IX. The secret
New York : 17 mars 1923
Alice Huet
New York sparkled like a Venetian chandelier in its late snow mantle. It was a fairy tale, a March tale. This city itself was magical, insane, strange. There is nothing old here, nor ancient ; no past, just this leap into the void. While the whole earth was flat, New York alone persisted in building itself up high. I narrowed my eyes and saw Olympus twinkling like a star at the top of the Woolworth Building. The 21st Nome was hardly less imposing. My car had stopped in front of a huge warehouse, six stories high, made of red brick. The Kanes were at the head of a trading empire, under various assumed names. Above, hidden by Mist-like magic, stood a five-story mansion. The Nome had been completely burned down in 1919, and Julius Kane had just completed the reconstruction work. It was three times bigger. His son Jabari came to greet me in person. He opened the vehicle door and offered me his arm, which I grabbed. Jabari Kane was a strong handsome man, tall, muscular, skin darker than ebony, almost black, a short cropped beard, a bass-baritone voice that effortlessly covered the biggest hubbub.
The Kanes had won a great victory. That evening we were celebrating the end of hostilities, and their new alliance with the Rehataka family, which had dealt a final blow to Hogan hegemony on the continent, as well as the birth of Jabari Kane's second son. At the heart of the festivities, however, I was struck by the air of melancholy emanating from Alma Kane. She looked sad and exhausted. I was assigned a room to rest before my performance, not far from her apartments. I joined her in the newborn baby's room.
" It's him?" I asked Lady Kane.
She spoke perfect French.
"Amos, she said. He is a difficult child.
- Why this name? I wondered."
The Mazrui were Muslims. She pouted.
"It is a tradition among the Kane to give a Hebrew first name to one of their children.
- You don't like it?
- I hated Abdias, she said simply. "
She lit a cigarette. I had heard that it was not the best idea to smoke in front of a crib. But after all, I used to drink during my own pregnancy so...
Suddenly I thought, that being a Kane had to be very strange. Here they were celebrated, powerful, rich, but as soon as they passed through the doors of this Nome, they became black again, segregated, driven out, sometimes killed. What kind of country is this? And is mine any better? I thought I had a terrible childhood, but then I saw Belgian Congo, the poverty in our colonies ... We were lucky, weren't we? But I can't possibly tell that to Michel, that he was lucky when all he knew was the trenches, the misery, the begging... And what about me, parked like an animal in the holds of the ships sailing to the New world ? Beaten, hunted down, mocked, starved? Yet he spoke to me about the fate of the Senegalese riflemen at Chemin des Dames ... I understood that it no longer made any sense to distribute pain points. Still, when I see what they have... when I see what I had...
I want everything you've got, I thought. I am hungry for riches, and for life, and for freedom. I am not ashamed to say it. I want it all. Prosperity, and luck, and the right to vote, and financial autonomy, and power, and whatever you've been arrogating to yourself for far too long.
"It's a men's world," Alma told me. "And my sons will wage war there too.
- Men are morons. In France we had a National Assembly full of men who voted to keep a Napoleon-style uniform, with madder red pants. A piece of cloth you might think, but in 1914, when our soldiers marched, they were living targets. See how it ends, when you give all the power to men.
- Who told you that?
- My best friend. "
Alma smiled. "Do you want to see him? "
I came closer. He was a baby like any other, asleep under a blue blanket. I shouldn't have looked. All of a sudden a flood of emotions washed over me. Remorse especially. "He's a very beautiful baby," I said out of politeness, then stumbled out.
"Is everything alright my lady?" Asked the butler.
- May I make a phone call?
- Over here, Madam. "
Terrible mother, I said to myself with rage as I picked up the receiver.
"Yes, can I get in touch with France, Paris? I'll dictate you the number, just a second please.
- Hello?
- Hi. Is Louis sleeping?
- Alice, it's half past three in the morning here!
- I'm sorry, did I wake you up?
- Yes. Are you singing tonight?
- If only you knew where… I'll tell you later, it'll make you laugh…
- You're okay ?
