Their paths led to Occitania - Volume 2 E-Book

Werner Luder

• Herausgeber: novum publishing
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 1174

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

Welcome back to the mountains of Occitania! The next generation is already arriving. At the same time, however, the status quo seems more endangered than ever. The secret committee of the empire decides to liquidate Luciano. Has his time run out? Will he soon be nothing but history? He has to defend himself against an assassination attempt. Will he succeed in reorganizing his empire or will it be destroyed? And will Luciano finally manage to let go of Viktor, his dead lover from his youth?

Leseprobe

Their paths led to Occitania - Volume 2

Don Luciano in danger

Their paths led to Occitania

Volume 2 Don Luciano in Danger

28. José Gonzalez sent Richard to Luciano Varini to inform him of the deaths of four murdered smugglers. José Gonzalez asked Luciano for an urgent meeting with the leaders of the smuggling groups

"José, today is August 17, 1802. It is exactly one year since you had your accident in Val Guil." José Gonzalez snapped at his wife: "As if I didn't know that. You don't have to remind me." "Why shouldn't I? Even after a year, you should be grateful that Jean-Michel saved your life." "Yes, yes, I am. But now pour me some coffee. I have to go to work. Richard is coming for breakfast soon. He went behind the house with the wolf."

After breakfast, José Gonzalez and Richard went to the warehouse. Their first job was to lower the contraband that the smugglers had stored in the warehouse at night through the opening in the floor into the rock cavern below. It was almost nine o'clock when they covered the opening in the floor and piled legal goods on top of it when someone banged on the gate from outside. "What idiot is banging on the gate?" The banging got louder. "Richard, wind back the office." Richard hurried to the office, where he began to turn it. José Gonzalez jumped onto the moving office and took a loaded revolver out of a drawer. Ever since the little man entered the hall with two accomplices, he had been cautious. He ran to the gate. Now the angry voice of Hamo Roussel, the head of the smugglers' leaders, rang out. José Gonzalez put the revolver on a pile of goods and opened the loading door. Hamo Roussel rushed into the hall. José Gonzalez locked the door and hissed at Hamo: "Why the hell are you banging on the gate instead of reporting?" "José, the temporary storage facility by the old mule house was cleared out last night. The four men guarding it were shot. You must inform Don Varini immediately." José Gonzalez looked at Hamo Roussel in disbelief. "That can't be true? Who would have found the door to it? That's impossible." Hamo Roussel sat down on a wooden box. "Unfortunately, that's the case, José." "Come, let's go to the office." When they reached the opening in the floor, José Gonzalez leaned over the opening and shouted into the depths: "Richard, come up." They ran to the end of the hall. As they approached the office, Richard crawled under the office, as José had only cranked it a little way from the stairs. José Gonzalez sat down at his desk without saying a word and scribbled down a few sentences. He folded the paper and put it in an envelope, which he sealed with paste. He handed the envelope to Richard. "You must deliver the letter to Don Luciano immediately."

When Richard had left the warehouse, José Gonzalez asked Hamo Roussel to describe the incident in detail. They were not allowed to speak of the secret warehouse in Richard's presence. Hamo Roussel's voice trembled. "We came to the secret warehouse at two o'clock last night to bring the goods here. When I tried to push down the bolt with the iron, it was already down. Only then did I see that the door was not completely closed. After I opened the door and fired into the warehouse, I was overcome by a tremendous shock. The shelves were empty. The whole floor was littered with ripped open cardboard boxes and goods. They emptied the boxes so that they could put more goods in their backpacks. They only took the smallest, most valuable items. When we left the warehouse, Adrian went off to the side to relieve himself. His scream froze us. I ran to him. Adrian was staring at four dead men. I recognized immediately that the men were specialists from the Empire. You know them all. They are Pietro, the Spaniard, Alexander, Michel and Clément, the tall one. They were shot." José Gonzalez bowed his head. "That is tragic. Of the specialists, they were the most pleasant. Do you know why they were ordered there?" Hamo was surprised. "Haven't you heard the story about Mario Prato?" "What about Mario Prato?" Hamo growled: "That can't be. You should be the first to know. Mario Prato was chased out of a smuggling group because he didn't follow the rules. In anger, he left Château du Queyras and returned to his hometown of Saluzzo. There he looked for the well-known gang leader Antonio Oliver. He found him and asked Antonio Oliver to join his gang. The Empire found out about it. Since Mario Prato knows the secret warehouses, they had to expect that he would reveal the location to Antonio Oliver. The Empire sent specialists to Piedmont to liquidate Mario Prato. They did not find him. The order was given to guard all the camps until Mario Prato was dead or Antonio Oliver was caught. And now comes the best part, José. We went to the old mule house. In the hope that Antonio Oliver would spend the night there with his men. There were four of us and we were armed. Instead of finding the bastards, a man was lying on the mule track in front of the house. It looked like he had been stabbed. And who do you think we found?" José Gonzalez cooed. "Go ahead and tell me. I'm not in the mood to guess." "Mario Prato was hanging from a tree behind the mule house. Antonio Oliver had him hanged as a thank you for leading him to the secret warehouse. Antonio Oliver is a brutal piece of shit. Mario Prato was still almost a child. I hope he gets caught by the specialists. He'll feel the pain when they chop off his hands."

José Gonzalez sighed. "That's a real horror story, Hamo." Hamo Roussel raised his hand. "I'm not finished yet, José." "What the hell is next, Hamo?" "The gang was seen by a couple in love who were in the old mule house that night. They are a Roman Bertolucci and a Claudia Castelli from Piedmont." José Gonzalez interrupted him. "Not Baron Bertolucci's son, are they?" Hamo Roussel nodded. "Exactly him. The two of them reported to Gendarme Fournier this morning. Just imagine. The two of them were in the attic and watched from above as they hanged Mario. They also heard the shots. They managed to escape. But Roman Bertolucci had to throw a knife into one of them's chest because the latter was pointing a revolver at him." José Gonzalez hissed. "Now we can give up our best temporary camp. The two of them must have told the gendarmes about the robbery of the temporary camp." Hamo Roussel shook his head. "No, they didn't, José. I got the information from David Allier. He is a friend of Fournier. Fournier did not mention the secret camp. So the lovers did not know about the robbery of the camp. Otherwise they would have told gendarme Fournier. The lovers are on their way to Marseille. They said that they were fleeing from Baron Bertolucci. He did not tolerate the relationship and had threatened his son that he would have his lover killed." José Gonzalez growled: "What about the four dead men? We brought them down to Château du Queyras. They are lying in the small shed next to the stables. Tonight we are taking them down to the rock of death. We need you to show us where to put them. It's your own fault. In the past we could throw them into the hell hole. You changed it." José Gonzalez snapped at Hamo: "They are people, not garbage. Before the men get there, they check whether they have any relatives." "That takes too long, José. The bodies decompose quickly in the heat. People would smell the stench. None of the men have any relatives. At least, no one has ever spoken about it. We cannot bury them legally. The gendarmes would ask too many questions." José Gonzalez snorted: "This is a damn mess. The men deserve a decent burial."

