morning, and the two pathetic officers were still standing guard over your ghost. They had no idea that you had left the embassy. Apparently, their colleagues have not informed them that the confinement order has been lifted.”
Vittorio poured a measure of wine from the jug on the table, then raised his glass to acknowledge the greeting. “Now I no longer need to walk in the shadows.”
Massimo noticed that Vittorio did not express gratitude for Nico’s efforts and success. Perhaps Vittorio does not yet appreciate the benefit of our working together as a team, he thought.
Nico, who did not weigh Vittorio’s words, proceeded to describe the situation. “The magistrate not only ended your confinement; he also granted you the authority to conduct your own investigation, although that authority might be temporary. He intends to review the obscure document that I cited. If he disagrees with my interpretation, he may reverse his ruling, so work fast.
“I was fortunate to have drawn an unbiased magistrate, but there might also be another factor that influenced the magistrate’s decision. In Milan, all diplomatic matters fall within the Privy Council's purview, so the magistrate was overstepping his jurisdiction by hearing the case. Perhaps he feared that if he ruled against me, I would appeal to the Privy Council and he would be reprimanded for overstepping his authority.”
Massimo said, “I would venture that he was intimidated by your legal prowess.” He grinned, then recounted his own morning activities. “I went to meet Portinari at his house to escort him to the bank. He lives on a farm outside the city. His wife was raised at a vineyard in Chianti, and she wants to carry on her family tradition by having her own vineyard. They rented a farmhouse surrounded by land where she has begun growing a variety of Oltrepò Pavese grapes.
“Portinari rides to work each day in a carriage, and fortunately for me, the carriage is kept at a stable just beyond the city wall. It is a short walk from our guesthouse to the stable, and from there, I ride with the carriage driver to meet Portinari.”
“You had better hope the news does not reach Florence that you are using your status as a Florentine envoy to travel through the Duchy of Milan in a carriage,” Nico quipped. Then in a serious tone, he asked, “Is Portinari concerned about his safety?”
“No, at least he says he is not,” Massimo replied. “However, his wife became concerned when she heard of Salvetti’s abduction. I had a chance to speak with her while Portinari was dressing. Her fear was heightened upon hearing the speculation that Salvetti might have been taken in error and that Portinari might have been the intended target. She is grateful that I am accompanying Portinari as a precaution but even that measure has not relieved her worry completely.”
Nico leaned toward Vittorio and jested, “Should we warn Portinari not to let his wife alone with this handsome soldier?”
Massimo responded in kind, “Portinari need not worry about his wife because there is a kitchen wench in the house who is eager to pluck my codpiece. When word reached her that I am a Florentine envoy, she invited me into the kitchen to sample her dumplings. I used to think that the fancy dress uniform of an army captain was the ideal accessory for enticing women, but if this maid’s behavior is typical, army uniforms don’t impress women nearly as much as diplomatic titles.”
Returning to a serious tone, Massimo continued. “Portinari wanted to arrive at the bank earlier than usual this morning. He gave no details except to say there is an opportunity to finance a new business venture. The project will be very profitable for its funders, and Portinari wants to be sure the Medici bank submits a winning proposal.”
Vittorio said, “The bank employees I spoke with this morning were also excited about the new business ventures. It is commendable for employees to be so enthusiastic about their work, but their fervor detracted from my purpose. It took pressure to keep them focused on the issue of whether Salvetti had any personal problems that might be the motive for his abduction. None of them recalled Salvetti mentioning gambling, drinking, or having an affair with a married woman. To the contrary, they all gave the impression that Salvetti should be a candidate for sainthood. Either he had no vices, or he hid them well from all his colleagues.”
Vittorio paused to refill his wine glass before continuing. “There are other employees I have not yet interviewed; however, if they also confirm that Salvetti did not have any personal problems, I will need to shift my attention to other possible reasons for the abduction.”
“Perhaps that Portinari was the intended target?” Nico posited.
“That may be more difficult to discover,” Vittorio responded. “Salvetti worked closely with others at the bank, men with whom he might share his feelings and problems. As the bank manager, Portinari is somewhat isolated from others, so he might keep his problems to himself.”
Conversation ceased when their meals arrived. “These are thin slices of breast meat from our own farm-raised chickens,” the server boasted as he set plates before each of the men.