- Just a little blues.
- Oh really ? What would Freud say?
- Stop, you pull him out every time!
- You started. More seriously, we have already spoken about it, you have nothing to reproach yourself with.
- How is he doing ?
- Louis? He never stops talking. I swear he said something in ancient Greek the other day.
- What?
- Giacomo reads the Odyssey to him before going to bed too. I know it's not his age, but a priori dead languages should be learned from birth so ... "
I burst out laughing on the phone. "What else?
- We had to put magic locks on all our cupboards, he stole a dagger the other day, and I'm afraid he will poison himself with my vials.
- Those are his genes.
- He's only two and a half, it's a bit early. Alice, are you sure you don't want to call me back at a decent hour? I have to go hunt down a bunch of cheese demons tomorrow (Stop laughing, this is fucking serious.) Also, La Roque is waiting for me in his office to yell at me.
- What did you do again?
- Why is it immediately my fault?
- Stop with your persecution complex. Come on, go to sleep. "
I hung up. I felt observed and turned around. A little kid was watching me intently.
"Hey, how old are you? You should be sleeping right now.
- I'm already four and a half. Where are you calling?
- You're little Kane that's it? Your mum must be looking for you.
– She's busy. So where were you calling?
– Hey, that's not your business, young man.
– Of course it's my business, 'cause this is my home."
He made me laugh. I grabbed him by the hand and led him back to the nursery.
"I was calling at home, in Paris.
– Where is that?
– It is across the ocean.
– Like Cairo?
– Yes, little one.
– Stop calling me like that!
– Alright minipousse. Let's go back to your brother.
– I hate him, he makes mum sad. Also he's useless, all he ever does is sleeping and crying.
– Oh, you would have preferred a sister then?
– Nay, girls are sissy.
– Do I look sissy to you?"
He looked confused
"No… but you're not a girl either.
– Now, you know how to talk to a lady, minipousse.
– What does it mean?
– You'll grow up, you'll learn."
As we got closer to the bedroom, I heard screams. Alma was in the room with a tall blond man and they were arguing in front of the cradle. He said something to her, in German, and she started to cry. Of course I did not understand a word of German. Magicians often spoke countless languages, for they had more time to learn them. The fact that Per Ankh was an international organization must have helped. Little Amos began to cry. He has his father's voice this one. Julius put his hands on his ears.
"Come on Julius, let's go find your dad instead.
– Who is that with my mum?" Children and their usual tact…
"Come on, let's go."
I was actually sure I had seen this guy somewhere, but where? Meanwhile Julius continued to ask me questions of the "embarrassing" category.
"Why do people get married?" Holy shit!
"I don't know minipousse, because they love each other, I suppose.
– Dad says when I am older I will marry Alla Rehataka.
– I'm sure your dad wants what is best for you." Bienvenue au Moyen Âge, je me dis à moi même.
"Why don't you get married?
– Because I have bad temper. Oh look, here's your dad."
He let go of my hand and ran to his father who took him in his arms. Jabari kissed him on the neck, making him laugh, and took him to bed himself. I felt a lingering melancholy. I remembered that windy day in October, when I had come to pick up Michel at the exit of the Fourteenth Nome.
" What are you doing here ?
- It's urgent.
- Alice, you can't just come like this.
- I am pregnant."
We were sitting on the terrace of a cafe not far from the Nome, in the Latin Quarter.
"I can't keep him. You have to help me. If I abort like this, they will punish me.
- Everyone could have an abortion in ancient Greece…
- He's not just a kid, he's an Olympian's son, you understand? They're going to kill me for it. You remember your mother, she was an angel-maker… He's a demigod, you understand, a demigod! I can't even take care of myself, how is he going to make it it, how are we going to make it ? I can't have him, not like this, not now !
- Alice, it's not like you're alone in front of the world, okay? You are not alone. You shouldn't make this kind of decision thinking you have no choice. Wait a bit and then, then, with a clear head, if that's what you want, we'll manage... I mean... Aborting is not taboo among Celts, I think, I can try to find a place far from the eyes of the Olympians ... "
"Alice Huet !" Someone called.
