Chapter 10
"Kelly!" came several exclamations.
"I did not pop her one!" said Casino defensively. He grinned sardonically. "But if you wanna come over here, I can make you look like her."
"Casino . . ." said Craig warningly.
The safecracker leaned back in his chair and pasted a benevolent smile on his face that held a hint of sarcasm. "It's okay, Warden. I know he's just a big little boy what don't know no better."
A glare from Craig stopped the younger brother from responding to that. Kelly changed tactics. "Okay, so what happened to you?" he asked his sister.
Terry shook her head. "Can I eat first before I have to go over this again?"
"Eat your supper," said Craig. "I'll fill him in after we eat."
"Get a chair, Kell," said Chris, getting up. "I'll get you a plate."
The only room at the table was to squeeze between Casino and Actor. Kelly dragged a chair over and jabbed the safecracker with an elbow to get him to move. The two glared at each other, but there was an underlying humor. Chris set a plate of the potato and vegetable casserole in from of Kelly.
"You out of meat?" asked Kelly.
Terry, on the defensive, glared across the table at him. "I haven't exactly been able to go meet with my black market contacts to get any. Goniff and Chris can go tomorrow."
Casino turned his head to look at the boy. "How come you always know to come when we're eatin'?"
Kelly grinned at him. "Ma didn't raise idiots. I can't cook, and my sisters are good so I know when to show up."
"Wot about you, Warden?" asked Goniff cockily. "Can you cook?"
Craig shook his head. "Can't even boil an egg."
"Maybe not," said Chris, "but he's real good with game over an open fire."
Garrison kept eating. "Kind of hard to learn when there are four women in the kitchen. Outdoors was the only place the men in the family had."
"Get them," teased Terry to her sister. "Men. What, sixteen, fourteen and Kelly was in diapers."
"Hey!" objected the youngest.
Casino looked at Terry across the table. "You was in Italy when you were younger. You learn to cook Italian?"
"A little," admitted the woman. "La mia nonna taught me some." She smiled. "If you guys can get me a garden put in this Spring, come Fall I'll can tomatoes and sauce. I make a mean Bolognese."
"That would be welcome," said Actor with feeling.
"What?" demanded Casino. "You got something against my spaghetti sauce?"
Anticipating the start of another fight, Actor backpeddled elegantly. "Not at all, Casino. It is that I have not had a decent Bolognese in a very long time." He turned the attention back to Teresa. "Do you know how to make sausage?"
That brought chortles out of Garrison and Kelly.
Terry fixed the con man with an insincere smile. "Pork, beef, venison or elk?"
Actor frowned, "Elk?"
"You never had elk?" asked Kelly.
"I don't believe so," said Actor.
Chris leaned over to look at the big man. "You probably have never been to our neck of the woods."
"No, I have not had the opportunity," replied Actor with a smile.
Craig looked up and asked casually, "So where in the States have you been?"
The con man seemed in the mood to open up a little bit. "New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New Orleans."
"Yeah, all the great conning capitals of the U. S.," said Casino. "You missed St. Louis."
"My understanding of St. Louis was the marks were easy, but it lacked the sophistication of the other cities."
"Blimey," choked Goniff, "'e's a ruddy snob about the States too."
"And just where have you been?" asked Casino snidely.
"New York," replied Goniff chirpily."
"Sing-Sing," said Casino. He looked back at Actor. "You countin' the Rock as San Francisco?"
"No," replied Actor, haughtily.
"You countin' Leavenworth as Missouri?" shot back Chief.
"Naw, I just visited there," grinned Casino.
Chris looked expectantly at the young man next to her. "And where have you been, Chief?" she asked with interest.
Chief shrugged, "Arizona, New Mexico, New York, Georgia. Been through Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. Don't count none. I never got to see nothin'. Had a posse followin' me."
Terry looked around the table at her now extended family. What a group; some of them fairly well traveled and for all the wrong reasons. And she realized she wouldn't want to trade a one of them. Not even Casino, though when she got better she would have to knock some sense into the man.
He wasn't done yet. "So you eaten elk before?" he asked Chief.
The Indian nodded. "Elk, antelope, possum, coon, lizard, rattlesnake."
