Into the Lion's Den (101 page)

'Don't you think we didn't try that already?' “I think he likes you very much, Guntram,” Konrad said and went to Karl's crib. 'I wish someone would have carried me like this,' he thought briefly, before stroking lightly the sleeping baby's hair, oblivious to his brother's temper display.

“Here you are, sir,” the nurse handed the bottle to Guntram, who started to feed the baby.

“Klaus is very nice,” Guntram said, smiling to the baby, busy with his milk, but looking at him carefully.

“He has your eyes and features, Konrad.”

“He has a lot of temper, Guntram.”

“No, he looks like a peaceful fellow,” Guntram protested and removed the bottle from the baby's lips.

“Hey, wait a little or you'll choke,” and Klaus didn't complain at all when his normal reaction would have been an explosion.

Karl decided that it was his turn to get something too and started to make small inquiring sounds from his crib and Konrad picked him up and ordered the nurse to get another bottle for him. “When she's back, give Klaus to her so she can change him and you can hold Karl too. He's starting to smile.”

“Klaus too,” Guntram commented, his mind only on the baby, partly asleep over his shoulder.

The nurse returned and took Klaus, who only whimpered a little at losing his comfortable pillow. Karl looked at Guntram for an instant, but soon lost interest in him and focused on his bottle. Guntram held him for some time and enjoyed one of the baby's big automatic smiles when he touched his small nose.

“They're really handsome and cute babies, Konrad. You must be very proud of them,” Guntram said softly when both men left the nursery.

“They like you very much, especially Klaus. Do you like them too?” Konrad asked nervously.

“Of course, I do. I'm in love with them since I saw their pictures.”

“Will you stay and be there for them?”

“As long as I can.”

“Thank you,” Konrad said with his heart. 'Now, my children have a chance to live a happy childhood, something I never had, no matter how much Friederich tried.'

“No, I should thank you for giving me this chance,” Guntram said. 'I only hope to live till they go to the University.' ”Do you think I could take the babies for a walk after lunch?”

“Yes, of course. Take one of the nurses with you. It's not too hot today. But you don't need my permission at all. They're yours as much as mine. You're their legal tutor.”

“Thank you,” Guntram said, smiling to Konrad. 'I guess we can be good friends, after all. Being here is not as bad as I thought it would be.'

“I believe we have to feed your father before he charges in here,” Konrad said very seriously and Guntram chuckled. “He must be thinking that I'm being less than honourable with you and could leave his housekeeper here,” he added without any intention of being funny, wondering why his kitten found so entertaining his Via Crucis with the bossy and rude Muslim woman.

“My father knows his limits. He sent Fairuza back to Brussels this morning. She was quite upset with him as she dislikes you.”

“Dislikes? That woman hates me, kitten,” Konrad sighed and noticed how stiff had turned Guntram at hearing the nickname. “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you.”

“It's all right. You had no bad intentions, but I would prefer if you call me by my Christian name. The other was in the letter I read.”

“I understand, it will not happen again.”

“Don't think you're free from her. She comes back in a week to inspect where he plans to move and where she will live as she can't stay with him. I guess, she wanted to bring her two nieces and nephew here.”

'Oh, joyful moment,' “I'm afraid all positions within my staff are fulfilled. You should speak with Friederich.”

“No, please. I love Fairuza, but this is your house. You were very kind to let her stay with me in Frankfurt, but I realise that she's more apt for my father's lifestyle than yours. She was also too much for Friederich's nerves.”

“He threatened with going into retirement, Guntram. For some reason, he blames me of this situation. He will never bring me coffee in the mornings again,” Konrad complained and Guntram chuckled again at his grievous face.

“Let's rejoin your father before I loose my cook too.”

“He promised to behave with you, if you could do the same, everything would be fine.”

“I will treat him with the courtesy he deserves as father of my Consort.”

They entered in the large living room where Michel and Alexei were talking in amiable companionship.

“Michel, you should see the babies! They're very cute!” Guntram said excitedly, rushing toward him.