I turned around. I was facing an unknown man, tall, pale complexion, black curly hair, blue-green eyes. Pretty eyes. I looked him up and down.
"It's not my usual name.
- But that's your birth name. Forgive my rudeness ma'am.
- Maybe. Tell me, you are no Magician, aren't you?
- No more than you are. Johann Orsini-Rosenberg, at your service. I am also a half-blood.
- How is it then that I have never seen you?
- I am of Austrian blood. I grew up in Europe, and only came to the United States late after the war.
- Were you there? The war I mean.
- I served first in Serbia, then in Russia.
- Your French is perfect.
- I am one of the last brought up in the culture of our beautiful and old Central Europe aristocracy. I heard you singing in Prague, two years ago. You broke my heart.
- That's what they all say. Tell me instead, who is your divine parent?
- Already? Would you not rather ignore our parents? Getting to know each other, in the Republican fashion, as people, not links in a dynasty?
- Very well sir, tell me who you are then! Some Count?
- I am, but I am also a journalist.
- See that! What else ?
- I'm a good dancer. Besides, I would like to offer you a waltz tour.
- I have to sing soon.
- They won't start without you.
- You are the tenacious type, sir.
- Well Madam?
- Well, try to live up to your allegations. "
He took me by the waist and spun me around. The waltz turned into a twist, and suddenly I found myself hugging the handsome stranger's chest. He smelled of the ocean. Alice, now is not the time to fall in love again I scolded myself. " That's enough. I suddenly said. I have to go get ready. " I walked back to my room, gasping for air. I found the tall blond German there. He jumped up when he saw me. I saw he had cried.
"I'm confused, he told me, this room was free and I ...
- No worries, I said." I started to comb my hair in front of the mirror. He had shaken me, the bloody idiot.
"I know you, don't I? I asked him.
- Not that I know of, I will have remembered having seen Madame Alice de Montmartre." He gave me a smile.
"In Paris, I remembered. You were in town to see ... a certain Mr. Desjardins. "
He stiffened instantly.
"You know the Fourteenth Nome? I have little to do with Desjardins, he's a pederast and a decadent, the shame of Per Ankh. " And what were you doing with Lady Kane? Dirty liar. I wanted to annoy him a bit.
"You went to Italy afterwards, didn't you? The great Italian families rallied around Mussolini, you were present at the ceremony, right? "
Hannibal his name is, I've heard of him. Hannibal Friedwald. Giacomo told me about it. Iskandar had sent him to scout. He had made a list in front of me in the kitchen. Michel likes him. He added that he was a communist. What kind of game is this? We're at the Kane's, is he protecting himself?
"Our Nomes have a long mutual history.
- And Lady Kane, is it also some long mutual friendship that unites you?
- You're not implying… no, I…
- Can I ask you a question, Mr. Friedwald? It is that of a young philosopher, which left me a little confused. Why do people get married?
- Certainly not because they love each other." Well, well what would Freud say?
- Perhaps we'll see each other again at Monsieur Mussolini's then. He's someone interesting, the Duce. Here, you admired like everyone else the son of Mr. and Mrs. Kane. You know what he thinks of little black kids, Mussolini? Ethiopian boys especially." He paled violently.
"You have to tell Alma… You have to tell him that I can't, I can't do anything…"
Hell then, I have the most crappy love life there is, why are they all taking me as marriage counselor?
" That… ?
- No, leave it, it's not worth it. I'll… I'll let you get ready."
He stormed out. I sighed and took my lipstick. Is it me or are they all dysfunctional in this bloody house? I was homesick again. Last concert, and I'm going back to Paris. The breeze stirred the curtains. I jumped. No… It's not him… I understood a little better what my mother had gone through now. You can't forget a god just like that... I thought of the friendly Austrian earlier and I started to smile. The curtains moved once again. I let out a shout. Giacomo Bellini jumped from the open window. He was dressed entirely in black, two daggers at his belt.
"Hush !"
He gave me a wild grin.
