Kidnapped

This one is to clear up any confusion caused by "Fragments".

"Why me?" I was asking in despair. I've never hurt a fly and found myself suddenly kidnapped. I was very short before my due date, which made things not easier. I found an answer to my question, when I was forced by my kidnappers to speak to a total stranger on the phone. The kidnappers believed the stranger, who was called Fin, was my husband. A mistake. My real husband is a soldier and was at the time on tour in Afghanistan. Fin confirmed it was a case of mistaken identity. The kidnappers' target had been Fin's wife, who was also pregnant and Latina like me. I was of course scared. For the child's sake I tried to stay calm. Fin promised me to try and get me released as soon as possible. I hoped the police was arriving soon. It took more than two weeks and the cavalry arriving wasn't the police, but mercenaries or so I thought.

There were four guys, who were guarding me twenty four hours a day. Two were okay - they took care their partners in crime didn't get out of hand - but the other two I was worried about. One of them liked to rough handle me and pushing me around a bit when I had to go to toilet, which was often due to the baby squeezing my bladder. The other stared at me, when he thought I wasn't watching. He never dared to touch me, but alone the looks sent a shiver down my spine. There was also their boss Damien, who came sometimes to visit. He was self-assured and from what I understood Fin, to whom I've spoken a second time, was going to organize something for Damien. Since I had seen my hostage takers faces I was sure they would kill me as soon as Fin had done their bidding. What if I couldn't rely on Fin and he hadn't contacted the police or would not do the job Damien had asked him to do? What if the baby was arriving earlier than thought? I started to get insane with worry. Besides I was bored like hell. There was nothing to do. My body ached in every position due to my huge tummy. At least the unborn was active. A good sign I thought. My hostage takers also fed me regularly. They weren't prepared for a pregnant woman. They brought take aways. The portions were too large and too few. In the last trimester I had started eating five or six small portions instead of three square meals a day, because I couldn't eat so much in one go. The Chinese food caused me heartburn. Since the kidnappers weren't Latin American origin, they didn't consider to bring me something Mexican, which I really craved.

More than two weeks had passed. Damien had arrived to discuss some issues with the other guys. They were looking up in surprise, when a truck approached. Damien sent one of his henchmen to the front door to check the situation out. It was the one who liked to stare at me. The situation was tense. Everything went haywire. When the guy opened the door, pistol at the ready, he was shot. At the same time we were attacked from all angles. Three men entered via the roof, one of the two windows and the back door. They all had machine guns and mowed my kidnappers down. I screamed in shock.
To my dismay Damien dived behind me and before I could react had me in an iron grip and a loaded gun pressed to my temple. He tried to escape through the back door. I was of course frightened, but also thought I couldn't stand being a hostage any longer. Seeing my chance I stomped heartily on his foot. Damien cried out and released me. I jumped out of the way clumsily. Machine guns trained on the ring leader, but he escaped unharmed through the back. I thought my nightmare was finally over, but suddenly I felt something wet dripping down my legs. At first I thought I had peed into my panties, when the attack started. Pain settled in nearly immediately. I realized I was in labor and wanted to cry. There was nobody to support me. At home in Wyoming I had chosen my neighbor to be my birthing partner and close friend, since I knew my husband wasn't going to be at the birth. "Elizabeth, are you alright?" A female in a courier uniform asked in Spanish. "Yes... No." I replied. She was tall and had black hair, olive skin and brown eyes. It seemed she was married, because she was wearing a gold ring on the left ring finger. Her name was Nicola. "I... My labor has started." "We'll better get you checked out at a hospital. Antonio, can you call round which hospital is nearest? I think Fin mentioned something like the Mercy and Baptist and maybe the South Miami Hospital." Nicola's calmness and Antonio's quick nod, re-assured and soothed me. Another wave of contractions hit me. I groaned with the pain. "Take a deep breath. Yes, that's good." Nicola guided me through the contraction. Antonio in the meantime called the hospitals. He looked exotic. Antonio was not that tall, in his mid-thirties and had light brown hair, almond shaped black eyes and caramel colored skin. He paced impatiently up and down, while waiting for the different hospitals replies. The Baptist was willing to take me. It was the furthest away. We drove there. The midwife was very good, but told us it was too early, so I wasn't admitted. Grey, who was driving and another person, who had helped free me, said he would bring us to the house of his friend. He was African American and very inconspicuous. We went to Miami Beach. Finally I met Fin. To my surprise he wasn't Hispanic. He was taller than Nicola, light ash blond and had blue grey eyes. Based on the Spanish Nicola and the others spoke I thought they were Colombian Americans. Antonio had a slightly different lilt and Fin's accent was there, but difficult to place. Antonio updated Fin what had happened. To my amazement Fin's eyes turned blue, when he heard Damien had escaped, then suddenly grey. I hadn't seen that in any other person so far. To my surprise Fin also apologized, admitting it was his fault I had been kidnapped. He looked contrite and said he was also sorry that the stress of being a hostage and the shoot-out had caused the premature labor. I absolved him. The baby might would have been born earlier than planned anyway. I only hoped she was healthy. Nicola promised to stay with me during the birth. She told me she had one small son herself. While Antonio regaled me with growing up in Ibiza - that explained his accent -, Fin took Grey aside. Antonio stared at them. There were some tensions, which I didn't have an explanation for. Nicola noticed I was following the men. She rolled her eyes and simply said: "Male and their blood lust." She shut up, when Antonio shot her a poisonous glare. I assumed it had something to do with Damien escaping. I didn't want to know too much. The guys asked me if I wanted to go to the police. There were some more tensions. Sensing they would prefer if the police could be kept out, I decided I owed them and wouldn't press the matter with law enforcement. They were visibly relieved.