"Rattlesnake?" piped up Goniff brightly. "Does it really taste like chicken?"
"Yup, yeah, yes," said Chief and the Garrisons in unison.
Actor looked around dubiously. "I am willing to try most anything, but not, I think, snake."
Terry grinned at him impishly. "I saw you eating at that party. I'm sorry but that foie gras was nasty. Now the fish eggs were wonderful."
"That caviar came from sturgeon in the Caspian Sea," said Actor. "And you had two obscene portions of it, Cara."
"I didn't see you leaving any on the plate I brought you," shot back Terry.
Actor shrugged haughtily. "It would have been impolite to waste it."
"You were eating caviar?" asked Kelly, impressed.
"Oh, Honey," smiled Terry teasingly, "He takes me on high class dates."
"Huh?" Kelly wasn't sure he had heard that right.
Actor smiled benignly. "Nothing but the best for the Third Reich."
"Oh," breathed Kelly in relief. He had been wondering about the relationship between the older confidence man and his sister since hearing Craig's concerns over the matter.
After supper, Terry was escorted by the cons into the common room and made comfortable in the big chair by the window. Chief disappeared into the kitchen, and Craig took Kelly into his office.
Casino waited until Chief was out of hearing and the lieutenant was behind closed doors before commenting, "Geronimo seems to be spending a lotta time in the kitchen with Chris."
Terry bristled. "You got a problem with that, you keep it to yourself or me, Mister."
Casino shot her a startled look. "Uh, no problem. I was just commentin'."
"Well don't," warned the young woman.
That earned a smile from Actor and Goniff. Terry was protective of her little sister and they knew she would normally have no problem taking on the safecracker. Casino was aware of that also and decided to keep quiet.
About a half hour later, the office door opened and a somewhat subdued and stunned Kelly emerged. He turned to his older sister and shook his head. "Jeeze, Terry."
She smiled at him reassuringly. "It's all right," she said. "It wasn't as bad as it could have been and it's all over and done with now."
Actor's eyes swiveled toward the girl. He seriously doubted it was over or done with. In his opinion, she was not yet out of the woods emotionally.
Kelly approached his sister. Terry levered herself out of the chair and embraced her little brother who was taller than she was. Kelly hugged her and turned his head toward the con man. "Thanks," he mouthed silently.
Actor gave a slow deliberate blink and a tiny nod of the head in response.
GGGGG
She was tied. She couldn't fight though she struggled on. The leering face loomed over her, slowly coming closer and closer. The features became more and more grotesque. She struggled harder. He was going to get her and there was nothing she could do. She was gagged . . . but no, the gag was gone. She screamed and screamed again.
There was a thunder of feet in the hall and the bedroom door burst open. The overhead light was flipped on as people tried to crowd into Terry's bedroom. Craig got in first, followed by Christine and Kelly. Actor halted in the doorway, blocking the other men from coming any closer.
Terry's eyes were wide and terror-filled as she sprang to a sitting position and looked around wildly. Craig sat on the bed and grabbed her shoulders. She stared at him and tried to jerk away.
"Easy Terry," said Craig urgently. "It's me. It's okay. It was a dream. You're safe."
Safe? What safe? Where was Actor? She needed Actor. No, she couldn't have Actor. Craig was there. Terry gulped air and fought to calm herself. She glanced at her other two siblings. Kelly was looking decidedly worried. Chris locked eyes with her. Chris knew. Chris knew who she needed. It didn't matter. Craig was there. She tried to see around him, but couldn't without being obvious. God, she didn't know why, but she needed to see Actor.
Christine stepped closer and laid a hand on her older brother's shoulder. He looked up to see her steadily looking back at him. She shook her head slowly.
"Actor, come here," called Chris. "See if you can calm her."
The Italian stepped forward into the room, watching the lieutenant cautiously. Craig looked at him and back at Terry. The girl's eyes were still wide and her nostrils were flared like a horse at a hard gallop. She was trying to keep her eyes on her brother, but they darted quickly back and forth toward the con man. Craig realized he was still on her 'do not trust' list. They would have to clear this up and soon. Reluctantly, he released her shoulders and stood up and back from the bed.
"You want to see what you can do with her?" he asked Actor.
