Sorry for the wait, I wanted to get the final segment of the chapter just perfect! I really hope it lives up to expectations.

Anyway, Richard starts to think outside the box, Amparo has a nightmare, and both Hero and Benedick open up to Beatrix.


"I'm sorry that Signorina couldn't help you," said Moreno.

"It's no matter," said Richard, "She behaved exactly as she should. Of course she couldn't give out personal details what with Mercutio prank calling the nobility of Europe, left, right and centre. And I was clutching at straws when I asked her if she'd personally seen Anne. Of course she hasn't. Anne would be smart enough to avoid high ranking politicians. But it's not a failure. We may yet hear from Tychon. This just rules out the possibility that Anne has had contact with the Veronese government. And possibly Gabriel. I understand he and Amparo are thick as thieves."

"What do you plan to do next?" asked Moreno.

"I don't know yet," said Richard, "Let me think for a moment. Francis, Catesby, Ratcliffe, you go have a walk around the market. I'd like to speak to Moreno for a few minutes."

"All right, see you in a bit, Dickon," said the three.

"How can I help you, your grace?"

"There's no need for your grace, it's Richard," said Richard. He took a breath, "I've had another thought. If Tychon cannot be reached in Athens, maybe he's not in Athens."

"Yes, Richard."

"You must think I sound silly," Richard laughed, "But it will make sense in a minute. Would you mind if I asked a few questions?"

"What kind of questions?"

"Nothing too nosy. How long have you worked for your company?"

Moreno thought for a moment. It wasn't too strange, and could even be classed as just social niceties. Besides, Richard seemed like a good man so far. He'd been respectful, when most nobles tended to treat their interpreters as inferior.

"Since I graduated," replied Moreno, "That was now four years ago."

"Four years," mused Richard, "And how long have you been sent to the Veronese government to interpret?"

"From the very beginning."

"Were you interpreting during the debriefing?"

"Yes."

"Which parties did you interpret for?"

"The Spanish guests. But I also met other guests."

"Did you meet Lord Alanis?" asked Richard.

"I did," said Moreno.

"And what did you think of him?"

"I liked him. He was friendly to me. Most people ignore us interpreters. He didn't seem at all phased by Mercutio, which I found strange."

"Someone not terrified of Mercutio?!"

"I know! Shocking!"

Richard smiled to himself, "And, the last time you saw Signor Alanis, what was happening?"

"It was the day the guests all left," Moreno stretched his mind back, "I was covering Gabriel because he'd had a party the night before and was hungover. But anyway, Mercutio was standing on a balcony, singing rude songs to Signorina Duarte with a ukulele, and Lord Alanis got him to shut up. Then they started talking about all the prank calls Mercutio gave your brother. I had to interpret a few emails from him, complaining about this…I can't say any more about them, as that's confidential. But Lord Alanis asked me how long it took to interpret them to show Mercutio how he was wasting my time when I could be helping people. That's all I remember."

"The party…I rung them on Skype that night…no, I rung them before, when they were going on a night out. Did Gabriel at least thank you for covering him?"

"No," said Moreno.

"He truly has no manners," scolded Richard, "I'll make sure to have a few words with him next time I see him."

"Thank you, your- Richard, but don't waste your breath. Gabriel isn't worth any of it," Moreno shook his head.

"Did Lord Alanis say anything else?" asked Richard.

"No, he left."

"Where did he go?" Richard carried on.

"Umm…" Moreno trailed off, thinking.

"I'm sorry to be so invasive. I just need to know. I need to know if Anne is..." Richard closed his eyes, "You see, I realised, with you being an interpreter, you may know something important without realising it."

"It's ok," said Moreno, "I understand. Lord Alanis…well, he…"

"Yes?"

"He…plays for both teams."

"What teams?"

"He's bi," explained Moreno, "The last time I saw him, before he left, he said he was on his way to visit a 'gentleman friend'!"

"Oh god," groaned Richard, "No wonder he was enjoying himself so much at Ned's swingers party! I better not tell Ned that…But that makes sense too. If he's not in Athens, maybe he got distracted by a conquest. Maybe he's with this 'gentleman friend' somewhere romantic. Are there any romantic places around here?"