To take off my mind from the pain, I decided on a name for my daughter.
I knew I was expecting a girl. My husband and I hadn't been able to agree on what to call her. Being grateful I considered naming her after Fin, but his full name was Coldham Fintan and that was unsuitable. I also didn't consider Grey, so I choose Nicola Antonia Barreintos after rolling the names around my tongue.

Finally the contractions were only a few minutes apart and we went back to the hospital. I got an epidural, because I felt wasn't going to be able to cope with the strength of the contractions. Finally I held my daughter in hands. From the time when the waters broke till the last push 9 hours had passed. Nickie was red and wrinkled, but for me she was the most beautiful baby ever. I thought Nickie looked a bit like her father. Thank goodness my daughter didn't suffer any negative effects from being born too early. We could leave the hospital a day later.

The kidnapping marked me. I had flash backs and nightmares for a long time. My trust in strangers was gone. For a while I saw hostage takers around each corner or behind every bush. If I wouldn't have had Nickie I would have buried myself at home and been a reclusive. She forced me to go out and encounter people every day. Slowly I returned to my old self.

My husband didn't notice the changes. He was either on tour or too concerned with himself and getting used to Nickie.

Every year on Nickie's birthday a gift arrived for her anonymous. I guessed they were from Fin.

I never saw him or any of my rescuers again beside Nicola, who stayed in contact.

©2014

The Real Andreas Lucarini

Augustus Shelton was having lunch with his mother Audrey. They were African Americans and looked similar with the same cinnamon colored skin and facial features. Audrey frowned disapproving, when Augustus' telephone was ringing. She took a sip from her iced tea. Audrey wore a Vien Te outfit, she found during her trip to Vancouver. The white trousers, blazer and top accentuated her darker skin.
Her son had dressed up for the occasion, too. Instead of the usual t-shirt and shorts, he wore a dark brown cord trouser and a yellow polo shirt.
Augustus cleaned his mouth and hands with a napkin. He was eating sliders, while his mother had a hash with fish and ham.
"Hello?" He said. "Oh, hi Fin." He ignored Audrey rolling her eyes. Augustus knew Audrey didn't like he took the call. Sharing a meal and taking a call were incompatible for her. She listened in anyway. "Yes, sure I can come. No problem. I'm busy at the moment, but maybe next week. How is she?... Glad to hear it. Okay, just give me a sec and I'll write down the address." When Augustus was finished Audrey asked who this had been. "An old friend of mine. He has problems with his laptop and asked me to take care of it." "Can't he go somewhere else?" Augustus' friend couldn't. He was a master burglar - one of the best in fact, so he couldn't let just anyone repair his laptop. "Since Fin had a few bad experiences with others, he only trusts me." The lie came easy across Augustus' lips. Augustus had a few secrets. His mother didn't know he was gay or that he was a criminal. Augustus was a hacker. "When he is such a dear friend, why doesn't he come to you instead. You have enough on your plate!" "Fin's wife is 7 months pregnant. He doesn't want to leave her alone." It made Audrey shut up. She only wished her husband would have been so considerate, when they were expecting their children. Audrey sighed. Well, it were different times then.

Fin had told Augustus he was working incognito at a company called M&M Designs in Miami, his home town, under the name of Andreas Lucarini and Augustus should come to this place. Augustus went to the company and asked for Fin. "Mr. Lucarini is coming down in a moment," The receptionist advised, "please take a seat." Augustus didn't believe his eyes. The man emerging from the elevator was about six foot tall, had red hair and green eyes. It wasn't his friend Fin, who was 2 inches taller, light ash blond and blue grey eyed. "Mr. Shelton, I'm pleased to meet you. How can I help you?" Augustus was speechless for a moment. "Ahem, Fin sent me. He told me you have issues with your computer?!" "Not that I'm aware of." "Maybe he meant your security? I can check it out..." Augustus liked what he saw. Andreas seemed a nice guy. Augustus normally had a slow burning temper, but he would have to have a serious talk with Fin. He felt a bit stupid in front of Andreas. "Why not?" Andreas agreed easily and put an arm around Augustus' shoulders. Augustus didn't mind one bit. Andreas smelled good - freshly shaved, a citrus note was lingering on his skin and there was a manly scent at the same time.
Augustus spent some time updating the firewalls and advised Andreas about passwords. One thing led to another and before Augustus knew he invited Andreas for a drink. After a short hesitation Andreas agreed. Augustus was wondering if Andreas was gay too. Did Andreas think Augustus was attractive? Augustus couldn't imagine it. Three years earlier his boyfriend had left him for someone more sexy. It stung and Augustus - naturally more inclined to be introvert - hadn't looked for a new partner since then. The only thing to do was to wait how the date with Andreas went.