"I would be happy to be of assistance . . . with your permission, of course," said the con man carefully.
Craig nodded and backed away. "Do what you can. She trusts you."
There was the faintest hint of regret in the young officer's voice. Actor stepped forward and sat on the edge of the bed. He took one of Teresa's hands in his and was surprised at the strength of the grip in return, fingernails digging into his palm. Her eyes flitted between him and her brother.
Chris took Craig by the upper arm and pulled him gently to the door. "I'll stay here," she whispered to him, "if you don't trust him. You know they aren't going to do anything."
"I know," admitted Craig back in a whisper.
Christine gently ushered him out with the other men and shut the door. She stayed back, watching unobtrusively.
Terry looked at the con man, avoiding his face. He was dressed in silk pajama bottoms with the top hastily thrown on and not buttoned. She could see a span of broad firm chest and wanted to bury herself in the safety of it. She was afraid to, so she continued to squeeze the hand that held hers.
Actor tilted his head watching her and gently pulled her hand closer. "Come here, Little One. It's all right." She melted into him and when she released his hand, he put his arms around her and held her closely. He knew she was trying not to cry again. It made him sad to see her like this, scared and uncertain. He hoped she would get her confidence and cocky attitude back soon, but for now, and for whatever reason, Teresa needed him and he would be there for her as long as he was allowed. He pushed back his doubts about how Garrison would deal with this. Actor bent his head to rub the side of his dark stubbled chin against her hair, triggering the silent release of hot tears against his chest.
Christine remained silently apart from them, leaning against the door and just watching. There was nothing condescending or sexual in the way Actor was holding her sister. She could tell he had begun to whisper to Terry, but could not hear the words. She watched Terry's tight grip around the con man slowly relax. Actor continued to talk to her. After a bit, she pulled back, her eyes moist, her breathing steadier. There was a look of embarrassment on her face and she seemed to dab at Actor's chest with a hand. The Italian's shoulders shook with a laugh. He said something to her and she tilted her eyes to look up at him, rolling them and starting to laugh herself. Chris watched as Actor's hand casually reached up to brush her sister's hair back behind her ear. He must have said something else to her because she nodded and straightened with a sigh. It was then that Terry noticed her sister by the door. The two locked eyes. Chris gave a reassuring grin and nod of the head. Watching them, the younger girl wondered if they realized how close they were becoming to each other.
Actor stood and bent over to place a light kiss on Terry's forehead before walking over to the door and Christine. The younger girl smiled and opened the door for him, brushing fingers lightly down his arm as he moved past her into the hall. Chris shut the door behind him and went over to her sister.
"Okay, what did he say that made you laugh?" she asked.
Terry smiled embarrassedly. "I cried on him once already and he had to change his shirt. So I was trying not to cry again, but I just couldn't help it. He said it was all right because I missed his shirt so he didn't have to change it."
Chris smiled and chuckled. "He's lightening up a little I think."
"Yeah, a little," agreed Terry.
"You okay now?" asked her sister.
Terry nodded. "I hate being like this," she said with self-disgust.
"I think it's a fairly normal reaction, Sis," countered Christine. "I'm going back to bed." As she rose, Terry's hand grabbed hers.
"Watch out for Actor for me," begged Terry. "Don't let Craig do him like Jake."
Chris nodded. "I don't think Craig is going to do anything to Actor, but I'll keep my eyes open." She paused. "Is Actor like Jake?"
The two exchanged a frank look. "No," said Terry finally. "He's just becoming a really good friend."
GGGGG
The next day, as they were leaving the dining room after breakfast, Craig laid a hand on Terry's arm and held her back. She looked up at him and went on edge at the serious expression on his face.
"We need to talk," said Craig. "Come to my office."
"We need to talk about what?" asked Terry warily.
"New York . . . Jake . . . things."
"Things or people?" asked Terry immediately on the defense.
"All right, people."
Oh she really did not want to do this right now, but she knew it would only get worse if it was put off again. Damn Craig. Well, if he thought he could walk on her because of the shape she was in right now, he had best think again. She might not be working on all eight cylinders, but she wasn't going down without a fight and this time it would be settled.
She followed Garrison into the common room and toward his office. Christine turned and saw the expressions on both of their faces. She had a feeling she knew what was coming. She wasn't sure the timing was the best.