"This is Verona, the city of love," said Moreno.

"Maybe he didn't leave," said Richard, "Maybe he's right under our noses!"

He glanced around the market, as if he expected Tychon to emerge through the crowds.

"Hey, fellows!" beamed Catesby. He was clutching a gelato ice cream, "Are you finished talking?"

"Almost. We've had some breakthroughs," explained Richard.

"Great!" said Ratcliffe, "Any closer to finding Tychon?"

"Moreno says he remembers meeting Tychon whilst interpreting. We think there's a chance Tychon didn't leave Verona because he met a new guy."

"New guy?" asked Francis.

"He plays for both teams."

"Makes sense."

"So who's the new guy and where do we find him?" asked Catesby.

"Ah," said Richard.

Moreno stared off into the distance, trying his best to recall that day. The strongest memory was of annoyance, that Gabriel had drunk himself into such a state that Moreno once again had to save his skin.

Briefly, Moreno wondered what Gabriel's father must think of his behaviour. He couldn't imagine the old Deputy approving of his son messing up his career and professional life. And the party had happened in his own house. Moreno doubted Gabriel cleaned up an inch afterwards. Angelo probably got stuck with scrubbing the lot.

Suddenly, Moreno gasped.

Richard and his group spun around and looked at him.

"Are you all right?" asked Francis, looking concerned.

"Tychon's gentleman friend," repeated Moreno, "It's Gabriel's father, Angelo. Tychon went to help him clean up after Gabriel's party. It's him."


Amparo tossed, and turned. Sleep had, once again, not come very easily. She slept in fits and starts, sometimes waking in the middle of the night, before falling back into a stupor.

Tonight, the duvet tangled around her body. There was a heavy weight on the bed beside her that tickled and irritated her with its very presence.

"Gabriel, must you sprawl over the entire bed?" she moaned, rolling over. She opened her eyes and glanced over.

Angelo's corpse gazed up at her.

Amparo screamed.

Gabriel scrambled upright, and flung the light on.

"Jesus Christ, I was actually sleeping for once! This had better be good!"

"Thank god it's you," sighed Amparo with relief.

"Of course it's me. Why were you screaming?"

"Just a nightmare. Turn the light out, and go back to sleep."

Gabriel did as instructed, and rolled over. Amparo waited to hear his slow breaths, before placing her hand on her face and sighing deeply. There was no point sleeping now. She rose, dressed, and began preparing for work, leaving as soon as it would be socially acceptable to arrive.

But something was different. There was an air of excitement in the air. Amparo walked briskly towards reception, where several messages were waiting for her, each just minutes old.

"Signorina," greeted Beatrix, sitting up from one of the sofas dotted around the area, "I've got good news. There's word on Don Jon."

"Excellent," said Amparo, "Where is he?"

"We had word from Lord Mountanto," Amparo couldn't help but notice Beatrix blush. She decided to let it pass, "Jon was spotted in Padua, and has been staying there for some time. Lord Mountanto attempted to apprehend him, but Jon managed to board a train to Verona in time. Lord Mountanto took down the time of the train. There is an hour until it arrives in Verona, when we can arrest him."

"Thank goodness," sighed Amparo. Perhaps, this could work in her favour, "I'll take over from here. Beatrix, get ready to leave for Verona train station immediately. I need a security team, and a couple of cars. We're going to arrest Jon."

"You intend to deal with Jon personally?" asked Beatrix.

"Yes, I do," said Amparo confidently.

"Are you sure that's wise?"

"I'll be the one to make that judgement," replied Amparo. Soon enough, her entourage was put together, and they found themselves waiting at the station.

"We're waiting for one more person," explained Amparo, "Then we'll spread out, so he's surrounded no matter where he goes. Is Pedro aware of our reports and intent to take Jon into custody on his behalf?"

"I have already emailed him," said Beatrix.

"Good. We'll be able to send him a follow up within the hour. How many minutes until the train arrives?"

"Ten," replied Beatrix.