In the meantime he visited Fin to tell him off, which didn't work out exactly as Augustus had planned. Instead of being contrite Fin teased Augustus and answered his questions by answering with a counter question. It took Augustus a while to work out Fin had arranged the meeting in the hope Andreas and Augustus liked each other. Fin's wife Frieda had been the one, who thought they would be a good match. Fin also told him he had had to fend off Andreas' advances and make it clear to Andreas he wasn't gay. Augustus had a hearty laugh, imagining his friend's reaction to being touched. He knew Fin liked that only from women he was after or people Fin had been befriended with longer. Since Andreas was Fin's brother Mike's friend and he had met him only a couple of times due to Mike's wedding, where Fin was the best man and Andreas one of the grooms men, Fin wouldn't have liked Andreas' hits on him.

When Andreas and Augustus met at the bar, they realized they had the same music taste and spent hours discussing R. Kelly and 50 Cents. They exchanged phone numbers when they went separate ways.


Andreas went home happy after a longer time. He had been dating a few guys over the last year and developed a crush on Fin. Andreas could have sworn Fin was gay. To his embarrassment and disappointment he had found out Mike's brother was straight. No matter how gentle Fin had let Andreas down he hurt.  Now that Andreas knew Augustus he was looking on the bright side. Maybe his bad spell was over and there was somebody out there to love him.


During their second date Andreas asked Augustus to call him Andy, like most friends did. They were having a meal at a good Italian restaurant and realized they had more in common. Augustus and Andy preferred pasta over pizza and loved pana cotta. They talked about their past, their families and their friends. "I have an older sister and an older brother." Augustus told Andy. "I'm an only child." "Oh, do your parents know you're gay?" "Yes, they do. My mother took it cool. I was very surprised. You know she's from Greece and my father's Italian American - third generation -, so the two come from quite macho backgrounds and I thought they would disown me, when I came out. My father took a little bit longer to come around. What about you?" "My Dad and my siblings know I'm gay, but not my mother. She is very conservative and even though she should be enlightened as a psychologist she believes there is a cure for it." "Oh no!" Augustus found it somehow funny. Audrey's practice offered therapy for real mental problems, but also for homosexuals. The purpose of the sessions with gays was to make them straight. The success of the therapy was doubtful to Augustus. He was what he was and wouldn't want to change. His father and siblings had been supportive. Andy agreed with Augustus on all two points - not to upset his mother and that there wasn't any cure. Augustus looked up from his plate and asked: "If there was really a therapy that was working, would you want to be straight?" "Hm, difficult question, but thinking about it, no. Like you said I am what I am." 
Their dinner was a success.