“Some other time, perhaps. I must return to Geneva today. Tomorrow, we can have lunch if you want, Guntram,” Michel stopped his son's exuberant joy. “I have a meeting with Elisabetta von Lintorff at the Foundation and I hope we can reach an agreement.”

'Good luck, my Aunt will eat you alive.' Konrad thought deeply satisfied.

“I believe the lady was not informed about this change in the leadership, my Griffin.” Michel said very displeased at Konrad.

“Dr. von Kleist did his best to speak with her, but the princess would prefer to speak with the new president,” 'You survive it, it's not my problem.'

“Yes, I've already spoken with her and we agreed that she will keep her position as President and be in charge of the public relations while I take care of the executive and strategic decisions. It would be a pity to loose her as she has good and sound relationships with most of our donors,” Michel said, rising from his seat. “I'm leaving now.”

“Would you not like to stay for lunch?” Konrad said, secretly glad to get rid of him but somehow concerned that Elisabetta and him had avoided a clash and were cooperating with each other.

“No, thank you. I have to drive back to Geneva,” Michael refused curtly and approached Guntram to give him a hug—much to Alexei's surprise that his Duke was not jumping to strangle the man for touching “his”

Consort “Take care and we will see each other soon. Don't get tired around the children, Guntram.”

“Do you have to go?” Guntram lamented.

“It's for the best. You should get used to this and rest a bit. We will see each other tomorrow and perhaps could come to the great house hunting with me.”

'What? What about the part, visit twice per month?' “My chauffeur will drive you to the airport, Mr.

Lacroix,” Konrad said out loud, without missing the look of deep sadness in Guntram's eyes.

“Thank you, but my own people are here with my car. We drive now.”

“Good-bye, sir,” Konrad said and extended his right hand.

“Take good care of him, sir.” Michel preferred to let the rest of the sentence dangling in the air.

“Most certainly I will,” Konrad fulminated him with his eyes but the French didn't seem fazed at all and only hugged his son once more, muttering “
à demain
,” before leaving the room.

“Allow me to accompany you to the door,” Alexei offered and went away with him, leaving them alone.

“Déja vue, Guntram,” Konrad shrugged and sat where Michel had been sitting, glancing through the window do check that Lacroix was really away. 'Darn! The commie has a Maybach fifty-seven? Good choice. Karl Marx must be turning in his grave.'

“I beg you pardon?” Guntram said dumbfounded and already feeling concerned about his father as he watched the large car drive away.

“The first time you came here. Everybody ran away and it was just the two of us for lunch,” Konrad smiled at the memory. “You were quite edgy.”

“From one Mafia boss to the next, but I didn't know that at the time. And he looked sterner than the other.”

“I had no idea of how was your character. I was expecting someone very different.”

“I imagine, a crazy artist, living with Constantin. Not the best introductory card, I admit,”

“Both our lives changed in a 'dates' house', and here we are now. I'll do my best to make you happy living with us.”

“I was always happy with you, Konrad. I'm now with Klaus and Karl. It's just the other thing.”

'The 'other thing'? Why can't he be more specific? But if he starts to speak with riddles, I'm on the right path.' “I'm glad of this. You also make me very happy, Guntram,” he replied softly and both men fell into a tense silence.

“Why do you tell that the lawyer is family? He has no family!” Jean Jacques mumbled to his boyfriend, busy with the pidgeon's sauce and controlling from the distance what his new helper was doing with the salad, the kitchen brimming with activity. “Get your hand away!” he hit Alexei when he tried to steal one of the pastries for the afternoon.

“Just checking for poison!” the Russian chortled.

“Imbecile! Get out of my kitchen!”

“All right, I thought you wanted to hear the rest of the story.” Alexei shrugged, perfectly aware that the chef's curiosity will make him rethink his threat.

“All right, take it as it's ruined. So the lawyer does not stay for lunch?”

“No, he's French, from Saint Cyr, and the next CEO of the Lintorff Foundation. He specialises in corporate law and Guntram was staying with him.”

“Why?”

“According to the Duke, he's his godfather, but they look very similar and in a way, he reminds me a lot of Guntram. He was very kind to me and knew that I took the boy to the hospital. But, here comes the big part; The Duke dislikes him very much, but tolerates him. In fact, this Lacroix moves his Excellency at will. How did he become the next CEO?”