"New York and Jake?" she asked accusingly.
"Yes," replied Craig shortly. Chris started forward. "Just Terry and me," said Garrison firmly. "You're not in this."
"The heck I'm not!" replied Chris hotly. "I was part of it too, remember?"
"You want a piece of me, Chris, you are welcome to talk to me afterward." It was said with a resigned tone.
Terry looked at her sister and shook her head. "He's right. This one is my fight."
"Well, I think it's a pretty rotten time to be bringing this up."
Terry smiled wanly. "It needs to be settled before anyone else gets hurt." She followed her brother into the office and shut the door firmly behind them.
Chris stood watching the door, hands unconsciously balled into fists. She did not notice the silence in the common room until Casino spoke.
"So what's this thing with New York and that guy from the Fox?"
Chris turned around and slowly looked at the worried, questioning faces that were looking back at her. Why not? The way Terry and Craig fought, they would probably hear it through the door pretty soon anyway.
"Terry and Jake were lovers in New York. I was with them, with Jake's brother, Nick. Craig was sent to get us away from them. He succeeded, but it wasn't pretty and there have been problems between Craig and Terry ever since."
"And this is why she is afraid of the lieutenant?" asked Actor, suddenly getting the picture.
"She's not afraid of him," clarified Chris. "She's afraid of what he will do to . . . other people." The younger girl saw the understanding dawn in the confidence man. "They have to straighten it out between the two of them," she said firmly. "This started before you guys were even an idea in . . . somebody's head. You all need to stay out of it."
"We're in it aren't we?" Chief asked with more than casual meaning.
"Not yet," replied Chris. "And hopefully there won't be a backlash from this." She tipped her head toward the door.
Now all five pair of eyes went to the door.
Terry stopped in the middle of the floor, eyes following her brother as he went and stood by the window, hands clasp behind his back, looking outside. The silence went on.
"It's Actor isn't it?" asked Terry accusingly.
"Not exactly," said Craig.
"Then just what exactly is it?" Terry was very much on the defensive now.
"I owe you an apology." He still did not turn around.
That caught her up short. It wasn't at all what she had expected to hear. "You what?"
Craig turned around and glanced at her guiltily before lowering his gaze. "I owe you an apology. I thought back then I was doing right. I realize now I was wrong. Wrong to get in it in the first place and wrong to keep distrusting you afterwards. I'm sorry. You were already an adult then. I had no business doing Dad's dirty work for him and inflicting his values onto you." He looked at her and sucked in one cheek in contemplation. "I guess I was still of the belief that everything Dad said was gospel."
"I think we both have gotten over that one now," said Terry. She sank into the chair in front of his desk. This was throwing her for a loop. She tried to straighten things out in her mind. After a moment she looked up at him. "Craig, I'm afraid to even try to get close to a man. I'm afraid of what you will do to him. You seem to think if I show an interest in anyone that I'm sleeping with them. You've accused me of that enough times with Actor. God only knows what you've said to him," she spoke with embarrassment.
Craig shrugged his eyebrows and looked even guiltier.
Terry caught the look and cringed. "Oh that's just wonderful." Maybe she could explain her relationship with Actor to him in a way he would understand. And maybe while she was doing it she could explain her relationship with Actor to herself. "Craig, Actor and I are becoming partners. To pull off the cons we have to be close. We have to know each other like the back of our hands. In the roles we are playing at the parties, we have to look like lovers. Obviously you know I have a problem with that. When we're alone, I think I am doing pretty good. But when you're around I have that nagging worry in the back of my mind that you are going to retaliate against one or both of us. It makes me dangerous, to myself, to Actor, and to the mission. I have no idea what Actor thinks about it because I'm too embarrassed to ask him. He is such a professional I am sure he overcomes any doubts about what you might do." She sought the words to explain further. "There is a connection between us." She shook her head with a frustrated frown. "Sometimes when we are working a con, it's like we are one person. I don't know. Maybe it's because he is so good at it, we kind of feed off each other to make the con work."