Richard fetched his horse from the pasture and saddled it. Luciano Varini had bought him the horse as a thank you for his help during the Val Guil disaster. Halfway through the Val Guil, the English coupe came towards him. He signaled the driver to stop. On Don Varini's side, he brought his horse to a halt. Don Varini took the letter and thanked him. Richard did not fail to notice that Don Varini was looking at him with lustful eyes. Disgusted, he turned his horse around and rode off towards the Château du Queyras.

29. Jean-Michel Aron and the Three Routes Inn

On August 19, 1801, a Wednesday, Jean-Michel Aron and Luciano Varini set off in an English coupe to Sisteron to see the architect Gavin Roux. Luciano Varini offered to help Jean-Michel renovate the Three Routes Inn. Ferdinand Caille did not like this. His friend Jean would then become dependent on Varini. Ferdinand Caille occasionally glanced through the front window into the passenger cabin. He would have been better off not doing so, because Varini's self-satisfied expression annoyed him. He could not understand why Jean-Michel accepted the help of the lecher and criminal Don Luciano Varini. On the first day, he had noticed that Varini was looking at Jean with lascivious glances. He had no doubt that Varini only offered to accompany Jean to see the architect Roux so that he could sit next to him in the carriage. How could Jean be so naive and not realize this? Or did he not want to realize it?

The road to Sisteron was not far. If they had left in the morning, they would have arrived in the evening. Luciano Varini suggested that Jean-Michel spend the night on the way. That way they would reach architect Roux at midday and would then have enough time to discuss the project. Ferdinand Caille saw another reason for Varini's suggestion. Varini hoped to get closer to Jean in the inn. So they left Guillestre after lunch and halfway there they moved into three guest rooms in an old inn. The bar was gloomy and had certainly not been painted since it opened. After dinner they went for a walk, where Varini walked as close to Jean-Michel as possible. From time to time he put his arm on Jean-Michel's shoulder. When they returned to the bar they were greeted by a handsome blond boy. He introduced himself as Jérôme. "I am the son of the house." Jean-Michel Aron introduced him and Varini. “Jérôme, sit down with us and tell us about life away from the world.”

Jérôme reported from the region. Jean-Michel was interested in how people lived in the mountainous area. Ferdinand Caille observed Luciano Varini, whose jealousy was evident. On the one hand, he enjoyed seeing Varini suffer. On the other hand, he was aware that Varini's behavior could lead to problems. Jean-Michel liked the boy. They laughed a lot and spent the evening playing board games and cards. It was as if they had known each other all their lives. Ferdinand Caille watched Varini closely. Varini held back. The looks he gave Jérôme were anything but friendly. When Jean-Michel told Jérôme that they would spend the night with them again on the way back , Varini's annoyance was evident. Jean-Michel, however, did not notice Varini's annoyance.

On Thursday afternoon, August 20th, they reached architect Roux. Gavin Roux greeted them enthusiastically. "Messiers, before we get to work, I'd like to invite you to lunch at the Tower Inn." Gavin Roux led them through a narrow alley to the inn. The food was excellent. They thanked him. Architect Roux led them into his workrooms. In a large workroom, three men were busy drawing up construction plans. Monsieur Roux introduced them to the men. Roux then led them into a meeting room whose walls were covered with construction plans. Jean-Michel recognized Luciano Varini's inn. Varini took the floor. "Sénher Roux, Monsieur Aron needs your help." Luciano Varini introduced Jean-Michel and Gavin Roux in the dining room of the Krug Inn. "Monsieur Aron has now acquired the Three Routes Inn in Château du Queyras. He plans to completely renovate the inn. To do this, he needs specialists to commission and coordinate the tradesmen. The work also needs to be inspected. I immediately thought of you, Sénher Roux." Gavin Roux thanked him. "You planned and built my inn to my complete satisfaction." Sénher Roux took Jean-Michel's hand. "Welcome to my company, Sénher Aron. I would be delighted to be able to renovate the Three Routes inn. I know it well. I also know the previous owner, Pauline Chevalier."

Jean-Michel Aron turned to Ferdinand Caille. "Sénher Roux, may I introduce you to Mr. Caille? He will be staying at Château du Queyras during the renovation of the inn, will oversee the progress of the renovation and will be responsible for communication between me and your company." Architect Roux sighed. "Sénher Aron, Sénher Caille is your driver, isn't he? My question is, is a driver suitable for this?" "Ferdinand is not just my driver. He is also my friend. He is also well educated, as he taught school. As the owner of a haulage company, he has knowledge of organizing." Luciano Varini turned to him. "Jean-Michel, are you sure that Ferdinand is up to the task?" "Yes, I am, Luciano. Now we should get down to business."

After Jean-Michel had signed the order confirmation, Gavin Roux treated them to wine and food. Jean-Michel Aron agreed with Gavin Roux that he would come to the Three Routes Inn with two of his employees on Monday, August 31, 1801, to work out a description of the renovation work with them. At the end of the meeting, Sénher Roux suggested to Jean-Michel Aron that it would be good if Sénher Varini were also present. Jean-Michel agreed with Sénher Roux. Luciano Varini put his hand on Jean-Michel's shoulder. "I'd be happy to come to the meeting, of course, as I will help you with everything you need to renovate the inn." "Luciano, Ferdinand and I are going up to the Three Routes Inn next Tuesday to inform Madame Chevalier. We'll look for somewhere to live for Monsieur Caille right away."