After the dessert course, the server brought complimentary glasses of a digestivo. A few sips of the potent liquid drained the stresses of the day. Before he grew too relaxed, Nico decided to share an idea he had been mulling since he returned from the tribunal. “In his ruling this morning, the magistrate authorized us to conduct our investigation into the disappearance of Signor Salvetti, but he did not agree to have the guardia cooperate or share information with us. The guardia sees Vittorio’s efforts as adversarial. I believe it could be advantageous for us to establish a more cordial relationship with the guardia and the prosecutors. It may be too late to help with this case, but a warm relationship could be beneficial in the future.”
“What are you proposing exactly?” Massimo asked.
“If Vittorio agrees, I would like to approach Messer Avocino, the prosecution lawyer who represented the guardia, and offer to share with him the information that Vittorio has uncovered.”
Massimo asked, “Why would you contact the lawyer rather than the guardia?”
“Vittorio has a low opinion of the investigator, and after watching him this morning, I share that opinion.”
Before Nico could continue, Vittorio interjected, “Saying that I have a low opinion of him does not accurately portray my feelings. He is an ass who has no right to call himself an investigator.”
Nico continued, “My brief interaction with Messer Avocino leads me to believe he is a competent lawyer who believes in justice. The magistrate was harsh with him this morning, undeservedly so in my view. Since the guardia is unwilling to cooperate with us directly, Messer Avocino might be willing to be the conduit for exchanging information between us and the guardia. Of course, I will only pursue this path if Vittorio agrees.”
Nico waited for Vittorio’s reaction. Vittorio brushed a wayward lock of hair and took another sip of digestivo before responding. “My goal is to solve this crime as quickly as possible. If my findings help to motivate the local authorities, then I have no objection to sharing information with them.”
“Will you join me when I meet with Avocino?” Nico asked. “You are the source of the information we have to share, so you should receive the credit for it.”
“I do not seek credit. Chasing after accolades is counterproductive. My time is best spent interviewing bank employees.” Upon seeing Nico’s eagerness dissolve, Vittorio added, “However, I can spare a brief time to join you.”
20
Avocino’s office, Milan
Prosecutors for the Duchy of Milan had offices in the district guardia headquarters. Messer Avocino’s office was on the building’s third level, one level above the courtroom where Nico had appeared earlier in the day. The building had a stairway that allowed access to the upper levels without passing through the guardia offices. The arrangement pleased Vittorio, who wished to avoid any chance encounter with the incompetent investigator.
Avocino was surprised, but not displeased, to see Nico at his doorway. He gestured for Nico and Vittorio to enter and be seated.
Nico began, “Messer Avocino, allow me to introduce Vittorio Colombo. He was the absent defendant in the proceeding this morning, the one who had been confined in the Florentine embassy.”
“I trust that you are enjoying your freedom,” Avocino said. “Restricting you to the embassy was an unkind gesture. Milan is a vibrant city, and everyone should have the opportunity to cherish it. I am sorry you were deprived of that opportunity until now. I hope the experience did not tarnish your view irreparably and that you will make time to discover the many treasures of our city.”
Vittorio responded dispassionately, “I am here to locate an abductee and to apprehend his abductors. Being able to move freely through the city will help me to achieve those objectives.”
Avocino turned to Nico. “Does your presence here mean you are unhappy with the magistrate’s ruling? I thought he was more than fair.” Avocino chuckled, “And in what musty old archive did you find the document that you cited?”
“Yes, I agree that the magistrate’s ruling was just. I spent hours in the chancery archive hunting through documents before finding the agreement that I referenced.” Nico smiled, “And the archive is, as you said, in a musty old barn. I understand the need to protect the sovereignty of the duchy and its agencies, but I believe that the best way to solve Signor Salvetti’s abduction is through cooperation. Even though the guardia is under no obligation to share information, Signor Colombo is prepared to disclose the findings of his investigation with the hope that they can be helpful to the guardia.”
Avocino inhaled deeply and leaned back in his chair, relieved that Nico’s purpose was not an adversarial confrontation. “That is a generous proposal.” Avocino’s brow furrowed as he decided how to proceed. “The investigator you encountered is not representative of the many fine members of the guardia. I have worked with the captain of this district for many years. He is astute and open-minded, and I am confident he will welcome your offer. May I invite him to join us?”