“Answer me this. Should I serve apple ice cream with strawberries?”

“I guess not, Guntram stays in his older room.”

“
Merde!
I have a mission for you, Alexei.”

After lunch, Konrad and Guntram stayed together in the library as it was too hot and sunny to be outside.

Like before, they sat together, speaking in hushed tones about non controversial subjects like Economy or what Guntram had seen from Germany. They took the babies out and once more, Klaus preferred to be in Guntram's arms while Karl was with his father. They walked across the forest and had dinner together. Guntram was surprised that how easy it seemed for him to return to his old routine and before he knew he was once more sitting in his usual spot at the library sketching the babies' faces while Konrad had his usual glass of cognac.

The Duke noticed how tired Guntram was and decided to call it for the night, walking him up to his room and bidding him good night.

“Did you put the wooden blocks under the mattress?” the cook whispered when Alexei sneaked into his room, after dinner.

“It's the most stupid idea I've heard in years, Jean Jacques. I could be in great troubles.”

“Trust me, Alexei. My people invented the art of gallantry! It's just a slight push in the right direction.

Those two being friends only? Please! What if this continues and the boy finds someone better? If we consider the raw material we have here, Guntram will be running away in two weeks! The Duke is really a turn off for anyone. You can't make a sirloin out of an old dry bone!”

“Leave them alone! It's their problem!”

“No, it's not their problem: it's ours too! I've spoken with the nurses and Guntram is great for the babies.

He calmed the little pest in no time, without mentioning the larger pest. For the first time ever, the Duke fed one of his children! Today, I served him Brussels sprouts and he ate them all. Any other day, he would have sent the dish back to the kitchen! They should fix their problems and the best is to do it in the bedroom!”

“What makes you think it will work at all?” Alexei whined.

“Trust me. I know exactly what I'm doing,” the cook said very confidently of his skills. “I saved some ice cream for you,” he grinned. “It would be a pity to waste it.”

“Leave it for afterwards,” the big Russian chuckled and winked. “I think I deserve a prize for risking my neck for you.”

Guntram couldn't understand what was wrong with his bed. It has never been so uncomfortable. Once more he turned around trying to find a comfortable position, but it was impossible as he felt that there was something sharp in there. 'Not something, but several things. It wasn't like this before!'

'Brother, there's nothing wrong with it and you know the real reason for your uneasiness. You want the other bed as it's warmer than this one.' his inner voice intruded once more.

'Bad mattress, that's all!'

'In a several millions castle? Please! Lie to yourself but not to me!'

Guntram checked his watch; 1 a.m. In the darkness of his room, he looked for Mopsi with his eyes and found her in her basket, sleeping and snoring. 'Gosh, she's really loud for a dog. Was she not staying at Konrad's before? He must have had a hard time with her. She's not helping me at all!'

He sat on his four posted bed and switched on the bedside light, hoping that the pug would awake, but she continued to snore a bit louder than before. The lad sighed and realised that he was not able to sleep with her around or with the mattress.

'Time to ask for political asylum, brother. You're certainly welcomed upstairs,'

'Shut up!'

'Big bed, noiseless,' his inner voice tempted him.

Guntram sighed, aware that the dance with his conscience could last till dawn and made up his mind.

'Just sleeping there, nothing else. Only for tonight, till I find a place for Mopsi.' He dressed with his robe and put on his slippers. 'I hope Konrad does not kick me out for this, but honestly all the servants are sleeping and I don't want to bother them. Sleeping with Alexei is totally out of the question. Jean Jacques would kill me in the morning!'

Very carefully, he opened his door and peered into the deserted hallway, noticing that Alexei's door was closed. He shut down his door, doing his best not to disturb his dog and full of doubts walked toward the stairs.

Still hesitating, he debated with himself once more about the convenience of knocking on Konrad's door.

'He must be sleeping by now,' he thought, but saw the light coming through the door, as if he were reading or working in his living room. 'Just once, if he's still up, he will come, if not, I return to my own bed and complain tomorrow to Friederich.' He knocked softly, but said nothing.