"Ten," nodded Amparo, "I'll divide us up. I'll take the main exit, so I can't miss him. He'll walk into my trap. I want two people on the platform who will follow him and walk him straight towards me. Then I'd like people covering the other exits."

"Nine minutes," said Beatrix.

"We should start finding our areas in case the train is early," said Amparo, "What we need is for-"

"Lord Mountanto to arrive. I'm here. Finding parking was a nightmare."

Beatrix couldn't help but beam, "Benedick! What are you doing here?"

"Well, after the sightings of Jon in Padua, since I know the history, naturally I stepped in to represent my liege," said Benedick. He hugged her, "It's good to see you."

"Eight minutes," interrupted Amparo.

"We'll go into our positions," agreed one of the security team.

"Jon will recognise us all together immediately," said Amparo, "Lord Mountanto, I'll be on the main exit, I'd like you to cover one of others. Take Signorina Montague with you, but I want all eyes on the crowd for Jon and no idle talking. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Signorina Duarte," said Benedick, "Or should I say niece?"

Amparo frowned, "I am not your niece."

"Benedick, come, we'll delay the whole thing," said Beatrix.

The team scattered.

"Why didn't you tell me you were coming back?"

"I wanted to surprise you."

"Where are you staying?"

"I'm not sure, but maybe Hotel Fulgencio has a Gabriel's Room Suite. I can guarantee Gabriel himself will throw a fit."

"You're dreadful," giggled Beatrix. Her eyes scanned the crowds as a train pulled in, "This isn't it, is it?"

"No, not yet," Benedick checked his watch, "Seven more minutes to go."

"How have things been in Padua?"

"Same old, same old," shrugged Benedick, "I missed everyone, of course. It's funny, not having Pedro and Claudio to talk to."

"Have you made up with them yet?"

"No. I'm not ready to. Not yet. How's Hero?"

"Sad," sighed Beatrix, "Very sad. I have to leave her during the day to come to work. She just sits on the sofa and watches tv. Ben goes round to sit with her but he's got his own stuff to be getting on with. He's preparing for his third year dissertation and needs to do all this research."

"How is he?"

"He's good. I think he's looking forward to his final year, but not leaving Hermia and Eliseo."

"I can't imagine that's easy," said Benedick, "Six more minutes to go."

Beatrix glanced across the platform, where Amparo waited by the main entrance. Calmly, she was readjusting her earpiece, and scanning the train line for any sign of Jon's train.

"The train is early," stated Beatrix.

"Makes a change," muttered Benedick.

"Are you ready to catch Jon?"

"Indeed I am," grinned Benedick. The train pulled to a stop, and the people bustled out. As it was the last stop, the whole train emptied. As Beatrix glanced back and forth, there was a government official at every exit, every change. Jon was cornered.

"Can you see him?" asked Benedick.

Beatrix squinted. Unlike her younger twin, her eyesight had always been good. Soon enough, she was sure she could see Jon.

"There. He's walked down the stairs towards the exit. The two guards have followed him. He'll walk straight into Amparo's trap."

They both glanced over at Amparo, who was standing with her arms folded. The first members of the crowd broke through the doors. Jon meandered along, keeping his head down, trying to act inconspicuous.

"It's like he's not even trying. If you want to hide, you don't take mainline trains. You stay off the road and hike," Benedick shook his head.

"Ssh, I think Amparo's going for him."

And indeed she had. Amparo walked straight through the crowd, and right up to Jon. Jon was so busy keeping his head down, he did not look up until she stopped in front of him.

"Jon, I need you to come with me," announced Amparo. Jon jumped alert, and bolted for the first exit. Benedick stepped forwards with Beatrix and blocked his way. The two guards who had followed him raced after him. Jon turned, mortified, looking for another escape, but it was no good. The net closed in, he was caught.

Jon half-snorted, half-choked, "I knew it would be you. Pedro's whore."

"I am no whore, Jon, and even if I was, I do not need to justify myself to the likes of you," said Amparo, "I am taking you into custody for slander and treason. Will you come quietly? A suite in the palace has been prepared for you. You will be comfortable. Though you deserve none of it, of course."