They spent the night from Thursday to Friday in Gavin Roux's big house. On Friday, after a hearty lunch at the Tower Inn, they said goodbye to Madame and Sénher Roux and set off for Guillestre. They spent the night from Friday to Saturday again in Jérôme's father's old inn. After dinner, they went running and played cards. Luciano Varini only reluctantly played along. After the second evening with Jérôme, Jean-Michel Aron was friends with him. Ferdinand Caille could sense that Varini's jealousy was in the air. Jean-Michel told Jérôme that they had to make a few more trips to Sisteron and that they would spend the night with them. Varini did not leave Ferdinand's side that evening. This was until he had said goodbye to Jean-Michel in front of his guest room. Ferdinand Caille could not understand why his friend did not notice Varini's jealousy.

***

On Saturday afternoon, August 22nd, Ferdinand Caille drove the English coupe through the gate of the Zum Krug inn. So that Luciano Varini and Jean-Michel Aron could discuss the progress of the renovation work, Jean-Michel decided to spend the night at the Zum Krug inn, which caused Ferdinand Caille further concern. As his friend, he felt responsible for him. He had to do everything he could to keep Varini away from Jean. When he and Jean-Michel went up to their guest rooms a little before midnight, he insisted on having an urgent conversation with Jean-Michel in one of their rooms. Jean-Michel showed him to his room. As soon as the door was closed, Ferdinand took off. "Jean, you are putting yourself under Varini's control. Don't you notice his constant innuendo? Have you missed how jealous he was of Jérôme? I thought I saw murder in his eyes. I wouldn't be surprised if you were to endanger Jérôme's life by visiting him again. Jean, as your friend, it is my duty to warn you." "Ferdinand, now you're exaggerating. Why would Luciano hurt Jérôme?" Ferdinand became angry. He mimicked Jean. "Why would Luciano hurt Jérôme? You know that very well. Please excuse my rudeness. I wish you a good night."

On Sunday, after breakfast, Ferdinand Caille drove the English coupé through the wild Guil mountain valley to Château du Queyras. He was once again fascinated by the beauty of the wild mountain valley. They reached the place where the trade route ran steeply down to the Guil mountain stream. Ferdinand Caille saw a crouching figure down by the mountain stream. He turned the brake crank a little harder so that he could stop at the figure. As he got closer, Jean-Michel called out to him: "Ferdinand, Monsieur Funé is crouching down there.

Monsieur Funé sat up from the gravel bank when he heard the car. Ferdinand laughed. "Apparently his hearing is no longer as it should be, that he didn't hear us earlier." "It has nothing to do with his hearing. When he sees something that interests him, he no longer notices his surroundings. That was the case years ago. He lives in another world." Monsieur Funé's eyes lit up. Ferdinand Caille pulled the car to the edge of the road. The coupe came to a stop. Jean-Michel Aron got out of the passenger compartment. "Good day, Monsieur Funé. What are you doing here?" "Good day, Jean-Michel. I'm looking at the stones." Ferdinand Caille remained sitting in the lead seat. Although, as a former teacher, he knew what the geologist could read from the stones, he pointed to the stone that Monsieur Funé was holding in his hand. "What is so special about the stone?" "Monsieur Caille, I am trying to find out which rock formation in the Occitan Alps it comes from. I am taking advantage of the good weather. There are many things in this valley that are of great geological significance." Monsieur Funé approached the carriage. "Monsieur Aron, I never thought I would ever meet you in the Occitan Alps. I visited José Gonzalez. He is doing well thanks to you. I know that you are intelligent. But the locking of the rib with a wooden stick was a medical masterpiece. José told me that Dr. Lefebvre was amazed." "You are exaggerating, Monsieur Funé. I only did what was necessary. I wish you every success in your mission ." Monsieur Funé thanked him and went back to the gravel bank by the mountain stream. Jean-Michel Aron climbed into the passenger cabin. Ferdinand Caille gave the horses the signal to continue their journey. He turned to the open front window. "Jean-Michel, wouldn't it be a good idea to ask the landlady of the Three Routes Inn if she knows anyone where I could stay?" "That's a good idea, Ferdinand. Madame Chevalier knows a lot of people."

Madame Chevalier beamed as they entered the bar. There was no one sitting at the regulars' table. "Why don't you sit down at the regulars' table. I'll bring the wine." Jean-Michel Aron asked for a glass of raspberry syrup. So did Ferdinand Caille. While she prepared the syrup, she reported on the reaction the sale of the inn had provoked among her guests. "Monsieur Aron, you told my regulars that you had no plans to turn the inn into a luxury hotel. They don't want to believe it." "Madame Chevalier, let the men believe that. They will be surprised. Madame Chevalier, on Monday 31st August, architect Roux and two of his men are coming here to draw up a renovation plan. The two of us and Luciano Varini will be there. We'll set off early in the morning so that we're here for lunch. You will charge the gentlemen for the night and the meal." "Thank you for the information. You will have a lot to write about.” “I have another question, Madame Chevalier. Ferdinand will be staying at Château du Queyras while the inn is being renovated. Do you know anyone who could give him a room? “Monsieur Aron, why don’t you ask Agnès Gonzalez? You must have an empty room in your big house. Agnès would be delighted. Agnès and José could use it to repay you for your selfless efforts in the Val Guil.” “Thank you very much, Madame Chevalier. We should have thought of that.”