Terry paused for air. Craig sat on the corner of his desk and said nothing, but she could see the cogs working in his mind. His lower lip was caught between his teeth. He was about to get something else to chew on. "For the last time," she said with restrained quietness, "I have not and am not having a – sexual – relationship with Actor. We are not each other's type. Besides, I'm afraid you will try to beat the crap out of him or throw him back into prison because of me." She steeled herself for the next part. "And in the future, if I decide to have a relationship with him," it'll never happen she thought, "it's none of your business."
Craig released his lip and nodded. "You're right. It will only be my business if you let it affect the group."
Terry eyed him with a bit of wary confusion. He was conceding too easily. Was it a ploy or was he sincere? He looked sincere. He had started this conversation so she was going to push it. "Now, about Jake. . ." Craig looked up at that. "You were right; he wasn't good for me. The life we were leading wasn't good for me. Your methods were inexcusable. You beat Jake to a pulp and put him in a hospital and then you started on me."
Garrison's eyebrows rose. "Jake had it coming, and as I recall, Sister, you threw the first punch at me."
Terry shrugged. "It was aggravated assault."
Craig stared at her. They both snorted out a laugh. It was the first time they had ever found anything remotely humorous about it.
Garrison pointed a warning finger at his sister. "Don't you ever tell any of them how you beat me up."
Terry grinned. "That's only because you were pulling your punches and I wasn't. You did teach me almost everything you know."
"Almost everything?" teased Craig.
"Hey, Brother, I did not spend half of my vacations in Italy in Zio Giovanni's brothel." That lead her to another thought and she eyed him with concern. "Speaking of which, what is the matter with you? I know the couple times you visited Dad in Washington you could have given Actor a run for his money. What's the matter with you now? " Her eyes narrowed and the corner of her mouth curled. "You haven't decided you like boys, have you?"
"TERRY!"
That exclamation was heard into the common room. Christine's face broke into a Cheshire cat grin. "Get him, Sister," she said. Four pair of male eyes turned from the office door to the smug young woman.
"Well?" continued the middle sister. "You don't seem to have any kind of - uh – romantic life."
Craig glared at her. "If you're referring to my sex life, it's just fine. I prefer to keep it private, thank you."
Eyebrows shooting skyward, Terry asked with disbelief, "You have one?"
"Yes," admitted the young man.
"You have a girlfriend?" The sister was trying to digest this bit of news.
"Yes, and it's none of your or their business, especially theirs." Somehow this conversation had gotten totally out of his control. "Enough, get back to Jake."
"Jake." Terry decided to give her brother a temporary break. "He was my first love so there will always be a tiny spot in my heart for him, but now he's just a friend. He's with Kit and that suits me fine."
"If he wasn't, would you go back to him?" asked Craig curiously.
Terry shook her head. "No. It's over."
"What about Actor?"
Terry almost lost her temper again, but treated it instead as a rational question. "Craig, look at Actor and look at me. We are not at all each other's type."
"I look at you and him at those parties and I can see it," nudged Garrison.
"Yeah? Well I can't. And I'm positive he can't either." She sobered. "Are you okay with this now?"
Craig nodded. "Are you okay with me now?"
"I guess," said Terry was faked reluctance. "Are you okay with me now?"
"I guess," Craig mimicked her.
Terry's mouth twitched in amusement. She couldn't resist asking, "So if I went out that door and jumped Actor right now, it wouldn't bother you?"
"It would bother me," said Craig. "Because it would bother the others and I'm not sure that it wouldn't bother Actor."
"Oh I know it would bother Actor," laughed Terry. "I don't think he likes his women pushy." Then she remembered Marilee. "Well, maybe he does . . ."
"He likes 'em sexy and elegant," said Craig with certainty.
"Well, there now, you see, Brother?" teased Terry. "That definitely lets me out." She quickly tried to sneak one in. "What's her name?"
"Whose name?" Craig was ready for her.
"This mysterious girlfriend."
"None of your business."
Terry stood up and shook her head. "Funny name. Must be foreign." Craig gave her a sour look. She just smiled back. "You're making this up."
Craig shook his head. "No, I'm not. Ask Chris."
"Crystal knows about this?" asked Terry in outrage. "And she didn't tell me?"
"I told her not to."