Beatrix's phone clicked. Jon whirled around, "What are you doing?"

"Snap-chatting Hero," replied Beatrix, "I'm just writing, wish you were here!"


Later that night, after Jon had been escorted to his rooms at the palace, and been subjected to a thorough interrogation by Amparo, Benedick offered to walk Beatrix home.

"So you've been living by yourself the past few weeks? I'm impressed."

"I haven't been completely by myself. I've had Hero for company. She helps me tidy up."

"Ah, you're messy," grinned Benedick, "You should see my place."

Beatrix pretended to clout him, "Not that messy. I'll prove it."

"All right, you're on," said Benedick, "And I'll say hello to Hero while I'm here."

"We can both give her the good news," decided Beatrix. But when they got back to Beatrix's flat, the living room door was shut, and the light switched off.

"She must be asleep," said Beatrix.

"Asleep? So early?"

"Yeah, she goes to bed pretty early sometimes," sighed Beatrix, "All right, we'll sit in my room. The kitchen's not very cosy."

She led the way to her room, and pushed open the door. True to form, it was a bit messy. Her bed had been made clumsily, there were empty coffee mugs on the bedside table, alongside a book held open by some hair scrunchies, and a few black sacks were packed in the corner. But in spite of that, it did look warm, it did look inviting. It felt like more of a 'home' than her room at the Montague's rented place.

"Are you having a clear out?" asked Benedick.

"Indeed I am. I had loads of clothes on the floor I never wear and don't suit me. So I've packed them up and I'm selling them on eBay."

Benedick gestured to the towering pile, "You're going to make a small fortune."

"That's the plan," Beatrix glanced around. There had to be a few thousand in many of the unworn designer clothes and jewellery she had piled up. Every little helped.

"You do have a nice place," said Benedick, "You've done well for yourself."

He turned to her, and gently put her face in his hands. Beatrix closed the gap, and kissed him.

"I've missed you," she admitted.

"I missed you too," said Benedick, "There's been so much I wanted to do with you, to show you, talk to you about…"

"Let's talk now."

"What do you want to talk about?"

"I don't know, you start!"

"Maybe we should get glasses of water."

"Wait there," said Beatrix, turning to the kitchen.

"Can I charge my phone?" asked Benedick.

"Sure. Charger's by the side of my bed," Beatrix bounced out of her room to the kitchen, and hunted for two clean glasses. After she filled them, she wondered briefly if she ought to offer Benedick some food. What food did she have? And what food did Benedick like? Beatrix loved unhealthy crap, but maybe he was a health nut? She opened and closed all the cupboards hunting for some.

"Beatrix?" asked a soft voice.

"Hero?" Beatrix spun around, "Did I wake you?"

"No. I can't sleep," Hero leant against the kitchen counter, and folded her arms.

"Are you all right?"

"Fine. I'm always fine," shrugged Hero.

"You know, we caught Jon today," said Beatrix, trying to cheer her cousin up.

"I saw the snapchat."

"He's in Amparo's custody, and soon Pedro will come to deal with him. We've got the story of the scheme he set up. Claudio will be told. Jon will be punished. No one thinks you cheated on him anymore."

"What does it matter? Claudio doesn't love me and couldn't trust me," shrugged Hero. She sighed, "That's why I'm so upset. Not that he tried to ruin my day. I don't care about politics. Just that…the one person who I loved and trusted more than anything or anyone else in the world…simply didn't feel the same."

"I see," said Beatrix. It was on the tip of her tongue to say "you'll meet someone else," or "you're better off without him," but she knew there was no point. Nothing could take away Hero's hurt.

"And it's not just that, either," Hero went on, "What am I going to do with my future? I'm my dad's only heir. I have no idea how to run a property. I was expecting to marry someone who would just…know how. And now I have this massive destiny, this responsibility, just sitting on my shoulders. How am I supposed to stand up in government and say how I think Messina should be run against a bunch of old men?"

