Secrets in the Palazzo Read online

  Secrets in the Palazzo

  By Kathleen Reid

  © Copyright 2022 Kathleen Reid

  ISBN 978-1-64663-677-8

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other—except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior written permission of the author.

  This is a work of fiction. The characters are both actual and fictitious. With the exception of verified historical events and persons, all incidents, descriptions, dialogue and opinions expressed are the products of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real.

  Published by

  3705 Shore Drive

  Virginia Beach, VA 23455

  800–435–4811

  www.koehlerbooks.com

  Author’s Note

  My book Secrets in the Palazzo was inspired by the real-life artistic rivalry between Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. In the early sixteenth century (1505), there was a painting contest between these two masters to decorate the walls of the Council of Five Hundred in the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, Italy. Currently, a rendition of Leonardo’s work exists in a painting by Peter Paul Reubens housed in the Louvre in Paris, France (see above). To this day, a mystery still surrounds Leonardo da Vinci’s Battle of Anghiari, which has been called the Lost Leonardo.

  Chapter 1

  TWINKLING LIGHTS GLITTERED, surrounding the Duomo in an incandescent glow of Florence, which always inspired Rose with its majestic beauty. Terra cotta rooftops darkened as the sun began its descent into a slate-colored sky. She inhaled deeply, reveling in the spectacular view from her balcony. She was indeed grateful for the experience of living in a city that boasted some of the greatest art treasures in history. Her passion for the iconic Michelangelo, whom many consider one of the most gifted artists of the Renaissance, was fulfilled on a regular basis, as she was able to see his work that never failed to enthrall her. After all, who would ever tire of going to see the seventeen-foot-high David standing proudly in the Galleria dell’ Accademia?

  Each day radiated adventure as she marveled at the reality of living in the birthplace of the Renaissance. The whole experience was dreamlike. Rose still found it hard to process that she had recently quit her secure teaching job in Charlottesville, Virginia, to buy an apartment here, following her dream of becoming an artist. The relentless hours of hard work had paid off since she developed a foundation for this new career.

  The success of her first gallery opening gave Rose an incredible feeling of accomplishment. The summer had practically flown by in the whirlwind of speaking engagements and interviews. Picking up a magazine, Rose scanned the contents, thumbing through to read yet another positive review of the exhibition. She wasn’t sure which she liked better, the fact that she could translate most of the Italian commentary or the sudden influx of exciting opportunities.

  The exhibit, aptly entitled Humanity, was being scouted by a major art dealer with offices in Rome, New York, and Palm Beach. Love and kindness had resonated from the works. Art enthusiasts embraced the nod to Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam, which gave Rose great satisfaction. Her passion for the Renaissance was rewarded daily as she lived and painted in the city where the true geniuses of history had once resided. The magazine shot of Rose in a smart navy pants suit with her blond hair pulled up in a high ponytail felt surreal. The success transformed her view of herself as she navigated this new life as an artist.

  Looking down at the exquisite antique ring on her finger, she also felt like the luckiest girl in the world to be engaged to Lyon. Michelangelo may have engendered her move abroad, but Lyon captured her heart. She recalled their first email exchange when she contacted him about buying a home in Florence. Who would have ever thought that their easy banter and eventual house hunt together would turn into such an amazing relationship? His adventurous spirit and unwavering support made her mundane life extraordinary. Lyon understood her passion for the great Michelangelo and respected her need for independence. Now that the exhibition had ended, it was time to focus on planning their wedding.

  A brisk walk by the Santo Spirito church reminded her of the time Lyon brought her inside to see the wooden cross carved by a seventeen-year-old Michelangelo. Her awe and wonder were still palpable as she stood transfixed by the master’s work in the octagonal sacristy on the west side of the church. Rose realized their connection was special at that moment.

  She adored Lyon. Calculating that his office was nearby, she decided to take a chance and surprise him. They had both been unusually busy lately and needed to make more time for each other. Rose took the stairs and opened the door to the front lobby of his office, which boasted huge windows overlooking the street. Rose noticed a new mural of a butterfly across the way; street art was popping up everywhere in the city. Directly across the street, she looked down to admire an ornate wooden door capped by an arch. Lush terra cotta pots filled with tree plants framed either side of the entrance of an elegant townhouse. With the receptionist nowhere to be found, she peered through Lyon’s glass office door, observing that he was on a call. She slipped into the chair across from his desk, careful not to interrupt.

  Lyon seemed irritated with his caller as he marked up a contract in front of him. When he looked up to lock eyes with her, he smiled warmly, and then he made a mocking face into the phone, which nearly made her laugh aloud. Taking a cue from her visit, he promised to call his client back later.

  “Now this is a surprise. Hello,” he said, standing to greet her in European style with a kiss on each cheek. “You saved me from a painful contract negotiation. I should refuse to work with anyone in the legal profession.”

  “Hi, darling,” she replied with an excited grin. She was wearing a new gray silk wrap dress and black heels for a change of pace, her blond hair cascading down her back just the way he liked it. “I thought I might be able to coax you away for lunch.”

