Half-step Purgatory

Durin stroked the black cat on the armrest of his chair, sitting on the black leather sofa. Through the glasses perched on his nose, his gaze passed over the long table in front of him and settled on the man kneeling on the carpet:
"I understand, you've made money in Naples, your business has been very successful, and you've led a happy life. You've had those secret police, friends in both the law and the underground, and even the Royal Family speaking on your behalf."
"You don't need a friend like me, I know that. You're afraid of owing me a favor, and you don't want to get involved in troubles."
"But now you come to me and say, 'I beg you, Mr. Durin of the Corleon family, please help me seek justice, so that my life and my family will not suffer and sink into despair.'
Yet, in your eyes, I was nothing more than a second-rate artist involved in movies and music. Even at the brink of death, you still show me such disrespect, not even willing to call me by my title... Keeper of Secrets."

Durin's Diary

Peck Nash sat on the sofa, pondering the words he had brought upon himself.


"Peck, you saved a beggar mother and daughter, I've even heard you tell this story," said Mrs. Lili, standing behind Mr. Roy Corleon. She glanced at her diary, "The timing matches up. My father told me when Durin caught the train and at what time."


"The timing is right, Peck. My child must have witnessed your act of kindness, but I am very curious. How did he recognize the two doctors and differentiate between the two waiters, and how could he trust that old man named Ezio Audittore so much?" Roy began, his hands resting on the sofa armrests, deep in thought.


"Why can't we give the child a bit of secret space?" laughed Jason Cain, sipping his tea. "He did indeed go to the secret police base today, having that old man named Ezio pass on the message. His stance is pretty clear."


Chapter 88: The Second Trip to the Fair