Beatrix thought back to something Amparo told her, "Just do it, Hero. Old men don't know what they're saying either, it's just more socially acceptable for them to speak. Even if they talk over you, talk over them."

"And then there's the money, the business side. How do I deal with that?"

"You learn. Practise, and practise. There's no escaping this destiny, so you have to rise up to face it," said Beatrix firmly.

"I know. I do know. I just need time," sighed Hero, "Anyway, have a good evening with Benedick."

"You heard us?"

"Yes, I did," said Hero. She gave Beatrix a sly smile, "Make sure I don't hear anything worse."

"You aren't jealous at all?" asked Beatrix.

"No. Why would I be? You've got a chance for happiness. Seize it with both hands."

Hero pattered back into the living room. Beatrix turned back to the glasses of water.

'I wonder if there's anything I can do to help her. If I can give her any training, or if there's anyone I can ask…'

She scooped up the glasses, and steadily made her way back to her room. Benedick was sitting on the left side of her bed, hunched over his phone. Beatrix wondered if he naturally preferred the left side. She usually collapsed on the side closest to the door, then spread out over the whole mattress during the night.

"Water," said Beatrix, handing it to him, "Do you want some food?"

"I get food?"

"If you want some," said Beatrix, "Or I can order takeout?"

Benedick's eyes lit up.


Two hours later, they both collapsed against the pillows, expecting triplet food babies.

"I thought you were meant to stay at Angelo's," said Beatrix, as Benedick wrapped his arms around her waist.

"I was, but Gabriel lives there and he smells," Benedick burrowed his head into the crook of her neck, "I like this better."

"If I may ask," said Beatrix, rolling over to face him, "Why didn't you want to fall in love?"

Benedick unburrowed his head, "I'm afraid of ending up like Angelo."

"Like Angelo?"

"Angelo was cast out the family for loving someone. I know why, and I know things are different for me, but I didn't want to take the chance and be hurt like that. My father died when I was five, but our parents and the things they teach us do live on in us."

"They do," admitted Beatrix.

"And I'm afraid to get close to people," admitted Benedick, "When I was little, everyone I loved died. Then when I got older, they let me down. Pedro, someone I admired, treated Hero like a vile scarlet woman without knowing the whole story. So that's why I'm always alone. If I'm not close to people, it doesn't hurt when they leave."

"That's silly," scoffed Beatrix, "By doing that you pass up any opportunity to feel anything for anyone. What a waste of life."

'But is that not the exact same way you feel about Benny?' a little voice inside of Beatrix's head asked. Beatrix opened her eyes. That was it…that was the answer she'd been looking for all this time!

When her mum died…she'd hated feeling so hurt, so helpless, she'd never wanted to feel that way again…so instead of taking comfort with the one person who could have understood her better than anyone…she pushed him away, so if something happened to him too…it didn't hurt.

And Benedick had done the same thing. From looking at him, from the moment she first met him, Beatrix would not have thought that. He didn't give her that impression. He was a friendly, confident guy, how the hell could he have been hurting in the way she had?

"I know," said Benedick, "It's…quite stupid really. I've been stupid. I've started to think about it more. Sometimes, someone is so special it doesn't even matter how hurt you get, because the time you do get with them is so wonderful. To never know someone amazing is more painful than to know them and to lose them."

"What made you come to think that?" asked Beatrix.

"Last year, Angelo was sick, Gabriel had a baby, and when I was in England, I had a life-death moment. In that moment, all I could think was, is this it? Is this all I'll have to life? So when I came back, I vowed to live. And I don't just mean being crazy and doing Mercutio-style mad stuff, I did that enough to cover up the emptiness. I mean…really live. Appreciate life. Spend time with people. Get to know them. Bond with them."

"I see," said Beatrix. Since she was with Benedick, and with Benedick she could talk about things she had never spoken about with other people, she decided to voice her last concern, "Do you...do you not worry it might be too late?"

"I don't know," admitted Benedick, "But it's better than never, right?"

"Right," agreed Beatrix, already forming a plan.

"And I know this is all new, but maybe, we could try enjoying life together? If only for a little while?"

"I'd like that."