So I pushed the door open and then froze.
I hadn’t even entered, but the scene was unmistakable.
Christoph Junior stood, his back to me, the tattoos on it like those that covered Anton. And then they were covered with fine linen, a visual representation of how easy it was for him to slide into his false skin, how easy it was for him to hide what he was, Christoph Junior moving precisely, slowly pushing one button after another through the loops, casual, uncaring.
And so was his companion.
The other man—Paul, I thought I’d heard him called—dressed differently, was wearing slacks that were expensive, but the shirt was off the rack and not custom like Christoph’s, but he moved easy like Christoph, the intimacy between them apparent.
Instantly, I knew I had seen something that I should not have.
I looked away, and then I continued down the hall, walking as calmly and precisely as I could.
Seek and you shall find.
I’d never believed that, but what I had seen had proved it true. I had finally uncovered a secret, one I sensed was more dangerous than I could have ever imagined.
Anton
Lily helped Christoph get settled in his chair and adjusted his robe around his neck, pulling it closed to ward off the chill. Her movements were practiced, efficient, reminded me of the first time I had seen her.
But when she made eye contact with me, I saw the little flash of awareness, knew that she was remembering our time together, perhaps looking forward to more as much as I was, and I almost forgot where I was, the desire to be with her again making all other matters seem trivial in comparison.
“I’m going to give you something for pain, Mr. Constantin,” she said, voice not brooking any argument.
I appreciated it, knew that Christoph’s stubbornness would cause him unnecessary suffering, but that her gesture would take the choice out of his hands, not force him to choose between his pride and his comfort.
“Fine. But hurry, before Christoph Junior returns,” he said.
At the sound of his name, she stiffened but recovered quickly as she reached into her pocket and pulled out a small package. I turned, giving them some privacy, and listened to the sound of ripping paper, the rustle of his clothing.
“That should help,” she finally said.
“Thank you, Lily,” he replied.
I turned back then, saw the slackening around his jaw, the grimace of pain he probably wasn’t even aware of anymore relaxing second by second.
“Call me if you need me,” she said, holding Christoph’s gaze for a long moment.
He nodded, and she walked toward the door, eyes meeting mine for only a split second before she left. When she was gone, I watched him, the ever-present fatigue still there.
“Are you feeling up to guests?” I finally asked.
Christoph Senior sat in his chair, his skin gray and ashen, forehead clammy with sweat even though he shivered. But, as always, he put on a brave front.
“I will not disgrace myself, Anton.”
It was the answer I had expected, so I nodded and let our visitors in.
Vasile and Sorin Petran entered.
“Bună seara,” Vasile said.
“Good day. Forgive my sorry state, and thank you for coming all this way,” Christoph said.
“It is good to see you, Christoph,” Vasile said.
He didn’t say anything else, something I was sure the old man appreciated. Comments about how much better he was looking, how Vasile was sure he would bounce back, would only emphasize how far he’d fallen, how apparent his end was to everyone. That they spared him such was one of the reasons he respected them.
“I hear congratulations are in order for both of you,” Christoph said a moment later.
“Yes. My girl is growing up, and Sorin’s son will be here any day now,” Vasile said.
“Children, family, are a great thing. The only thing that matters,” Christoph said.
The weight of the words was apparent.
Vasile and Sorin were intimately familiar with Petey’s demise, how it had been a turning point for Christoph, and what I knew of them both left me no doubt that they felt as Christoph did about family. For whatever the old man’s flaws, I knew he loved his family. Lily wasn’t my family, never would be, but there was little I wouldn’t do for her, wouldn’t do to anyone foolish enough to try to harm her. I respected that they felt the same about theirs.
“I won’t waste your time. I’ve ceded control. Christoph Junior will lead now,” he said. Then, finding a strength that probably stole some of what was left of his life, he stood. “Does he have your support?”
I could hear in Christoph Senior’s voice how much it shamed him to ask, felt some of that shame myself. But I also understood how much hinged on the answer.