Augustus stayed a few days longer, but had to return to Tampa. Andy and he spent every free minute together before Augustus had to leave. Andrew missed Augustus nearly immediately.
Augustus felt the same, but he was insecure, so he didn't make contact. Andy didn't want to seem too clingy or pushy. After a week or so he couldn't wait any longer and called. "Can I visit you this weekend?" "Of course, Andy. I'd love to spend time with you." Augustus kept his apartment tidy, but thought a clean-up couldn't hurt. He wanted to leave a good impression. He also bought condoms in different varieties, because he didn't know what Andy liked - just in case. Andy had booked a hotel. He wanted to give Augustus enough space.
They met on Friday evening at Andy's hotel bar. They had a cocktail before letting their hair down at a night club. It was late when Andy returned to his room. He was a bit tipsy, but he was happy. The alcohol had relaxed them both. They kissed for the first time. Andy thought he could still taste the rum on Augustus' tongue. Augustus was a good kisser. It let Andy wonder what making love with Augustus was like. Andy hummed to himself. He felt Augustus was someone special and they shouldn't rush things. Well, Augustus and he were meeting for lunch at Augustus' favorite Greek restaurant. Something to look forward to.
Augustus was attracted to Andy and had enjoyed kissing him. He admitted freely he was falling in love with Andy. It was early days of course and he wasn't sure if Andy was in love with him too. When it was time to say good night in front of Andy's hotel, there was an awkward pause. Andy seemed to have been thinking about inviting Andy up to his room, but for some reason he hadn't done so. Augustus was glad. They had separated with a kiss and a hug. He didn't want to do something hasty. He wasn't open for one night stands and wanted a serious relationship with Andy. Depending on how their relationship continued, Augustus contemplated to move to Miami.
While Andy hadn't any problems falling asleep, Augustus couldn't. When they met up at the restaurant Andy saw immediately Augustus had a rough night. Andy felt a rush of worry flood through him. It was important to catch enough sleep. Augustus felt a bit shy and cringed, when Andy hugged him. Andy was hurt and thought Augustus wasn't interested in him. "Is everything okay?" He asked. "Have I done something wrong?" "Oh, no, I'm just... I'm feeling a bit shy. Don't ask me why." Augustus said, shrugging. "Okay, that's no problem, darling." Augustus blushed a bit. He suggested they go inside and have lunch. The atmosphere was good and the clientele mixed. Andy could understand why Augustus loved it. The restaurant looked like a Greek taverna and offered authentic cuisine. Andy should have known due to his heritage. They shared, dolmades, a grill platter with chicken and pork souvlaki, lamb chops and Greek salad. The portions were huge and satisfying. Augustus and Andy talked some more about their jobs. Augustus wasn't completely honest. It was too early to share his secret.
They talked about their hobbies. Augustus loved windsurfing, snorkelling and scuba diving. Andy wasn't that much into water sports, but liked snorkelling, so they agreed the next day they would do just that. Augustus knew a romantic spot, where not too many people were and the beach was white and sandy. Besides enjoying the sea, they also made out a bit. Andy's skin was smooth and bronzed. Augustus was more muscular and had a darker teint.
When it was time for Andy to leave, both were sad.

From then on Andy and Augustus spent each weekend either in Miami or in Tampa for the next eight months. It culminated with them going on a one week holiday in Samoa, when they finally agreed that Augustus should move to Miami.

Augustus struggled. He thought he had to clear up two things. One had to do with his mother. He was fed up with denying being gay or in a relationship with Andy. The other one Augustus feared much more. He wanted to come clean and tell Andy he was a hacker. He was nervous how his lover would react. Augustus prayed Andy wouldn't leave him.
Andy noticed something was wrong with Augustus immediately when his boyfriend arrived. Augustus' skin had taken on a greyish color.
Augustus didn't beat long around the bush and came straight to the point. He managed eye contact, but would have preferred to look anywhere else. He didn't want to be hurt by what he was going to see. Andy looked confused, then hurt and dismayed. "That's definitely a bomb shell, Augustus. I have to think about what you told me. Please leave now." Augustus stomach lurched. Andy hated him and was never ever going to talk to him. Augustus' eyes filled with tears. He couldn't bear the thought of having to go without Andy's company, interesting talks, never feeling Andy's touch or kisses. He was going to miss the sex too.
Andy felt a bit betrayed and was shocked. He had never thought his sensitive boyfriend would do something illegal.

Augustus was heartbroken and withdrew completely from his other friends. He avoided especially contact with Fin and Frieda, who reminded him of meeting Andy in the first place.
Augustus gave up hope when he didn't hear from Andy for a month. He didn't move to Miami and worked hard, so he didn't have to think about the split up.

Andy needed three months. Even so Augustus was a criminal, Andy missed him and their conversations. Making love had been always sensual, so Augustus was the ideal partner.
Having overcome his initial disappointment, Andy realized Augustus' job was something his boyfriend couldn't talk freely about and it must have cost Augustus a lot of courage to come clean. In the end Andy could overlook what Augustus did for a living and that he hadn't told the truth from the beginning.

Augustus went to open the door. He was expecting a pizza delivery and stunned to see Andy. He didn't know what to say. "Can I come in?" Andy asked. Augustus nodded, still too shocked. "Augustus, I love you. I'm sorry I wasn't in contact for ages, but I had to make up my mind what I wanted and it's a relationship with you. Would you be still willing to move to Miami?" Augustus was with a few steps in front of Andy and gave him a crushing hug. Andy was even more surprised Augustus cried. Andy kissed away Augustus' tears. "Is that a yes?" He asked gentle. Augustus nodded. They stared each other for a moment into the eyes before starting a very passionate kiss.
They catched up and Augustus wanted to introduce Andy to his family. "Are you sure you want to tell your mother too?" Andy was concerned. He didn't want to cause a rift. "I have enough of hiding. If she is going to hate me, be it so."

Augustus told his mother that he would bring his significant other to the upcoming Thanksgiving Day Dinner. Audrey was very pleased. She couldn't wait to meet her future daughter in law. It had taken long enough. Augustus' older siblings had settled down. Not that Audrey very much approved of Chastity working in the blue movie industry...

The big day arrived. Augustus had warned his Dad, brother Michael and Chastity what was going to happen. They felt for him and prepared for the worst.

