Chapter 25: Conversation with the Artist

Da Vinci turned with brows lifted to look at Laurence in growing confusion. "But we were to meet at the inn. The boy said."

Laurence gave him a nervous smile. "Yes, my apologies. We thought it better to meet with you in your studio. I had hoped to arrive before my message, but we were delayed. We waited for your return." Dear God, he was no good at lying!

Da Vinci was obviously growing suspicious as he eyed the young man speaking to him. "Who did you say your lord was, sir?"

Laurence at least felt confident enough to answer this with surety. "Borgia, sir."

"Which one?" came da Vinci's challenging question quickly.

"Which one?" The question caught Laurence off guard. It shouldn't have, but there it was. So much for his confidence. Laurence wasn't prepared to get that detailed in his lie, and now he was left flat footed.

Nigel came instantly to his rescue. His voice was next to Laurence's ear. "Cesare."

"Cesare!" blurted the nervous Horotech.