TS 2 Part V Chapter 20

Chapter 20

January 16^th, 2010

The boy had finally seen reason and behaved quite well under the circumstances. Massaiev was pleased with his attitude and behaviour. Guntram did his best to please the boss and kept a straight face when he was kissed, not showing any signs of contempt or disgust and letting the other do as he pleased. He was even returning some of the kisses if the boss showed him care or concern over his general condition. He painted or sketched things, but continued to be silent all the time. He never started any kind of conversation and answered only when a direct question had been addressed to him, looking like a frightened mouse.

'Perhaps the show with the Swedish was too much for him. At least he learned his place and will behave from now onward.'

Four weeks ago, Constantin had brought to the house something like twenty-five large boxes full of art books, novels and some films for the young man and he was surprised and happy at the same time; glad to have something else to do besides looking at the garden or the river, drawing or playing with the cat. Guntram was like a child when he saw the books and kissed the boss -out of gratitude- in the cheek, blushing like a tomato after doing it. A real and genuine public kiss after more than six months.

'This boy is a true gem. We should have taken him the minute he was out of school. Look all the trouble we went through just because Lintorff stole him in Venice. I even had his room ready in St. Petersburg. Maybe he would have shouted for a few months but he would have calmed down and learned to be happy with the boss. I'm sure boss would have let him attend school and make a name for himself.'

'Even the men like him and boss is more amiable than before since he has him.'

'Just a few months more till we move him back home. I am getting sick of this jungle.'

Two Brothers

Two Brothers

October 23^rd, 1964

Zurich

Konrad had been very disappointed when he was sternly told by his father that he was not invited at all to the opening of the ibex hunting season. He had pouted and thrown a tantrum, but the Duke had been inflexible, and Friederich had sided with him. At seven years old, he was still too young to shoot a weapon or even go with the men.

“Perhaps when you turn twelve, like your brother,” had been his father's answer before he had dismissed him. “You are still a little boy, Konrad, and we will drive to the mountains—to Graue Hörner.”

The only thing preventing Konrad from throwing another tantrum of epic proportions was that Karl Maria was very proud and happy that he had been allowed to go hunting with the adults. Seeing his brother brimming with happiness made Konrad swallow his own fury at his father's ‘insult’: calling him a “little boy” when he was able to write, read and calculate much better than his own brother.

“Don't worry, Konrad,” Friederich had said in a futile attempt to sooth his pupil's wounded pride while he was having lunch with his brother. “We will take the train to Geneva and visit a small clock workshop.” The little boy's large face had been incentive enough for Friederich to raise the stakes: “and a chocolate factory too.”

“Wow, Konrad, a chocolate factory! Lucky you!” Karl Maria had laughed full-heartedly, feeling very happy for his little brother. “I wish I could go and eat everything!”

“I'll get you a big chocolate with the five francs I have,” Konrad promised, his grudge against the world diminishing just a bit, mostly infected by his brother's permanent good mood and happiness.

“We'll eat it together and give nothing to that smelly Sebastian,” Karl Maria chortled remembering their worst nightmare, the gardener's eldest son.

“Nothing at all,” Konrad agreed quickly before Friederich would tell them off for not sharing or being disagreeable with other people. “Though Hubertus gets a piece,” he added as he remembered his green friend at the pond.

* * *

TS 2 Part V Chapter 19

Chapter 19

January 16^th, 2010

Zurich

Konrad did his best to focus on the report he was trying to read, but it was useless. He would have to ask Ferdinand to brief him before the meeting. Everyday things became harder and harder for him. He was distracted, sad and defeated as never before.

'What wouldn't I do to get my Guntram back? But it's impossible. He must be dead by now.'

The figures swirled around once more and he felt the pulsating pain in his temple, warning him about the impending headache. “Migraine caused by extreme nervous tension, my Duke,” had declared his doctor and prescribed some pills. Konrad opened his drawer and took the bottle pill, swallowing two without water. He sighed and took the photo in his drawer, showing a smiling Guntram and he holding each other and closed his eyes at the painful memory. 'I will never see those eyes again or feel his hand caress me just to comfort me.'

A soft well known knock on his door announced Monika, his secretary. “Come in,” he said after putting away the picture and the bottle pill and recomposed himself.

“Excuse me, sir. These are the documents you asked to Michael and I need to check your agenda for the next month. We still have twenty minutes free until the meeting with Renderhoff from the Reconstruction Bank for Africa.” She said with her soft voice, her eyes avoiding to look at the photo of Guntram and the children in the silver frame on top of his desk.

“Thank you, Monika,” Konrad answered automatically. She sat in front of him and started to tell the long list while he nodded and only rejected two of the appointments.

She hesitated before getting to the last point in her agenda. “I received a letter this morning, my Duke. It is from Guntram's lawyer and it is labelled as personal. Should I open it?”

“Let me see it,” Konrad said and took the letter with no stamp and closed with a seal. His heart nearly stopped when he saw the symbol on it; a small and simple crenel cross. “Please, leave me alone, Monika,” he asked and the secretary left the room. With an letter opener, he cut the thick paper and took out a letter, strangely handwritten in German, using an elegant and precise handwriting.