When Augustus introduced Andy Audrey thought her youngest son was joking. To her dismay she realized he was deadly serious. Having good Southern manners Audrey was polite and engaging throughout the dinner. Her smile was faked, though, and she asked Augustus for a word after coffee was served.   
Audrey's eyes were daggers when she confronted Augustus. When he confirmed he was gay and not interested in her treatment she said harsh: "I don't love you! Get out and never come back!" Augustus shrugged. Of course it hurt, but he had expected as much. His father and siblings stayed in contact no matter what Audrey's opinion was.

Six years later Blake Shelton broached the subject of Augustus and Andy. Normally he avoided discussing them with his wife. "Honey, we always wanted grandchildren..." "Is Mette pregnant?" Audrey was delighted. Mette was Michael's wife. Blake shook his head. Chastity was too old by now for children, so it left only adoption in Audrey's mind and she was right with the latter, but not that Chastity and her husband Giovanni were considering adopting. "Augustus and Andy have adopted a Philippine boy. He's nearly one and a half. They bring him home in the next few days. I'd like to see him growing up, but obviously I can't if you stay stubborn and won't accept Augustus is gay." At first Audrey was dead against even thinking about Augustus and his lover. When she heard Chastity gushing about the little boy she started to get curious and in the end she couldn't keep away from her grandson, so she decided to forget about her prejudices. Augustus had kept the channels open and sent Christmas Cards and birth day presents to his mother. He welcomed her and accepted Audrey's apology. Sometimes Audrey had to bite hard on her lips to avoid criticising Augustus and Andy's lifestyle, but she came round, when she saw how happy they were and how loving and tight knit the little family was.

©2014

Break in

This story is inspired by an article I read about a blood soaked cloth - the blood was from Pope John Paul II - that was stolen from a church.

The only real person in "The Break in" is Pope Sixtus IV. There are rumors he was gay and had sex with attractive looking young men including his own nephew, who all profited by receiving benefits, like being made cardinal. 
The one night stand is fictitious as are the villages of Santa Trinita (named after Santa Trinita Bridge in Florence, Italy) and Villa Mattani, the church of San Michele and the Trattoria Capetta.

L'Aquina is the capital of the Abruzzo region.

Hope you enjoy! :)

Prologue

"I need to have it!" Cagney Brasileiro said fervently. His grey eyes were sparkling with excitement. "Make sure, I'll get it." He ordered his right hand man Lyn Rodriguez. They had worked together for around twenty years. Lyn sighed. His go to person, who took care of his boss' special requests, had recently died. Lyn needed to find someone else. He inquired discreetly for suitable candidates. Lyn and a Colombian American called Adam Granato, living in Vancouver, were immediately on the same wave length. They agreed to meet in person to discuss Lyn's little problem.

A few days later Adam touched down in Sao Paulo. He was meeting with Lyn at the Emiliano Hotel for drinks. After hearing what Lyn was looking for, he thought immediately about the right person for the job. He knew only one.


Rome, 1480

Lucio Gianetto picked up the alb. It felt cool and soft under his touch. Smelling it woke memories of entangled limbs, salty skin and soft kisses. The boy was slender, dark haired and had deep brown eyes. He was daydreaming and still cradling the alb, when His Holiness entered the room. It was lavishly decorated and had high ceilings with views over the roofs of Rome.
His Holiness had a sharp, beaky nose. He watched Lucio for a while, then walked over to him and kissed Lucio on the cheek. His stubbles scratched a bit. "You seem to like the alb." His Holiness said. After a moment’s hesitation the pope added: "Keep it as a memento of our night together." Before getting rid of Lucio the pope also threw a few coins into Lucio's lap. Sad Lucio got dressed and left the Papal palace, never to return.

Present day

Coldham Fintan Noose III was hit by the heat. He had arrived from Miami via London in Rome. He was tall, light ash blond and had blue grey eyes. His destination wasn't Rome, but he broke off the journey and stayed a night at the Eden.

Coldham Fintan Noose III spoke fluently Italian with an accent that was difficult to place.
He didn't like being called by his first name and was nick named Fin.

The next morning he rented a car to travel to Santa Trinita, a small village in the Abruzzi.
Fin had a certain target in mind. He checked into a B&B. When he showed his passport the female receptionist was delighted. "Oh, you are American! We have your sort very rarely here." She exclaimed. Fin didn't know if this was a good sign. The lady was nosy. "What is the reason for your stay?" "I'm here for your fabulous cuisine, especially the maccheroni alla chitarra and scrippelle 'mbusse." "That's true. We have the best cuisine in Italy. You should go to Trattoria Capetta. They serve the finest maccheroni in town." "Thanks for the recommendation. I will try it out."
The room was basic, but comfortable and airy. Fin napped for a few hours in the afternoon. On the way to the trattoria Fin checked out the building he was after. The security was low key and getting into it wasn't going to be a great issue.
Being hungry he tried the maccheroni (guitar pasta in spicy tomato sauce). It was delicious with simple, fresh ingredients. The owner was very proud of the dish, telling Fin the vegetables came from his brother's organic farm and the pasta was made in house daily. Having found a foreigner, who appreciated his wife's cooking, the owner decided to stuff his guest. The next course was crepes in chicken broth, also known as scrippelle 'mbusse. "Why don't you try the chicken? It's really good." Fin agreed. It had been roasted with peppers and onions. Fin loved the flavours. He refused the wine - not only because he had to drive the next morning. Fin wanted a clear head for his adventure during the night. The main course was followed by local cheese, a slice of almond cake and espresso. Fin was very full and thought he could never move again. Of course he managed to get up.

