The Mascherari: A Novel of Venice Read Online Free Page A

his felt footsteps seemed more hurried than when he had first greeted me.
    Was I imagining it, or was Almoro Donato shaking with fear?    
    “Yes, yes, I understand that investigative work is not what you had envisaged, Antonio, but a serious occurrence has come to pass.  It is a crime of such sinister nature. Please sit,” he said and gestured to a high back studded chair. I reached for the seat, my mood as dark as the black of my tabard. Almoro seemed agitated as he rifled in his drawer.
    “The Consiglio is taking this very seriously in light of Carnivale,” he began. “Morality, you understand? Morality must be upheld for the peace and continuing order of La Serenissima.  There is one problem.  We’ve already much on our hands with the upcoming election and now with the rebuilding of the Ziani Palace.  Admiral Pietro Loredano is keeping us on our toes.  He is far too popular.  Senator Malipiero is being his bitter self at every Pregadi session.  It never ends. Francesco Foscari may well win the next Doge election and we must, you understand, we must be prepared for any changes to the Consiglio... Antonio, are you listening?  I need you to take on this case. We have a good moment before the Collegio holds its next session. The Doge is still to arrive, if he has awoken at all.  Please do sit.”
    I sat still, unconvinced. I had slept badly again, haunted by the wailing woman, and the sudden turn of events disoriented me.
    “The Ziani Palace?” I asked, confused.
    “Mocenigo has asked that it be rebuilt. I, for one could not agree more to the Doge’s motion. The place is in shambles since the fire a few years ago. It has been decided that the Western wing will be expanded toward the Basilica. There is this, and there is the refurbishing that you no doubt noticed in the Southern wing when you gazed upon Guariento di Arpo’s fresco on your first visit. The inauguration of the new Sala di Maggior Consiglio draws near.  There is much on our hands. And now we have…” His voice fell back.
    I was ill-prepared for Almoro’s next words. He leaned across and looked into my eyes, before continuing in a hushed voice.
    “A Venetian merchant of the name Giacomo Contarini has been murdered overnight in San Marco.”
    I started.
    “Giacomo Contarini! Murdered?”
    Almoro’s eyebrows met with force.
    “At the unfortunate period preceding Carnivale, yes. The circumstances of his murder are of such a nature that I was convinced you would be the most suitable person to hold an inquest.  Your contribution to the arrest of the harelip murderer, several years ago, did not go unnoticed.”
    “But Almoro, I’ve not held the role of inquisitor for some time now since my marriage.”
    He waved a hand in my face and resumed.
    “It was a difficult case and you persisted. I have spoken highly of your merits. You will report to me at all times. The Consiglio must be given the opportunity to interfere at any time depending on your findings. Antonio, are you willing to take the case of Giacomo Contarini’s murder?”
    “You said Giacomo Contarini?” The patrician’s cruel eyes flashed in my memory.
    “A merchant from the Santa Maria Formosa Parish. What is it? You know him?”
    “I...well... Murdered, you say? Signor Donato, that is remarkable. Only two days ago I met this man in Santa Croce. Saw him as I see you, strong as a boar and…”
    He stared back at me for a long moment with slight irritation.
    “Coincidences, Antonio, and nothing more.”
    He presented me with a leather case filled with loose sheets of Fabriano paper.
    “Here are his books and accounts, if they at all help with the case.”
    “Yes, but what I meant to say, Almoro, is that…I saw him and his trade partners...”
    “Men of repute and highly respected in all Venezia. The matter is obscure, Antonio. Three of Giacomo’s partners also met their deaths last night. Listen to me carefully. The signori di notte have found five cadavers in one