Terry snorted and went to the door. Craig followed her, grinning at her back. He loved it when he got one over on her. Stepping out into the common room, they paused and turned to the five faces that were staring at them.
"My turn now?" asked Chris.
Terry waved a dismissive hand at her. "Don't bother. We're good."
"You're good," repeated the younger girl. "You're good?"
"Yeah, for a trial period," said Terry shooting a cocky glance at Craig.
Chris looked at the two in disbelief. "After all this time, that's it? You're good?"
Craig nodded.
Terry raised an eyebrow at her younger sister. "But you and I have to go upstairs and have a little discussion about sisterhood and secrets."
Chris looked askance at Craig, who merely shrugged. She grinned broadly at Terry and rubbed her hands together. "Oh, yes, we have to talk."
Craig waited until the girls had gone upstairs. He had one more person he needed to apologize to and this wasn't going to be easy either. The men had gone back to what they had been doing. The Italian was just finishing fixing a pipe.
"Actor, I need a word with you, in my office," said Craig.
The con man looked up with a congenial smile. "Of course, Lieutenant." He rose from his chair, pipe clamped between his teeth and followed Garrison into his office. He took a seat in the chair in front of the desk, curious to see if this was related to what had just taken place in this room.
Craig returned to the window, running a hand through his blond hair. How was he going to apologize to the older man without looking like the fool he felt he was. He edged his way into it.
"I just had an interesting talk with Terry." Craig turned around to look at the inscrutable face that watched him. He watched a plume of white exhaled smoke waif toward the ceiling. "How much do you know about Terry and Jake?"
"What little Teresa has told me. I know of her previous relationship with the man, the hospital, the speakeasy," Actor replied cautiously.
"And the three of us?" asked Craig. It didn't surprise him that his sister had confided in the Italian. He was easy to confide in.
Actor shook his head. "She did not mention you. However, I assume you were the one to remove her from that situation?"
"Oh, I removed her all right. And Chris." His regret sounded in his voice.
"To be placed in that position could not have been easy for you, Warden."
The quiet tone and the use of Craig's nickname, helped ease his tension. Damn the man was good. He could have been a psychologist. "It wasn't and I didn't handle it well." There was nothing forthcoming from Actor so Craig continued. "Chris was easy. She did as she was told and went back to the ranch. Nick was killed in France some time later. It was hard for her."
He stopped, thinking of his other sister.
"And what of Teresa?" prompted Actor.
"She's a fighter," said Craig. "So's Jake. He and I got into it physically. He ended up in a hospital and Terry ended up with Dad in Washington. Dad's opinion of Terry's moral status at the time was pretty poor and I guess I bought into it. When she came here and you two started working together, I just assumed if she slept with Jake, she'd sleep with you."
"And do you still believe that?" asked Actor.
"No," replied Craig. He sat down in his chair and pulled a cigarette from his pack. "And for that I owe you an apology."
"Accepted, but not necessary," said Actor leaning forward to light it with his silver lighter. "And understandable. I have a certain reputation among the ladies which I try diligently to maintain."
Craig bit back a smile at that.
Actor continued. "While I enjoy Teresa's company, she is not the type of woman I prefer to share my bed with. For one, there is the age difference. I am much too old for her. I also prefer my women more mature and a little less independent. I realize Teresa has had some experience in the art of lovemaking, but I would rather not have to teach the woman. I find it more enjoyable with someone who is well versed in the act."
Now that he thought about it, Craig just could not picture Terry and Actor in bed together. It was actually kind of funny. God, how could he have been so stupid.
"I think," said Actor slowly, "no matter what the ages are, the older brother is always protective of the younger sister."
Craig looked up at him. Was that the voice of experience? Was there a younger sister to the con man? He knew better than to ask. "Yeah, I think you're right," he said. "Now if we could just get Terry sorted out . . ."
"It will take time, but I believe she will be able to work her way through this," predicted Actor.
"I hope so."
GGGGG
Over the next few days, things did improve. As Terry's eye healed so did the headaches and dizziness. Her presence was not required on the next couple of missions, giving her more time to recuperate. Chris and Kelly went back to London and the normal chaotic routine returned to the mansion. Actor resumed his education of Teresa in art history and music.
