The Mullinix Book 1: Ascension

  Chapter 48 - Insegniferro’s Worry

  "You look lonely, Iggy," Marianna said to the elder Mullinix, "It’s quiet around here without Massy or Medo, huh?"

  "Too quiet," Insegniferro nodded, "Good for reading, however."

  "How do you think things are going?" Marianna wondered, "It looks like Medo is turning out all right."

  "It’s not him I’m worried about right now," Insegniferro said, "Massimaferro is more my worry right now. He’s never been all that good with diplomacy. He’s got a smooth outside and is good with people, but a very low tolerance for bullshit."

  "That might be a good thing with Siraq," Marianna said, "I remember that slime ball from when he made a state visit ten years ago. He kissed my hand and I felt like I wanted a cold shower afterwards."

  "The King over there always was a slimy SOB," Iggy agreed, "Too bad his father didn’t have any other legitimate children."

  "I never understood that," Marianna said, "Why give power to someone so obviously unworthy of it?"

  "Not everyone operates like we do, Marianna," Iggy reminded her, "They believe that such things should be hereditary. We think they should go on merit. We’ve had problems in the past as well. Who’s to say who is right?"

  "You don’t look too disappointed in not having to deal with him," Marianna chuckled.

  "I’m not," Iggy shrugged, "I’m more worried about Cirrus anyway. Siraq is a pain, always was. I don’t think even Massy’s temper can make that a real problem."

  "Cirrus has been a problem for years," Marianna said, "What is different now?"

  "That can of worms that Medo opened up," Iggy told him, "That’s something that worries the hell out of me. I want to know who Stack was actually working for, whether it was for LaPorte or for someone else."

  "LaPorte has been down there for years," Marianna said, "Why would he go bad on us now?"

  "I spent most of the day reading the reports," Iggy said, "Either someone is whitewashing for him too or he’s feeding bullshit to us lock stock and barrel. Paulus hasn’t contacted us either, and he’s been down there over a month. Something is very rotten down there."

  "He usually contacts several times a week," Marianna said, "I hope nothing has happened to him."

  "You and me both," Iggy agreed, "If I haven’t heard from him by the time I talk to LaPorte tomorrow I’ll make LaPorte get him for me."

  Marianna nodded and looked at Iggy. The strain of the situation was beginning to tell on him a little. She sat next to him, trying to give a little support. She’d been Massimaferro’s favorite for a while, but she came in soon after Insegniferro did, so she knew him pretty well. He hadn’t seemed this down since Molly’s death, some fifteen years before.

  "You look lonely, Iggy," Marianna said, "Are you sure you want to stay alone and read tonight?"

  "I’m ok, Marianna," Iggy said, putting a hand on her shoulder, "I will take a back rub while I read more of this garbage though."

  "I’d be happy to oblige," Marianna smiled, standing up and moving behind the elder Mullinix.