An hour later, Ferdinand Caille drove the carriage into the driveway of José Gonzalez's house. Ferdinand was still sitting in the lead seat when Madame Gonzalez appeared in the front door. She was clearly delighted. She led them into José's room. José Gonzalez was sitting upright in bed. A red cat was purring on the bedspread. "José, look who's coming." José's gloomy expression changed instantly. "Look. My saviors are visiting me. I can't stand lying around here doing nothing any more. Your visit cheers me up. Dr. Chalandes, the quack, forbids me to get up. Monsieur Aron, he said that you should receive a medal or a prize or something for fixing the rib. Have you been to see Pauline? I'm sure you didn't come to Château du Queyras because of me." "We went to see Madame Chevalier to ask her if she knew anyone here who could put Ferdinand up with temporarily." José Gonzalez looked at Ferdinand. "Why the hell does he want to live up here?" "He will be staying here while the inn is being renovated to oversee the work. He will also be my replacement. Madame Chevalier sends her regards. She suggested we ask you. You've probably heard that I bought the inn from Madame Chevalier." José Gonzalez cooed. "No, this is the first I've heard of it. My good mood is gone again. Even though you know full well that Meunier has been urging Luciano Varini to buy the inn for the Empire for years, you enter into this deadly deal. They will kill you." "Luciano Varini promised me that he would make sure that didn't happen." "But Luciano is the one who has been urging Pauline to sell him the inn for years. How could he have changed his mind so quickly? Something is wrong. If I were you, I wouldn't have bought the house. You will regret it." "I have already hired an architect to do the renovations. A Gavin Roux from Sisteron. We have decided that Monsieur Caille will live here in Château du Queyras while the renovations are being carried out, to oversee the work." Madame Gonzalez's eyes lit up. José Gonzalez grumbled, "You have come to the right place. We have a beautiful room for Monsieur Caille. Agnès, show Monsieur Caille the room. It goes without saying that Monsieur Caille can live with us. After what you have done for me and the horses. Preferably tomorrow. So that I have a man in the house with whom I can talk about men's things. That will make the time pass more quickly." Agnès Gonzalez snapped at him: "Isn't Richard a man?" "Oh yes, Richard can talk now. Nevertheless, Richard only comes to the house to eat. Monsieur Aron, when will the inn be renovated?" "So that the outside work can be carried out before winter, we want to put up the scaffolding at the beginning of September and first re-cover the roof. If there is still time, we would like to renovate the facade masonry. Madame Chevalier can keep the bar open. We will put up a protective roof at the entrance to the house so that guests are protected against falling objects. We will tackle the interior in the spring of 1802. Monsieur Caille will be here throughout the renovation phase." Ferdinand Caille spoke up. "Monsieur Gonzalez, do you have room for my horse in your private stable? May I look at the stable?" José Gonzalez laughed. “Here comes the driver. Agnès, would you take the gentleman to the stable?”

Madame Gonzalez went ahead of Ferdinand. He took a look inside. When he was back in José's room, Gonzalez looked at him questioningly. "And, is the stable luxurious enough for your horse?" "Yes, indeed, Monsieur Gonzalez. An exemplary stable." José Gonzalez grumbled: "But you are not going down to Guillestre today?" Jean-Michel shook his head. "We are staying at Pauline's." Jean-Michel and Ferdinand said goodbye to Agnès and José Gonzalez. Pauline was delighted to be able to serve them a delicious dinner. They spent the evening on a short walk and listened to Monsieur Funé's lecture. Ferdinand warned Jean-Michel to go to bed before midnight. He did not want to hear the clatter of pans. Pauline laughed. "Look, the big guy is afraid." Ferdinand snapped at her. "That has nothing to do with being afraid, Pauline. Have you ever heard that certain spirits can cling to you and take away all your powers?" Pauline turned pale.

***

On Monday evening, August 24, 1801, they arrived at Luciano Varini's inn. Ferdinand Caille would have preferred to stay at the Three Routes Inn. But Varini managed to persuade him. Varini said that this would put them closer to the architect Roux. They went to their rooms to freshen up. Then they sat down in the dining room to have dinner. They hadn't been there for five minutes when Luciano Varini appeared. "May I sit down?" Jean-Michel pointed to the chair next to Ferdinand. "Please, Luciano. Is it too late for dinner?" "Definitely not, Jean-Michel. My wife is already in the kitchen. She saw you arriving and ran straight into the kitchen. If only she would run like that for me." Luciano giggled. "Have you found somewhere to stay?" "Yes, Ferdinand can stay with Agnès and José Gonzalez." Luciano clapped his hand on his forehead. "Why the hell didn't I think of that? José has a big house. Your driver will be in good hands with Agnès.” Since Varini spoke of him as if he were not there , Ferdinand Caille became angry. He gave Luciano an angry look and turned to Jean-Michel. “Jean, when do you plan to return to Marseille?” “We are going to Marseille next Sunday, provided everything has been discussed with Sénher Roux. On Friday I want to go hiking to the Col d'Agnel. We will then spend the night into Saturday at Pauline’s.” Luciano looked at him in disbelief. “For God’s sake, as a city person you will have trouble climbing up the mountain pass.” Ferdinand raised his hand. “Jean, I will accompany you to the Col d'Agnel.” Luciano sighed. “Céline will pack two backpacks with rain gear. Pauline will pack you food and drink on Saturday morning.”

On Friday, after lunch, Jean-Michel Aron and Ferdinand Caille drove to the Three Routes Inn to spend the night. Madame Chevalier giggled as they entered her bar. "The gentlemen seem to like it here." They sat down at a table near the bar. The innkeeper brought them a glass of wine without asking and sat down at the table. "Monsieur Aron, isn't it Roux who designed Luciano's luxury palace?" "Yes, Madame Chevalier. Luciano recommended him to me." The innkeeper cooed, "That was to be expected. Luciano has to stick his nose into everything. I learned that this Roux is one of the top leaders of the empire. I am worried about you, Monsieur Aron. I hope that Meunier will not take revenge on you for buying my inn. It would be tragic if something were to happen to such a nice man as you. That would be my fault, since I sold you the inn and not Luciano Varini. Something is wrong. Why the hell did Luciano Varini agree to you buying the inn? Not only that. He's even helping you renovate the inn. What if it's a trap? He's pretending to agree, knowing full well that you'll be eliminated once the inn is renovated at your expense."

Ferdinand Caille's comment was unintentional. "Madame Chevalier, Varini would never allow anything to happen to Jean-Michel. He is too deeply in love with him for that." Pauline Chevalier clapped her hands together. "Yes, of course. Why didn't I think of that? Monsieur Aron is said to be the spitting image of his first lover, whom he had when he was a student in Piedmont. Luciano told me years ago about the lover, his name was Viktor. When he was here two days ago, he told me that you were the spitting image of his deceased lover Viktor. I pity you, Monsieur Aron. Be careful. When Luciano sets his mind on something, he clings to it. You must make it clear to him that you do not suffer from this illness." Ferdinand growled. "I told him that too. But he is not taking the matter seriously. It is clear that you are making yourself dependent on Varini. By choosing this sleazy Roux, you are associating yourself with the criminal brood in Marseille. Those gangsters Meunier and Delavallé. I could also organize the renovation of this inn. That doesn't need the arrogant Roux."