When everyone slept, Fin sneaked out of the B&B. It was a moonless night. He went to the old, crumbling house on Via L'Aquina. Fin used the back entrance. He had a torch and a few tools with him. Opening the door was child's play. Fin soon realized he had come too late. The complete content of the building had been removed. He wasn't upset, since he had a clue where to look next.

He called from his room. It was only early evening in Vancouver. Adam Granato picked up nearly immediately. "Hey, Adam, the house is empty. Could you do me a favour and send me the will? It should state who was receiving Pope Sixtus IV's alb." "No problem. Consider it done." Adam was good to his word. He had scanned in the document and sent it via email only six minutes later. Fin liked his new middle man. Dealing with Adam was much more pleasant than with his predecessor Damien.
Reading the will of Esposito Gianetto Fin found out the Pope's tunic had been given to a church called San Michele in a neighbour village. Based on that information Fin decided to stay a couple of nights more.

Beata, the receptionist, was delighted Fin liked the food so much he decided to extend his stay. He asked her what Villa Mattani had to offer. She suggested a few things he could explore and where to eat. One of the "must sees" was the Baroque church San Michele.

Fin pretended to be sightseeing and also ventured to the church. He tried to figure out where the community would keep such an important inheritance. The will had been only recently read, so there was a chance that no decision had been made what to do with the alb or it might was still with the lawyer, who was responsible to enforce the will.

As luck was having it Fin arrived just in time to see a group of older women surrounding a middle aged priest, bent over something, excited and curious. The priest told his congregation they were very lucky and that he would keep the alb securely in sacristy's safe. Fin pretended to be interested in the architecture and paintings of San Michele, but listened in carefully. It was easy to make out where the sacristy was and also to check what kind of security was in place. Gaining access required a bit more skill. Fin withdrew to the next bar to work out a plan. The entrance to the sacristy was walled in - only one way to get in or out. It could work to Fin's advantage or disadvantage, depending on the situation. At least it made detection of him more difficult during night. There was no CCTV, so that was good. Fin decided to break in within the next few days as long as there was New Moon.

"I'm looking for a night club." Fin told Beata, who liked the American. She advised him with a smile and they flirted a bit. It didn't matter Beata had a boyfriend or Fin was married.
The night club was Fin's cover, spending a few hours there, before going to the church. The gate leading to the sacristy had been locked, so Fin used his lock pick to open it. He did the same with the sacristy door. Each lock didn't keep Fin longer than a few minutes. He only used a torch to search for the safe. Locating it, Fin paused to find a solution how to break into the safe. It was an old one, so Fin used a stethoscope. It was tricky, but in the end Fin had the code broken. The alb was there. Fin took the whole content of the safe. He didn't want to make it too obvious what he had been looking for. Suddenly Fin heard someone approaching on the gravel outside the sacristy. Fin grabbed all his things and tested the door leading to the church. It was open. Fin went through. His heart was racing. He was thinking furiously what to do next. Fin found a hiding space, going up the stairs to the organ. It gave him an overview of the church. Fin switched off the torch. Fin's eyes needed a few seconds to adjust to the darkness. He knelt in the front pew; his eyes barely looking over the barrier. The door opened and someone used a torch; passing the light beam across the church. Fin ducked and held his breath. There were steps walking towards the entrance of the building. Fin heard the big gate rattling. The steps returned and stopped at the stair case. Fin swore silently. He didn't dare to move and hoped the person wasn't going up. He was unlucky, so Fin had to find a better hiding place. He stepped as quietly as possible behind the one end of the organ that wasn't facing the stairs. He prayed whoever was searching wasn't going to be very thorough. If not he would use the surprise momentum, tackle the stranger and throw him over the balustrade. Fin didn't like violence or killing someone, but he couldn't afford to be identified or caught. The steps approached and the torch lit up Fin. He was ready to action his plan, but stopped in his tracks. A second person called from the ground: "Hey, Charles, did you find any intruder?" Charles Harold Fox, another burglar and familiar with Fin, but not exactly a friend, replied immediately. "No. There's nobody. Damn, we have missed the chance to steal the alb!" "Ah, don't take it too hard. There are going to be other jobs. Are you coming down?" "Sure." Charles had turned and was about to leave. Fin whispered: "Meet me at Trattoria Capetta at noon." Charles didn't react.