  “Rose, I’m so sorry, but I can’t make that happen. I have back-to-back appointments all day long. You always call first.”

  “Yes, I tried to leave you a message before I came over, but your mailbox is full. You work too hard, Lyon!”

  “So do you,” he said thoughtfully, gathering up the files he needed. “But I appreciate the offer.”

  “Where are you going?” she asked, inching closer to him.

  “I’m showing a young American couple an apartment. They’re getting married in December.” He cleared his throat. “I think that’s a wonderful month to tie the knot.”

  Rose blushed, painfully aware that he was weary of her inability to set a date for their wedding. “I agree. December would be ideal. In the meantime, why don’t I come with you on your appointment? I think I could be helpful.”

  He thought for a moment, then wrapped his arms around her. “Well, that’s an offer I can’t refuse. Besides, Olivia might like having another American transplant along for the afternoon.”

  “Perfect,” said Rose, delighted with the idea of meeting another young couple.

  On the way, Lyon explained that he planned to show them several one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments. They were getting married before the holidays and wanted to start their life together in the center of town.

  “So, we’re going to sit with American ex-pat Olivia and her fiancé, Antonio. Their budget is twenty-four hundred per month, and I’ve already made a list of potential properties that could work.”

  The outdoor café was moderately crowded as Rose watched Lyon scan the stylish seating area and find them a tab
le overlooking the street corner. Olivia and Antonio arrived holding hands, their mutual adoration evident on their faces. Their excitement was palpable as they ordered up a round of coffee. They welcomed Rose’s input, and the conversation naturally turned to the pros and cons of various neighborhoods. Rose was delighted to join the hunt.

  “We want to be where the action is,” Antonio said, taking a steaming cappuccino from the waitress.

  “Agreed,” said Olivia. “We love all the beautiful churches, shops, and restaurants in the Santo Spirito neighborhood.”

  “I know,” replied Lyon. “But it comes at a price.”

  “I understand,” said Antonio. “We might like to see some things under budget and perhaps a little bit over our price range.”

  “Fair enough. What are your priorities for an apartment?”

  “I want an updated kitchen and washer/dryer but a place that still has a Florentine feel to it,” Olivia said.

  Antonio added, “Location and proximity to my job are extremely important to me.”

  Lyon went through his list and selected three properties that could work for them and pointed out that all were within walking distance. As they made their way to the first option, he engaged in polite conversation.

  “So, when is the wedding?”

  “The first Saturday in December,” said Olivia. “I can’t wait. My family is coming over from Atlanta.”

  Rose felt a sharp pain in her gut at this news, realizing how self-absorbed she had been these past few months. It was on the tip of her tongue to tell Olivia that she wanted her wedding the same day, but she refrained.

  Lyon offered, “We need to find you the perfect place to live and enjoy our beautiful city.”

  “Olivia needs to work on her Italian,” Antonio mused. “It will make the transition much easier.”

  “Absolutely,” said Lyon, entering the code to get them into the first building.

  “I understand completely! I’ve been taking lessons, which makes a big difference,” said Rose. Olivia gave her a knowing grin and whispered that she needed her teacher’s name.

  The lobby was simple with a couple of chairs and a nondescript tan tiled floor. Once inside the space, Rose watched as Olivia took in the older appliances, blue-and-white-striped wallpaper, and dim lighting.

  “It needs a little updating, but keep in mind that it’s under budget and extremely well located,” said Lyon.

  They perused the old bathroom with chipping tiles and an old shower curtain.

  “What is the price?” asked Antonio.

  “This unit goes for two thousand fifty per month.”

  Olivia shook her head. “I’d like to see something that has more charm and better appliances for that price. This is really small.”

  “Look over there, Liv,” said Antonio. “That geometric wallpaper looks like we’re living in the 1960s.”

  “That was probably the last time this place was renovated,” Olivia said.

  “Location, location, location,” said Lyon, telling them to keep an open mind because they would have the money to freshen things up.

  Rose observed Lyon was always professional, not pushy. His genuine desire to educate his clients by showing them a range of options made him successful.

  The second apartment was across town, and they walked thirty minutes to get there. The outside was painted a fresh golden hue and the black shutters were pristine.

  “This is really nice,” exclaimed Antonio. “But it’s so far away from my job.”

  “I understand,” said Lyon. “Take a look around you. This is a great neighborhood and a well-maintained building.”

  “Good point,” said Olivia. “But I agree with Antonio. It’s a little far from where we want to be.” The second apartment had much more space with an open living room floorplan, built-in bookcases, and some amenities.

  “This is a nice room,” said Antonio.

  Lyon pointed out the beams on the ceiling, classic moldings, and general good condition of the property. “It’s been very well maintained. You really wouldn’t have to do much but get married and move in.” He explained that the apartment was over budget by two hundred dollars because of the extra space and overall condition of the building.

  Olivia turned to Lyon. “Have you lived here long?”

  “Ten years and counting,” said Lyon. “I wouldn’t want to live in any other city.”

  “Where do you live?” asked Antonio.