Pauline Chevalier looked sideways at Ferdinand Caille. "Now don't overestimate yourself, driver." Ferdinand Caille gave the landlady an angry look. Jean-Michel turned to her. "Let's change the subject. Madame Chevalier, we want to spend the night here and hike up to the Col d'Agnel tomorrow morning. Madame Varini has given us backpacks. There are rain gear in them. All we need is food." Pauline Chevalier sighed. "Céline is a good woman. She deserves a better man. I'll pack the backpacks in the morning so the bread doesn't dry out . Put the backpacks in front of the kitchen door."

Although Jean-Michel Aron was climbing a mountain for the first time in his life, he found walking easy. The mountain tour fascinated him. One more reason to move to the Occitan Alps. Ferdinand Caille was not a mountaineer either. In Fontenay-le-Comte, where he grew up, there were only hills. An endless number of hills. He managed the climb to the Col d'Agnel well.

***

On Monday, August 31, 1801, Ferdinand Caille drove the English coupé through the Val Guil again. Jean-Michel was not alone in the passenger cabin. Next to him sat Luciano Varini. They were on their way to the Three Routes Inn to meet with architect Roux and two of his construction experts. The condition of the Three Routes Inn had to be recorded. Roux's job was to work out a description with his men.

They left early so that they could have lunch at Pauline Chevalier's. Architect Roux and his companions had already arrived at the Three Routes Inn on Sunday so that they could start work on Monday morning. Gavin Roux ate little at lunch. Wine was more important to him than food. He loved wine. Often to excess. Pauline Chevalier's cook prepared a special meal. Pauline Chevalier called the dish the executioner's meal. Because she would soon be moving to Paris.

On Wednesday, September 2nd, Ferdinand Caille drove the English coupé from the town of Guillestre towards Marseille. Jean-Michel and Luciano Varini were sitting in the passenger cabin. Luciano Varini's horse was tied to the carriage. From time to time, Luciano Varini got out of the passenger cabin and mounted his horse to ride ahead in search of a resting place or inn. Luciano managed to dissuade Jean-Michel Aron from spending the night in Jérôme's old inn. The evening before, Jean-Michel Aron invited Luciano and his wife Céline and the servants to a farewell drink. Jean-Michel did not like the fact that Luciano was staying next to him in the passenger cabin for so long. Ferdinand liked it even less. After Luciano had used flimsy excuses to ensure that they did not spend the night in Jérôme's father's inn, he finally realized that his friend Ferdinand was right in assuming that Luciano was in love with him. Now there was no turning back for him. He had to make it clear to Luciano that he was not attracted to men in any way. He also had to make it clear to him that he wanted nothing to do with his criminal empire.

Back in Marseille, Ferdinand Caille spent the night with his wife and the next day, with a bulging travel bag of personal belongings, he and his horse traveled back to the Occitan Alps. There he moved in with the Gonzalez family. Luciano Varini lived with Bastiano Lopez on Rue Lafayette. Jean-Michel shook his head. As soon as they reached Marseille, Luciano told him that he would come to the Central Inn that evening to have dinner together. He was exhausted from the journey. There was also a lot to discuss with his successor. He told Luciano. But he just laughed. He was too young to be depressed by such a short journey.

Just one week later, Ferdinand wrote to him that architect Roux had commissioned builder René Bertrand to renovate the Three Routes Inn. Builder Bertrand's men had begun erecting the scaffolding. The roof would be replaced first. Then the facade masonry would be renovated. Jean-Michel was relieved that his friend Ferdinand Caille was at Château du Queyras to oversee the renovation and keep him informed. He would have liked to have been there himself. But he had too much to do in Marseille to stay in Guillestre. Above all, he was afraid that Luciano Varini's intrusive behavior could lead to a fight if he stayed in his inn for so long.

In mid-December 1801, Ferdinand Caille wrote to him that the scaffolding on the facade would be dismantled for Christmas and that renovations would begin inside. He decided to travel to Château du Queyras after the holidays. Jean-Michel Aron found a replacement for Ferdinand Caille, his coachman, while he was at Château du Queyras. He hired André Robert, who had worked as a coachman for the previous owner of the English coupe, a baron. The baron was killed by Robespierre's henchmen, along with his family and some of the staff. His villa was set on fire. André Robert managed to free the horses from the stables. The English coupe, a new carriage, was in a wheelwright's workshop repairing a wheel. Jean-Michel Aron bought the English coupe, including the jet-black and snow-white horses, from the coachman.

***

In the bar of the Zum Central inn, Jean-Michel Aron became friends with the son of a businessman who often ate lunch in the lavish dining room. Monsieur Aube's trading house was located a few doors from the Zum Central inn. Monsieur Aube's wife had died the previous year. Alexis, his son, often accompanied him. Jean-Michel struck up a conversation with him. It quickly became apparent that they had the same interests. Alexis attended a business school in Marseille so that he could later take over his father's trading company. Alexis came to the bar in the evenings to play cards with him. Since he had a mistress who had him a little too tight on the leash, his visits to the bar were limited. Alexis, like him, wore long, straw-blond hair. He was tall and very handsome. Jean-Michel was not surprised that his girlfriend was jealous. Alexis had a sister who was a year older. An exceptionally beautiful woman. Jean-Michel had actually become friends with Alexis with ulterior motives. He knew Alexis' sister by sight. Unfortunately, she did not come into the bar. When he met her in the street, she would repeat his greeting warmly. He did not know why he did not speak to her. Whether it was the longing for his fiancée Aveline, whom he had to leave on the night of the fire in Paris, or the fear of giving up his plan to live in the Occitan Alps if they were to find each other. The latter was the decisive factor in him leaving it at a warm greeting. Which was extremely difficult for him. Because he liked Monsieur Aube and Alexis very much. Alexis put down the playing cards and looked at him intently. "Jean-Michel, why don't you stay in Marseille? Your life is here. What kind of inn is that that you are having renovated in the mountains?" Jean-Michel described the inn and the beautiful mountain scenery to him. "Alexis, I have no intention of staying there. Just until I find a good tenant. Why don't you come with me? When you've driven through the wild mountain valley of Guil, you'll understand me." Alexis looked at him with shining eyes. "I would like that. But will my Fabien approve it?"