Fin arrived a few minutes early and chose a seat on the terrace, so Charles hadn't problems spotting him. Massimiliano, the owner of the trattoria, was surprised by Fin's new seating arrangement. He normally preferred a table indoors. The unasked question was answered when a slight built man with green grey eyes and light brown hair in his thirties joined Fin. Massimiliano didn't speak English, but the body language of both his customer's was tense. "Don't you have some goods to deliver?" Charles asked. "It has a bit time." Fin replied. "Why have you invited me?" Charles' voice was harsh. "To gloat?" Fin shook his head. "No. First of all thanks for not letting on to your partner that I was there and second not trying to take the clothing from me." "I might not like you, but I'm a gentleman and follow the code." Fin's mouth quirked upwards. The feeling was mutual. They respected each other and that was what counted. "Yeah, I know. Come, sit down, have lunch on me and I have a proposal to make." When the two men seemed more relaxed, Massimiliano approached. Fin ordered a Garibaldi and Charles an Americano as Aperitivo. They shared an Antipasti platter and followed Massimiliano's advise to have the polenta with spicy sausage sauce. When the food arrived, Fin asked: "What about if I give you twenty percent of my earnings from this job? I'm indebted to you..." "Shove the money up your ass!" Fin wasn't too happy about Charles outburst. Fin had under estimated Charles' pride and was about to apologize when Charles continued: "You don't owe me anything, Coldham Fintan. When you found and kept my daughter save, I was indebted to you, that's settled now. Okay?" Fin nodded. "Alright. How is your family?" Charles glared at Fin. He had two daughters and two sons. The last thing on Charles' mind was discussing them with his biggest competitor. He was short. "Good. I've heard you have married your Latina... Congratulations." Fin knew Charles tried to aggravate
him and remembered Fin's wife's name. He didn't react - at least not as Charles expected him to. "Thanks. We have now a year old daughter. Her name is Casey." Against Charles' will his ears pricked. "What is she like?" He asked interested. "She looks like Frieda and takes after me character wise. She's a bit shy, but intelligent." Charles snorted. "Doesn't every dad believe their child is the cutest and most intelligent?" Fin laughed. "True." He admitted. "Please indulge me and have a look at a photo of hers." "Just one?" Charles asked. "Just one - I don't carry an album with me." Fin reassured Charles. Fin handed Charles the photograph. Charles had to agree. Casey looked very much like Frieda. Massimiliano had hovered in the back ground and now also commented: "Hai una bellissima figlia." Fin thanked the trattoria's owner. Massimiliano thought Casey was beautiful. After lunch Fin and Charles went separate ways.

There wasn't much left to do for Fin. He packed and told Beata he was leaving the next morning. She was sad.
Fin booked a flight from Rome to Sao Paulo to deliver the stolen item. At the airport he changed into a cassock. Fin was prepared in case customs wanted to check his luggage. His suitcase was packed with albs and cassocks. Everything went smoothly and Fin was treated with reverence.

When Fin met Lyn Rodriguez at the bar of the Fasano Hotel he was dressed in his normal outfit - Armani from head to toe and completely in black.
Lyn had been impressed. It hadn't taken more than a months from contacting Adam to holding Mr. Brasileiro's alb in hand. He was going to continue doing business with Adam Granato.

Cagney Brasileiro was happy as a child when he finally received Pope Sixtus IV's alb. He added it to his vast collection of Pope Memorabilia, some of the items were legitimate acquired, others not.

© 2014

Mike's spanking

It's spanking time again! This is a story about Mike, Fin's brother. Hope you like it. :)

Holiday Michael Noose feared going home. He had received a bad grade and was sure his parents were going to kill him, so he decided to run away.
Mike, as the ten year old was nick named, went to their home in Miami with his 11 months older brother Coldham Fintan.
Instead of sitting with his brother at the kitchen table and start doing his homework, Mike went packing.
He had saved thirty dollars. He counted the money careful and put it away in his pouch. Mike chose his favorite t-shirt and a trouser as well as fresh underwear, a comic and a torch and stored it in his back pack.
He then sneaked into the pantry, taking a few apples, a large bottle of lemonade, frankfurters and bread.
He was a bit sad, but was ready for a big adventure and knew exactly where he was going to.
Mike wasn't worried his parents would miss him.

He turned left onto Old Cutler Road and headed north east, passing the Presbyterian Church. He was on Mitchell Drive and very near his destination, the Deering Bay Yacht Club, when a car stopped beside him. It was his mother. "Get in, Holiday Michael!" She ordered him, barely keeping her temper in check.
The ride home was completely silent. Mike knew he was in big trouble. He clenched and unclenched his bottom in anticipation. Mike was sure he was going to be spanked. What had he been thinking? Mike felt very sorry for himself. He wished he had managed to sneak onto one of the yachts and sail far, far away.