  “My apartment is in the Santo Spirito neighborhood.”

  “Right where the action is,” said Antonio. “Is there anything else in our price range that could work?”

  Rose checked her watch. It was almost six, but Lyon decided that he would take time to show them one more listing. She could feel their angst as they shared bits and pieces of their wedding plans and how they had to put several pieces of furniture in storage.

  “It’s a big change. Moving here from America.”

  “I understand completely,” said Rose. “But it was the best decision of my life. I absolutely love living here.”

  “When are you getting married?” asked Olivia.

  “We haven’t set a date yet. Both of us are crazy busy. A move abroad and a wedding are stressful.”

  “And an Italian mother-in-law,” said Olivia, rolling her eyes. “She doesn’t like my cooking.”

  “That’s because she wants to prepare all of the meals,” Antonio said.

  Rose was reminded of how well she and Faith, Lyon’s mother, got along. Faith was an accomplished artist, and they had worked together to create the paintings for the gallery opening. The experience had been amazing. Quickly focusing upon the task at hand, Rose listened as Lyon discussed the next apartment, which was closer to town.

  “It’s got a lot of the features that I think you’ll enjoy.”

  They walked back toward the Duomo so that Lyon could show them the option three, which was right in their price range. They walked in the building and spied the staircase. Lyon said nothing but led them up the stairs.

  “How many flights?” asked Olivia, panting harder.

  “Six,” he replied.

  “That’s a lot of stairs,” remarked Antonio.

  “It will be worth it,” said Lyon, who went ahead to open the unit for them.

  The interior of the apartment was clearly Florentine, with a vaulted, exposed dark wood ceiling and a burnt-orange tiled floor. Olivia walked immediately to the kitchen where she admired the blue-patterned tile work above the sink and stovetop.

  “Look at all of these new appliances,” she said, reverently running her hand over the oven. Lyon opened a closet to show her a modern stacked washer and dryer. He looked over to see Antonio admiring the view of the street below. “I told you it would be worth it.”

  “Liv, do you think you can carry groceries up six flights every time we go to the store?”

  She rolled her eyes at him, then checked out the large main suite, with its updated bathroom, boasting a gray-and-white-tiled shower with a modern glass door. “This is really nice.”

  “How much?” asked Antonio.

  “Right on budget at twenty-two hundred per month.”

  Rose met Lyon’s knowing stare, noting that this would be the apartment they chose. “Most of the furnishings will stay, but there is room to discuss this issue with the owner.”

  “That’s ideal for us to not have to buy too much when we start our life together,” said Olivia. “But those stairs!”

  “We can eat more pasta,” joked Antonio.

  After some banter about the delights of his mother’s cooking, Tony and Liv agreed to meet the following morning to sign a year-long contract.

  On their way home, Lyon’s mother called and invited them to dinner the next evening.

  “Are you free?” he asked casually.
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  Rose checked her calendar, noting a conflict at seven, which she decided not to mention. “Yes,” she said earnestly. “I’d love to go.”

  “My mother wants to know why we haven’t set a date yet. Perhaps you can shed some light on the subject.”

  Rose felt embarrassed. Lyon came from a very close-knit family; his parents, Faith and Joseph, planned to have the wedding at their stunning villa with the most spectacular view of the countryside. His sister, Katherine, volunteered to use her modern calligraphy on the invitations. Joseph, a vintner, was working on a special white wine for the celebration with help from his brother, Peter, who was probably doing more tasting than helping. Nevertheless, Rose realized that she had done next to nothing thus far.

  “I’ve gotta go finish up some paperwork at the office,” said Lyon.

  “Are you sure? I’d love to see you later.”

  Rose sensed his displeasure.

  “Sorry, it doesn’t work. I’ll confirm tomorrow.”

  He gave her an impersonal kiss on both cheeks before departing. Rose felt a knot forming in her stomach. What was holding her back?

  Chapter 2

  THE SUN DIPPED SLOWLY into the skyline as Rose stared out at the vista of amber rooftops from her balcony. It was magical, as always, and she felt that same sense of gratitude and wonder that accompanied her move to Florence. She would never tire of seeing the octagonal dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in the distance. It was a crisp sixty-five degrees, and the cool air smelled like fresh bread from the balcony below and a hint of musky leather. Leaning over the balcony, Rose soaked in the scenery.

  They still hadn’t figured out their living situation after the wedding, but Rose assumed it would come in time. She didn’t want to leave her new apartment, a symbol of her independence, but Lyon thought they should buy something bigger to entertain and accommodate a future family.

  Perhaps she was extremely selfish, basking in all the praise. Rose thrived professionally, although pulled in a hundred different directions, and found all the attention validating. The voice of her disapproving mother, Doris, had quieted in her mind, which was a welcome novelty. Doris had always agitated and intimidated her, but at long last Rose was overcoming her insecurities. She had always been hard on herself, never quite feeling good enough for her mother’s lofty expectations. Looking heavenward, she embraced her independence. She was, at long last, finally experiencing a new level of confidence and sense of optimism.