***

On Monday, January 4, 1802, Jean-Michel Aron and Alexis Aube traveled to Château du Queyras in an English coupé to inspect the progress of the renovation of his inn. They were overwhelmed when they saw the house from the passenger cabin without the facade scaffolding. On the roof, the many new slate panels that had been replaced were noticeable. The facade shone in a new color. Alexis called out enthusiastically: "Jean-Michel, this is a strange house. A beautiful house. Now I understand you." André Robert drove the English coupé onto the forecourt. Ferdinand Caille, who was standing in front of the house entrance, hurried over and greeted Jean-Michel. He just gave André Robert an angry look. Then he greeted the horses, which returned his greeting with a neigh. He pressed his head first against Mangal's head, then against Susanne's. The stable master, Louis Perin, came over to them quickly and helped André Robert unhitch. Jean-Michel turned to Alexis. "Alexis, I need to take a good look at the house. Follow us and ask if you have any questions." "I will, Jean-Michel."

When they reached the house entrance, Ferdinand Caille grumbled at him. "Where did you get that from?" He pointed to the driver. "I hope you've done your research. You shouldn't let just anyone drive your expensive car." Jean-Michel held out his hand to Ferdinand. "Ferdinand, first we want to say hello. Don't worry about the car. André Robert drove it before you. He was Baron Albon's driver, about whose horrific fate I told you. André Robert saved Mangal and Susanne from Baron Albon's burning house." Ferdinand Caille lowered his head. "Please excuse me, Jean. I wasn't thinking about Baron Albon's driver. He's a good man. I give him credit for saving Mangal and Susanne from a cruel death. But have you considered that he hasn't driven a carriage for a long time?" "Ferdinand, even if you don't like to hear it, Monsieur Robert is an excellent carriage driver." Ferdinand Caille indicated with a growl that he was going to walk around the house.

When they reached the back of the inn, he turned to Jean-Michel. "Sorry, Jean. I'm irritable. You can't imagine what the renovation work has demanded of me. I spent most of my time chasing the construction workers out of the bar. In our time, no one would have dared to sit in a bar during working hours. But today's youth are more and more permissive." Jean-Michel laughed. "Ferdinand, don't be too hard on them. It's cold weather too." Ferdinand grunted. "Cold weather. What do the sissies want in winter?"

Jean-Michel continued his tour of the house. Ferdinand Caille followed him step by step with his head held high. He behaved as if he had carried out the work on the facade and roof. When they came back to the house entrance, the driver came towards them. Ferdinand Caille greeted him and introduced himself as Monsieur Aron's driver. "I hope Monsieur Aron has warned you about the dangerous places in the Val Guil ." André Robert just nodded. They went up to the bar. Madame Chevalier greeted Jean-Michel Aron with a hug. "Now that the inn looks so beautiful, I would like to have it back." They sat down in the back of the bar. Madame Chevalier brought a bottle of wine and four glasses. "Monsieur Aron, I assume you are staying overnight. May I ask who the handsome gentleman is?" Jean-Michel Aron nodded. "This is Alexis Aube, he is a good guest at my Central Inn in Marseille. Madame Chevalier, Alexis has a beautiful sister." Madame Chevalier giggled. Suddenly she fell silent. "Monsieur Aron, think of Luciano Varini. He is a jealous man." She had barely spoken when she croaked: "Speak of the devil, that's where he comes from." Jean-Michel and Madame Chevalier did not miss the way Luciano's face changed when he saw Alexis. Luciano Varini sat down next to them with a barely audible greeting. He turned to Jean-Michel. "Jean-Michel, is everything OK?" Jean-Michel nodded. "Luciano, this is my friend Alexis. We often play cards at the Central Inn. You should know the Andlau and Son trading company in Marseille." Luciano just nodded. The hostility towards Alexis was clearly palpable. "Are you spending the night here? Or are you leaving again? If so, then spend the night with me." "We're not leaving for another two or three days. I want to show Alexis around the beautiful countryside. We've already moved into our rooms." Pauline Chevalier was startled by the look Luciano gave the handsome boy. Luciano turned to Pauline. "Pauline, in that case, prepare my room for me. I'll be staying for two or three days too." Pauline looked at him questioningly. "Don't you have any work to do at the town hall?" "No, I have servants for that."

It was already midnight. Jean-Michel and Alexis played cards and joked around all evening, while Luciano wore a grim face the whole evening. When Jean-Michel wanted to leave the bar with Alexis, the landlady stood in front of them. "Monsieur Aron, I warn you about Luciano. Because I know him. His behavior today is dangerous. Your friend is a thorn in his side. You should leave tomorrow. Otherwise, I fear something will happen to your friend."

30. The secret committee of the empire decides to liquidate the supreme leader Don Luciano Varini

In May 1802, against the wishes of Bastien Delavallé, Sébastien Meunier founded a secret committee against Don Luciano Varini, the supreme leader of the empire. Meunier believed he had bought Don Luciano's secretary Danilo Pellegrino and his accountant Archibald Girard for a large sum of money. What Meunier did not know was that the two informed Don Luciano Varini of every decision made in the secret committee. They acted as spies for both sides. The only difference was that they passed on information requested by Don Luciano to Sébastien Meunier. The secret committee consisted of Danilo Pellegrino and Archibald Girard, Lionel Petit, Rémi Laurent, Adrien Moreau and Ethan Davit. Sébastien Meunier was particularly proud to have won over Danilo Pellegrino and Archibald Girard. The two reported to him on everything Luciano Varini did. At least, Meunier believed that was the case.

At the beginning of June, Sébastien Meunier announced the first meeting of the secret committee for June 12, a Saturday. The time had come. The men entered Meunier's villa discreetly. Meunier led them underground. The men were amazed when they entered the huge rock cavern. Danilo Pellegrino and Archibald Girard did not miss Delavallé's reluctance. Sébastien Meunier sat down on Don Luciano Varini's chair at the top of the long table. He stuck out his chest and raised his voice. "Messieurs, I have founded the secret committee because Don Luciano is becoming a danger to the empire. I don't want to beat around the bush. Don Luciano Varini must be liquidated if the empire wants to continue to exist."