"What the hell are you doing here? How did you get in here?
- It's okay, I've been here before, and then I'm trained in this kind of thing.
- To walk in other people's places unexpectedly? Burglarize ? Murder ?
- Iskandar just asked me to get something back. "
He stretched. There was still an air of danger hovering around him. Bellini had been the most desirable party in the House of Life. He was thin, racy, with gray eyes that were a bit crazy, like you weren't sure if he was going to tell you a joke or slit your throat.
"Be discreet.
- Oh, I know I'm persona non grata here.
- Above all, I don't really want to be associated with you in front of others.
- I can understand. How is the evening going?
- I'm with a crazy family. All smiles outside, but I'm sure dirty things are going on inside.
- The Kanes? Oh, it's still nothing. You should see my family.
- If you're here, who's looking after Louis tomorrow?
- Carla." He yawned. "She's in Paris right now." Another half-crazed combat magician.
"Did you manage to recruit her as a nanny?"
- I can be persuasive. When are you coming back to Paris?
- Is that why you came?
- You absolutely have to come back and yell at Michel, he doesn't listen to me anymore." The Marriage Counselor, Part Two.
"He keeps talking with Vasseur, they want to go on a general strike with other Nomes."
Giacomo strolled around the room, gesturing widely with his hands.
"I told him that the Revolution is all rotten. Striking rights do not exist in ancient Egypt, come on! Well, of course he is exploited, everyone gets exploited at the Per Ankh, it is the very basis of its functio ...
- Giacomo ...
- I mean women's rights are important, I okay, but I'm not going to let him get stupidely knocked out ! By the way, your son, he's finally eating cheese now.
- What does it have to do with…
- Nothing, It's just noteworthy. Now, about the strike… "
He uttered some curses in Italian that I was happy not to understand.
"Why didn't you call me?
- I never speak on the phone, your government spies on all the lines.
- My government? I'm not ame ... Okay, get the hell out of here now. If Jabari sees you, there will be blood.
- I told you I have to go get a document for the Chief Lector. I'll go when you sing. But first, I want to go see the bambino. "
Before I could stop him, he stepped out into the hallway.
"Giacomo, come back, don't be crazy ...
- Hey! A new Kane is worth celebrating! "
I ran after him, but he quickly found the room. Alma was gone. He went to see the cradle. In addition to being a magician-assassin-specialist in fire, Giacomo adored babies. I admit that I was a little scared anyway.
"Oh, look who's here." He's going to cry, we will be spotted, it's gonna be a bloodshed...
Giacomo took little Amos out of the cradle and lifted him up in front of him.
"What is his name ?
- Amos. Please leave him!
- Hello, little Kane, welcome to psycholand!
- Put him down !
- Don't worry, we understand each other"
Indeed, the baby looked delighted, he was laughing. Giacomo turned him around to see the room.
"And here is your cage! Well, they have not put the bars yet, they weren't fitting the aesthetic. See the door there? It'is to isolate you from the other inhabitants of the zoo. They are not very mean, just a little retarded sometimes."
I began to relax when I saw that the baby wasn't going to freak out.
"Come on, that's enough!"
Giacomo kissed Amos, then put him down.
"And to think he was almost my cousin," he whispered dreamily.
"No regrets ?
- Oh no."
He took out a red handkerchief and put it in the cradle.
"Stop it, you're nuts, what are you doing?
- It's to bring him good luck. We do that at home.
- They're going to freak out ! Red is a bad color here.
- What do you know about that ? Are you a magician perhaps?"
He winked at me. I tried to take the handkerchief back, but Amos began to put it in his mouth, and I was afraid he would cry if I took it away.
"Let's go, now!"
Giacomo leaned over the cradle and whispered something in Italian.
"What did you tell him?
- It's a secret, he said."
We left the room. I entered the living room in my white dress, and a great thunder of applause resounded. I turned around, but Giacomo was no longer there. I looked in turn at Hannibal Friedwald, then Jabari Kane. Johann met my gaze. Finally I looked at Alma, I began to sing with all my might, and I looked only at her.