"Go to your room, Holiday Michael. Your father and I are going to deal with you when he returns from looking for you." "Yes, Ma'am." Beverly Noose parked the car in the garage. Mike hurried to his room.

Beverly knew her husband Coldham would be back within in the next twenty minutes. They had come up with a plan, when they realized Mike had been missing. He was searching to the west, she to the east and return within half an hour to see, if they had been able to locate Mike. Since they were going to punish their younger son, they wanted to give him privacy. Fin, as the older son was called, was going to be in the way. Beverly went calmly into the kitchen. Fin had finished his homework and was reading a book. Beverly sighed. She wished Fin was livelier and had a lot of friends like Mike. Unfortunately her older son was introvert. It didn't matter at the moment. "Honey, why don't you go to Barnes and Nobles? Here is fifty dollar. You can spend them on anything you like." Fin wasn't stupid and knew his brother was in trouble. His parents wanted to get rid of him. Since it was one of the few occasions he wasn't the reason for their scorn he smirked and hoped Mike was going to get it good. Fin was also happy about the fifty dollars he could invest into books. It was rarely his parents gave him gifts out of the blue. Couldn't Mike be more often in trouble?
Fin took the money, thanked his mother politely and left the house. Beverly had told him he could take his time.

Coldham arrived back a bit sooner than Beverly estimated. They discussed briefly how to proceed. Then they went up to Mike's room.
Mike was sitting on his bed starring a hole in the wall.
First Beverly asked why Mike had run away. When Mike's parents heard it was because of a bad grade, they re-assured him it wasn't the end of the world and promised if he needed help they were going to support him. What was left was Mike's spanking, because he ran away. Coldham stated they were worried sick when they realized he was gone. "Imagine what could have happened! You could have been hurt or killed in an accident or somebody might have kidnapped you. You caused us so much grief! We both think you need to learn a lesson here. You can't run away from your problems, so please remove your pants and underpants completely. You won't need them for some time." Mike had the same feeling. He blushed a bit, because he felt embarrassed when he thought about standing naked from the waist down in front of his parents. Normally they simply asked him to pull down his trousers and when he was over either his mother's or father's knee, he had to raise his hips and they lowered his underwear as well.
Mike obeyed. His mother took the cloth from him and folded them neatly, then put them away. Mike was very body conscious. Thank goodness he was wearing a long t-shirt so his genitals were hidden from view.  "Your father is going to give you thirty smacks." Beverly told Mike. Coldham took a seat on his son's bed. He signaled Mike to bend over his knees. Reluctantly Mike obeyed. He hated being in that position, but was glad his mother wasn't going to punish him. She was the harder spanker. After a few adjustments Mike's behind offered the perfect target. Coldham pulled Mike's t-shirt up a bit, so it wasn't in the way or offered any protection.
Coldham looked down at Mike's white bottom. It wasn't going to stay that way for long. Coldham raised his hand and brought it down hard on Mike's right buttock. He waited about ten seconds before smacking the same spot again. Coldham changed to the left cheek.  Mike only reacted from the fifth slap. He squirmed slightly and a soft moan escaped. Coldham changed the rhythm to a faster pace, but still as hard. The spanks echoed in the room. Mike tried to be brave about it, to keep still and not to cry out. It was tough. The heat built up considerately after what Mike guessed was the eleventh slap. He squirmed more and to his chagrin cried out. He couldn't keep his voice down. The pace slowed down again, making Mike much more aware of the pain caused by his already stinging behind and the continued assault on it. His eyes filled with tears and finally they rolled down his face.
For the last few spanks Coldham concentrated on Mike's sit spots. They made Mike cry harder and if Coldham wouldn't have held Mike in place Mike would have slid to the ground, escaping his fair punishment.
After the 30th slap Beverly and Coldham admired his handiwork. It was understandable Mike was sobbing. His behind was fire red and hot to the touch.
"Now, now, you're punishment is over, darling." Beverly said soothing and Coldham circled Mike's back in soft circles. "Everything is forgiven, Mike. You can get up." Coldham added. Mike didn't want to move. He was very sore. "Take your time." Beverly ruffled his hair. After a minute or so Mike had his tears better under control and felt ready to stand up. He wanted nearness and hugged his father. He mumbled into his dad's shirt: "I'm sorry, Dad." "That's okay, honey, we all make mistakes and you have paid for it. I love you, Mike." "I love you too, Dad." Coldham hugged Mike even tighter, then released him, grabbed a tissue from Mike's night stand and wiped away the tears.
Beverly hugged Mike briefly and then suggested he should go to bed.
Mike was within minutes asleep on his stomach. When he woke up the next morning he wasn't in pain and all was forgiven and forgotten.

©2013