So it was that one afternoon Terry approached Actor's chair, carrying a large, open art book. She stopped beside him and waited for him to look up. When he did, she asked, "Could I ask you a couple questions?"
"Of course, Cara," he replied. He closed the book his was reading and set it aside, allowing her to place her tome on his lap. It was open to some photographs of religious frescos on walls in Italy. He moved his arm and motioned with his head for her to sit beside him on the arm of the chair.
She did, just leaning slightly against his shoulder. "Okay, first question. Not related to this." She pointed at the book. "I would imagine you have seen the statue of David?"
"Many times," he assured her.
"Okay just using that as an example. The sculpture shows greatly detailed strong musculature. The veins are anatomically correct, the nails are perfect. There are just some things out of proportion."
"Ah, yes," interrupted Actor. "The right hand is disproportionately large. Michelangelo was trying to portray the strength and power in that one hand that was able to defeat the giant, Goliath, with just a sling and a rock."
"I understand that," said Terry. She hesitated. "Uh, there are other things that aren't quite right. Like . . .uh . . ." She was having trouble asking. When she looked up, she saw Casino and Goniff watching her. Actor was waiting patiently. Terry slipped off the chair and twisted around to whisper in the con man's ear. To her horror, he burst out with a loud guffaw of laughter. Now he had everybody's attention. "Oh, yeah, laugh at me!" she objected in embarrassment. "You know how long it took me to get up the courage to ask you that?" That only caused Actor to laugh harder.
Craig came to the door of his office to see what his sister had done. He had not heard his second laugh in a long time and it was good to hear, even if it was embarrassing the hell out of Terry.
"Wad did she ask you?" Casino wanted to know.
Chief was grinning from ear to ear. "Ain't never seen her turn that shade a red before."
"Must 'ave been good," added Goniff.
"Oh, never mind!" Terry got up to flee.
Actor grasped her hand and pulled her back. "Sit down," he chortled, keeping her hand firmly in his. "I am sorry, Teresa. That was too delightful." He tried to regain his composure.
"Hysterical is more like it," grumbled Terry.
Actor set down his pipe and pinched the bridge of his nose with the thumb and forefinger of his left hand to prevent the tears of laughter from escaping the corners of his eyes. The things that woman could come out with. He made an attempt at a serious answer.
"Yes, there is that. If you have noticed, the same can be said about most of the statues and sculptures of that era. And I apologize, however I do not have an answer to your question. It is a good question though." He could not resist adding. "Of course only females would be most inclined to notice this." Feeling her about to try to flee again, he hurriedly asked, "And what was your other question?"
Terry pointed to the pictures on the pages. "There are all these beautiful frescos and somebody came along and did that to them."
"Ah, yes. You must remember that especially in the north of Italy the culture was closely aligned with the Celts. The body was worshiped and revered. Then Catholicism took over. The nudity of the religious paintings was considered a sacrilege. The Pope hired a man whose job it was to go around to as many paintings as possible and paint coverings over the pubic areas."
Terry pointed to one particular painting. "Yes, but that looks like he painted pants on the Christ child for cryin' out loud!"
"Let's see that," said Casino.
Actor let go of Terry's hand and, taking the open book, rose from his chair to lay it on the table beside the safecracker. Even Goniff and Chief gathered around to see. Actor started his little lecture on the effects of Catholicism on Italian art.
Terry joined her brother to stand a little behind and to the side of the group. It was good to see Actor back in the center of the men after keeping himself separated from them for so long. The slightly arrogant tone was back in the con man's voice. As they listened to the explanation of the pantaloons, Craig whispered into Terry's ear, "Look's like Actor's back." Terry nodded.
"Now if you are going to become involved in the theft of great art, you must know the differences within each era."
Terry's hand flew up to cover her mouth suppressing a laugh. She glanced up to see her brother biting his lower lip for the same reason. She whispered in his ear, "Oh, Actor is definitely back."
Craig shook his head. "Thank God," he muttered sincerely, and headed for his office. Terry walked up and lay one hand on Actor's back and the other on Casino's shoulder and leaned over the safecracker to see the book.
"Aw, a painting's a painting," scoffed Casino
"Not so," said Actor, flipping to an example of Renaissance art.
"Hey, go back, these women got clothes on . . ."