The men looked at him indignantly. Archibald Girard spoke up. "Sébastien, what's going on? You know that if Don Luciano is killed by the Empire, boxes of incriminating documents would be sent to the Justice Department. We would all go down with him." Sébastien laughed scornfully. "The documents can go to the Justice Ministry. I am friends with most of the high-ranking officials in the Justice Ministry. All of the documents would be destroyed. We have to get rid of the man. You know his illness, his attraction to the male sex. I had to change my project in Château du Queyras to the detriment of the Empire. This is because he is in love with the guy from Marseille. Instead of getting the old cow to sell him the inn, he allows the Chevalier to sell the inn to this Aron. He is helping Aron to renovate the inn. This for one reason only: so that he can have Aron near him as often as possible. And Aron has absolutely no interest in him. I found out that Aron is the double of Luciano's lover, whom he had when he was a student. I remember that. His name was Viktor. Don Luciano's father Don Edoardo was furious at the time. He gave the order to have Viktor beaten up. Unfortunately, his secretary Aldo Giacomo chose the wrong men. They beat the boy to death. Now, for Don Luciano, his lover has been resurrected, so to speak. He would sacrifice his empire for this Aron. Don Luciano sent me a letter. He wrote that Jean-Michel Aron, his new friend, had bought the inn from the Chevalier and that he would help him renovate it. He threatened to take harsh measures if I allowed the work to be sabotaged." Danilo Pellegrino shook his head. "Sébastien, I don't think we absolutely need this inn. Why are you so attached to this inn? You said that you need the house to house the smugglers you plan to use in the Occitan Alps. We own the old muleteer's house on the old mule track. The house has been unused for a long time. Let's renovate it. We could build several bedrooms in the attic of the old mule house. We could accommodate many smugglers there." "I'll tell you the real reason why I wanted to buy the inn at all costs. The accommodation of the smugglers was a pretext. But Don Luciano must not find out anything. Swear to me." The men raised their arms.

"As you know, there is a rock behind the inn. Now listen to what I have to say. There are precious stones in the rock. I happened to find a report from 1769 in the state archives. But I was looking for something else. The report was in a document from Château du Queyras. In 1769, a road maker discovered a crack on the side of the rock. The man looked into the crack just out of curiosity. He thought he saw something glittering. To see more, he organized a small oil lamp, tied it to a stick and pushed it into the crack. What he saw took his breath away. There were whole areas of precious stones. He kept it to himself. Since the rock belonged to the inn, he decided to talk to Julius Garnier to help him win the great fortune. He was a regular at the Three Routes inn. At home he made a sketch of the rock. He represented the crack with two lines. He drew an arrow pointing to the two lines. Above the arrow he wrote the word "gems". To keep his discovery secret, he put the sketch in his valuable book, which was more than four hundred years old. As fate would have it, the roadmaker died the next day at work in the Val Guil. His wife kept the old book until her death in 1783. Her daughter sold the book to the State Archives here in Marseille out of poverty. I have a friend in the State Archives. He offered to buy me the book because he knows my passion for old books. Of course he was not allowed to sell the book because it was the property of the State Archives. He put the book on my table while I was studying documents from the village of Château du Queyras. As I was leafing through the book, the sketch fell out. I put it in my pocket because I suspected it might be valuable. I paid the corrupt official for the book and went home, where I looked at the sketch more closely.

The very next day I travelled to Château du Queyras. Where I took a guest room in the Three Routes Inn. At midnight I sneaked out of the house, equipped with a stick and a small oil lamp, and looked for the crack in the rock. I only found it thanks to the sketch. The crack was overgrown with bushes. It was very difficult for me to get to the crack in the rock. When I pushed the lamp in, I had to dismount because what I saw made my legs buckle. It was a glitter of all colours. I realised the enormous value of the gemstones. Now you know why I wanted to buy the inn. The accommodation thing was an excuse. You are the only ones who know about it now. None of the twelve top leaders know about it. If any of you speak to outsiders about the gemstones or the planned liquidation of Don Luciano, you have forfeited your life. Now this Aron has bought the inn along with the valuable rock. Men, that shouldn't stop us from getting the gems. I'll share in the loot with you."

Archibald Girard looked at Sébastien Meunier in disbelief. "Sébastien, you said that the crack in the rock was just ready enough for the lantern to be brought in. How do you imagine extracting the gemstones in one night? First the crack would have to be enlarged over days of work before the gemstones can be removed." Sébastien Meunier giggled. "How stupid do you think I am, Archibald? We'll leave the extraction of the gemstones to this Aron, or rather Don Luciano. I'm convinced that Don Luciano will help him. Don Luciano will find out about the gemstones from Archibald and Danilo." Sébastien Meunier looked at the two of them. "But this Aron, or Don Luciano, has to find out about the crack in the rock. I'm sending a man who is unknown to anyone in the Occitan Alps to Châteaus du Queyras, where he will visit Ferdinand Caille, who is overseeing the renovation of the inn, to show him the sketch. If this Aron is present, he should give them to him. In secret. Under no circumstances must it become known to the residents. The community could lay claim to the gemstones. Danilo and Archibald's job is to inform me of everything. You are in contact with Don Luciano and know what is going on up there. As soon as the builder starts working on the rock, you inform me. We see each other regularly at the empire's headquarters. As soon as the time comes, everyone except Danilo and Archibald will make their way to Château du Queyras. Since Danilo and Archibald work for Don Luciano here in Marseille, they cannot take part in the gemstone robbery." Archibald and Danilo nodded vigorously. Meunier raised his hand. "Men, below Château du Queyras there is an uninhabited house in a clearing in the forest. Close to Don Luciano's warehouse. The house has been uninhabited for decades. You will find thick layers of dust. Get the things you need for cleaning. You have plenty of time. In the village, pretend to be surveyors and geologists. Tell the people that you have been commissioned by the state to measure the land and investigate the soil. The house is ideal for our project. You can observe the rock from the forest. That way you will find out when the gemstones are mined. They will extract the gemstones at night. I am sure of it. At night you strike. You do not kill the guards, but give them a blow on the head. They are our people. And you chase the workers into the forest. They will not defend themselves. Don Luciano will commission the specialists from Château du Queyras to guard them. No firearms, yes. Because you would not have enough time to transport the gemstones away, as the shot would be heard. You have to carry the stones in sacks through the forest. So you have to transfer the stones into sacks that you carry with you. That takes time. Lionel, you take the lead of the group.”

