Nick picked up the conversation with Maria. “If we’re going through the service entrance, does that mean we might get a peek at the curator’s area? I’m a huge museum buff. I would love to see a little behind the scenes, if we’re allowed.” I wasn’t sure if Nick was using his persuasion on this sweet girl, which was his special gift, but hey, whatever worked.
“Occasionally, we’re allowed to bring tours into the secure areas,” she admitted. “But we usually have to request prior approval.” Her eyes lit up. “But you’re in luck, as our main curator is in attendance. He only arrives from Milan once a month.” She took keys out of her pocket to unlock a small, unassuming door. “If you stay here in the vestibule, I will go ask permission to take you through.”
“Thank you so much, Maria,” Lucas said as we crowded in. “Tell him I’m here as well. He and I are old friends. We will await your return.”
My nose was on high alert, but I wasn’t picking up anything unusual. Just a lot of paint, plaster, dust, and people. No power signatures from any supernaturals. I wasn’t the one with the super scent, however. I casually glanced at my brother. “Finding anything of interest?”
He shook his head as he turned in a circle. “We’re only a few feet inside the building. Give me a minute.”
“Picking up on any magic?” I asked Marcy.
“Nada. This place is dry. But I am getting a rather creepy sense of foreboding. That could be the nature of the building, though. These old places are ghostly hideouts.” She rubbed her arms as James pulled her to his side. “I hate specters. They’re so incorporeal and rude.”
Maria came back a few minutes later wearing a bright smile. “You’ve been approved! I can take you through. Please follow me.”
Lucas grinned as we began to walk. “It is your lucky day,” he said.
My eyebrows rose. “Why’s that?”
“Because Leonardo Russo doesn’t agree to see just anyone.”
9
“Leonardo Russo?” I asked as we followed Maria through a long, narrow passageway. The name had no meaning to me. The back rooms of the gallery were how you’d expect a museum to look: art on shelves in various degrees of rehab, tools, clutter, stuff stacked in corners.
Overall, a calculated mess.
It was interesting, but my mind was occupied elsewhere.
“Of course,” Lucas answered. “You’re here to see Leo, aren’t you? That’s the reason we came to Accademia in the first place. You’re not actually interested in the art. You wanted to find a powerful supernatural, and he’s likely the one you’re looking for.”
“Er…” I quirked an eyebrow, both wanting to divulge our mission, and not. It seemed Lucas was cagier than he’d let on, and I’d underestimated him. “It might be? I guess it depends on who exactly Leo is.”
“I understand your trepidation and lack of trust. We just met,” Lucas said. “But it’s misguided. I am completely trustworthy. I mean, it’s not every day that I get to be in the company of Jessica McClain.” He grinned, giving me a saucy wink. “I won’t betray you.”
I stumbled and had to grab on to his arm to steady myself. “What do you know about me?”
“Quite a bit,” he replied casually. “Every time something new happens in our world, we gather around to hear the latest. Word travels fast. When you took out that powerful supernatural in the Underworld, Lili something-or-other, everything changed here, and supernaturals became fearful of what’s to come. Julian is both excited by your arrival and very anxious. He is hoping to glean information from you, so he can decide what needs to be done. You weren’t exactly forthcoming at breakfast.” He smiled. “Good strategy.”
I’d had no idea people were talking about me on such a large scale.
I was a little aghast. “Do you know why I’m here in Florence?”
He shook his head. “No, not exactly. Obviously, you have friends missing and hope to find them here. But your arrival happened so quickly, and with so little notice, no one knows your true intent.” I was relieved he didn’t have more specifics. It would not be good if everyone knew our day-to-day business.
I asked, “What did you mean when you said so Julian ‘can decide what needs to be done’? Is his Pack allegiance compromised to the other wolves?” Ahead, Maria stopped. Lucas and I had dropped back, everyone hearing our conversation and letting us be. Nick asked Maria a question, so she was occupied for the moment.
“Julian’s allegiance has always been to Julian alone,” Lucas replied, trying to be discreet. “I expect him to make wrong decisions regarding you moving forward.”
I appraised this hybrid wolf in a new light. “Why are you trusting me with this highly sensitive information? It’s risky for you to go against your Pack. Your Alpha will not be happy if he finds out.”
Lucas shrugged. “I’ve lived my entire life at the bottom. Julian has not been kind to me. He let me accompany you today because he feels I’m worthless and know little to nothing about Pack proceedings. Even if I had something to share, he feels it will be of no use to you. I owe my allegiance to the Coalition, as does every other supernatural in the world. You are the higher power, not Julian.” He inclined his head. “You have my trust and my fealty.” I was happy he didn’t drop to one knee. That would’ve alarmed the human.
I was overwhelmed.
Maria tapped softly on the closed door in front of her. “Signore Russo, may we enter?” She smiled over her shoulder. “This is the main sculpture room. It’s a place where most of the statues are stored, repaired, and replaced. It is quite a sight to see and is as big as a warehouse. When Signore Russo is in the building, he usually resides here.”
“You may enter,” a voice intoned.