States of Grace Read Online Free PDF

tell you, Zio, that Basilio Cuor is a most … a most unprepossessing individual.”
    “I have seen him. I know how he presents himself. It would be a mistake to think that he is as incapable as he appears.” Christofo Sen continued to stare at his nephew.
    After a short time, Leoncio grew uncomfortable under this scrutiny, and he tugged at his narrow lace collar and coughed to conceal his growing disquiet. “I am sure he has been most useful to you. His … his performance is most convincing. I believed him on sight.”
    “You should strive for such accomplishment yourself, Nipote,” said his uncle, then drew up a high-backed upholstered chair and stared at Leoncio. “And to accomplish it as cleanly as he does.”
    “Cleanly?” Leoncio looked astonished.
    “Better than extorting money to keep secrets,” said Christofo Sen.
    “It spares you from having to provide me extra funds.” Leoncio’s voice was snide.
    “Cuor is still more honorable in his calling.” His uncle spat in disgust.
    “Are you sure he is reliable?” Leoncio could not keep from asking.
    “He has proved to be so over the years, which is in itself a sign of merit; not many men get old in his line of work. Make no mistake, Nipote: Basilio Cuor is a very able, very dangerous man.”
    “He implied as much,” said Leoncio.
    “He wasn’t boasting,” said Christofo. “He is subtle and deceptive. Many have been revealed as traitors because of his relentlessness.”
    “Mightn’t he deceive you, as well as another?” Leoncio dared to ask.
    “It could be possible, I suppose, but if he has done so, there is no sign of it, and in the world of secrets, such betrayals cannot long be concealed. In the time he has served me, he has proven to be loyal.” He pressed his thin lips together while he contemplated Leoncio again. Finally, as if making up his mind, he said, “You have another responsibility being thrust upon you: I want you to seek out Padre Egidio Duradante.”
    “The courier for Pope Clemente?” Leoncio was surprised.
    “Pope Clemente! Ha! That de’ Medici bastard! Pope, indeed! Lackey to the Emperor is more like!” Christofo burst out, then calmed himself. “At least Fiorenzan influence is fading at the Papal Court.”
    “Clemente was taken prisoner,” Leoncio said, clearly thinking this a failing. “He allowed Roma to be sacked.”
    “The Spanish troops didn’t ask his permission,” said Christofo, smiling bleakly. “Find Padre Duradante and make him your friend. We need a confidant with the Pope’s ear.”
    “Why should I be the one to speak to Padre Duradante?” Leoncio asked.
    “Because he, like you, enjoys gaming, and that will provide a common interest so that your friendship will not be seen as what it is,” said Christofo. “I understand that he frequents the Casetta Santa Perpetua. You must know where it is.”
    “I do, I do,” said Leoncio, a bit awkwardly.
    “And I assume you are known there?” His uncle watched him expectantly.
    “Yes. They know me,” Leoncio admitted, and hastened to ask, “How soon do you want me to begin with Padre Duradante?”
    “Oh, as soon as possible. If this evening is not spoken for, you might venture there. Now that the weather is improving, evenings are busy again.”
    “Won’t there be trouble? Gamblers can be imprisoned if they—” Leoncio stopped in embarrassment.
    “You made the mistake of gambling during Lent, Leoncio. You mustn’t be surprised that you were punished for it. You are not so minor a person that no one will report your misdeeds.” He cleared his throat. “Now that Easter is past, gambling is thriving once more without hindrance, and Padre Duradante is a great exponent of that skill. You need not lose too much to him. In fact, if possible, do not lose any amount to him.” This last was filled with meaning.
    “I have thanked you for paying my debts, Zio, and I am serving you now in order to repay your generosity: I am cognizant of my