A murmur went through the rock cavern. The men praised Sébastien Meunier for his fantastic plan. Bastien Delavallé was less enthusiastic.

***

On the way to the city center, Pellegrino and Girard went to a bistro to consult. They would ruin Meunier's plan. In the bistro they spoke quietly. "Danilo, how are we going to proceed? Did you see the way the idiots' eyes lit up when Sébastien mentioned the gems? They will do anything to get their hands on the treasure. Sébastien will fob them off with alms. He is a greedy bastard. Did you notice the look on Bastien Delavallé's face? He is clearly against liquidating Don Luciano. Nor was he enthusiastic about stealing the gems. I am convinced that he was against the creation of the secret committee. Unfortunately, he is afraid of Meunier. He does not dare to bang the table and put Meunier in his place. To stand up to him. The gems have nothing to do with the empire. It is Meunier's own business. You heard that the twelve top leaders know nothing about it. Meunier is betraying the leadership. They don't know that he wants to have the supreme leader eliminated. Danilo, I claim that none of them would agree to Don Luciano's death. Don Luciano is popular. Unlike Meunier. We must report to Don Luciano as soon as possible." Danilo nodded in agreement. "We are setting off for Guillestre on Monday, June 14th. We will spend three nights on the way. I can't ask too much of my horse. He is getting on in years."

On Monday morning they set off for Guillestre. On the way they thought about how they could protect Don Luciano. They knew it would not be easy. Meunier's power was great. Greater than that of Don Luciano, even though he was the supreme leader. Meunier only had to snap his fingers and Don Luciano would be history. Archibald Girard and Danilo Pellegrino came to the conclusion that they would propose to Don Luciano that he eliminate Sébastien Meunier. This was the only way to save his life.

31. Antonio Oliver, the Cruel from Piedmont, on his way to Occitania

Early in the morning on June 16, 1802, Antonio Oliver and his five men reached the abandoned mule house below the Col d'Agnel. The dilapidated house stood on the old mule track, which was no longer used following the construction of the new trade route between Guillestre and Saluzzo in Piedmont. There were two mule houses on the old mule track between Château du Queyras and the Col d'Agnel mountain pass. The gang, feared in Piedmont, confiscated the upper mule house. In the middle of the 18th century, the trade route between the Occitan Guillestre and the Piedmont Canale was rebuilt. In order to get out of the steep stretches of the route, the trade route was laid out in long, drawn-out bends. The construction of the new road meant that guests stopped coming to the two mule houses, which were built between 1712 and 1716. This led to their closure.

Antonio Oliver pushed open the door of the muleteer's house. "Men, we couldn't have it any better. We can make ourselves comfortable in this shack. In here we can inspect the contraband from the secret warehouse and stow it in our saddlebags." Antonio Oliver, the leader of the five men who followed him into the house, was a merciless man. In Piedmont, where the gang came from, he and his brutal men were feared. The gang went on raids during which they cold-bloodedly killed people. Thanks to connections and payments to corrupt officials and politicians, Antonio Oliver roamed Piedmont for years, robbing and murdering unmolested. After corrupt officials and politicians were imprisoned in Torino at the beginning of 1802, the days of Antonio Oliver and his men were numbered. There was no longer any protection for them in Piedmont. They were put on arrest warrants. In Torino, Milan, Saluzzo and in countless villages, drawings of them were hung on trees, house walls and even in cathedrals. Antonio Oliver's gang was considered the most dangerous in Piedmont. Their only option was to flee abroad. They decided to emigrate to Occitania. They wanted to leave Piedmont via the Col d'Agnel.

It was early on Wednesday, June 16, 1802, when Antonio Oliver and his men set off for Occitania. It was no coincidence that Antonio Oliver chose the route over the Col d'Agnel. Their new gang member, Mario Prato, a nineteen-year-old boy who had previously belonged to the Empire's smuggling organization, boasted, after drinking too much brandy, that he knew the locations of the secret smuggled goods depots in the mountains. Antonio Oliver suspected the value of such a depot. It was Mario Prato who led them to the old mule track that ran from Vanesca through the Valle Varaita over the Col d'Agnel to Château du Queyras. Mario reported to Antonio that a Corsican had moved into one of the two uninhabited mule houses. It was the lower mule house. The secret depot would be near the upper mule house. Antonio Oliver would not have dared to rob the temporary storage facility if Don Edoardo Varini were still alive. He was not afraid of his successor, Don Luciano Varini. He knew about Don Luciano's tendency to have fun with blond youths. When his right-hand man Bosco expressed doubts, he snapped at him. How could anyone be afraid of a man who had sex with young boys? "The man is sick, Bosco." Mario Prato told them about the poor condition of the old mule track. They rode through the Valle Varaita up to the Col d'Agnel. Bosco, Antonio Oliver's right-hand man, a small, plump man with a blunt nose, made no secret of the fact that he was jealous of Mario Prato. On the Col d'Agnel they lay down to sleep on their horse blankets in a mountain meadow.

At daybreak they set off again. They rode down to the mule house. Antonio Oliver entered the bar. Tables and chairs as well as the bar were covered with a thick layer of dust. Bosco turned to Mario. "Young man, find a broom and wipe away the damn dust." It sounded as if Mario was responsible for the dust. Instead of reacting to Bosco, Mario Prato turned to Antonio Oliver. "Antonio, there is a horse stable next to the house and a pasture behind the house. Shouldn't we take care of the horses first?" Bosco hissed at him. "You want to avoid dusting. But not with me. We'll take care of the horses and you clean this room." Antonio Oliver snapped at Bosco. "Why don't you do it, Bosco?" Bosco's face turned red. "Antonio, just because he told us about the temporary storage facility, you don't have to treat him like a prince." Antonio Oliver turned to the men. "We'll take the horses to the pasture. Then you'll remove the dust from this bar. Take care of my horse and Mario's. Mario will show me the way to the secret camp. We'll clear it out at dusk."