January 13 - Gremanci factory

[robertod]

The Gremanci Dollworks is situated to the west of Piazza San Marco, mere strides away from the Grand Canal. Anselmo's residence, the abode of Giorgio's confidant, lies approximately midway between these landmarks. Following Giorgio's directions brings one to the entrance of a two-story edifice nestled amidst its counterparts, snugly positioned within the labyrinthine network of narrow alleys traversing Venice's main island. The thoroughfares, shrouded in silence and shadow, appear deserted. The mist that had earlier gathered upon the canal's surface throughout the day has now been dispersed by a gentle breeze, diffusing into the very fabric of Venice's streets.

The small Gremanci factory is of stone, built in the 14th century. Its well maintained façade contrasts with its down-at-heels companions in the “Campo della Bambina”, a shoddy tourist map-and-bookshop, warrens of uncertain vintage housing university students, a cafe, and industrial buildings of pungent odor and noxious usage. It's past one in the morning now. The dollworks appears closed, as do all the other homes or shops.

[Mr. Handy]

"We could come back in the morning," says Felicity, "but if we're in a hurry, we may be able to get inside if someone can pick a lock - presuming it is locked. We'd need to find records indicating where the leg is, as we could search this place all night otherwise and still not find it."

[SaintMeerkat]

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Archie realizes he's rubbing his tingling hand and forces himself to stop. "Well, it just so happens that I can pick a lock, if needed. I lost the key to the medical cabinet and it was easier to teach myself to pick it than to pay to get it rekeyed." Archie winked. "As the Yanks say, that's my story..."

[Mephistophilis]

'Perhaps knock a few times first,' says Andrew. 'Can't tell you how many times that's saved me a spot of trouble before breaking in.'

[Mr. Handy]

"And if that doesn't work, try the door," says Felicity. "You never know, it may have been left unlocked. Or maybe a key is hidden nearby."

[Mephistophilis]

Andrew leans forward and tries the door handle before giving three hard raps with his knuckles.

[aine]

Clarence coughs, trying to stifle it. “Damn damp air.” He mutters.

[SaintMeerkat]

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Archie frowns and leans over to Clarence, "You know, when we get back to London, I will be happy to give you an examination in my surgery free of charge. Everyone, for that matter. No telling what exposure to this magic may have done to us."

"If we get back to London," he added weakly.

[robertod]

The door is locked. Andrews knocks. After a few minutes, the door of the factory creaks open slowly. The silhouette of an elderly, gaunt, hazy-looking man with drooping eyelids emerges, clutching an old lantern. He gazes at the visitor standing on the threshold with a blend of curiosity and suspicion.

[Mr. Handy]

"We're sorry to disturb you so late, Signore," says Felicity in Italian. "We've come about the statue of Saint Isidor. We'll be happy to compensate you for your time and effort on our behalf."

Using Flattery, and Credit Rating if needed.

[aine]

“It’s probably nothing.” Clarence remarks to Archie. “But I’d appreciate a check up.” He frowns as the old man opens the door and then tries to look amenable.

[SaintMeerkat]

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Archie nods and manages a smile for Clarence, his beside demeanor returns momentarily. Then, he turns back to the door. "Yes, we will make it worth your trouble, Signora," he adds.

[robertod]

The old man, named Antonio, lets the visitors in. They enter a large room furnished with slippery horsehair sofas, their antimacassars damp with hair oil. The display cases lining the walls exhibit historic Gremanci dolls, mannequins, and the prosthetics range launched during Napoleon’s Italian campaign. Completed dolls line two walls, as do prosthetic limbs, and completed body parts for mannequins. Cold blue china eyes surround them, staring and unblinking. The other walls are packed with dolls, stacks upon stacks, naked, clothed, soft-bodied, china-bodied.
A door opens from an illuminated nearby office. Within can be seen a desk, and bookshelves lined with enormous, leather-bound general ledgers. A tall, thin man in his late twenties, leaves the office and enters the main room. He leans heavily on a cane, and always has a cigarette dangling from his lips. His gaunt face would be handsome if he had more color. He has a terrible, hacking cough that causes him to spit blood. He´s Sebastiano, Antonio´s son. He speaks English. Neither Antonio nor Sebastiano recall anything about the statue.
When informed that the statue was sold by Nanni, Sebastiano adds:

“That must have happened during the war, then. We were not working during those days. My Grandfather Niccoló was taking care of the work. My father was managing a munitions factory on the Miestre, and I was in hospital.”

Tragically, Niccoló is unable to provide any information, as he died in July 1918.

[Mr. Handy]

"Did he leave any papers behind?" asks Felicity.

[Mephistophilis]

'The war was a difficult time,' observes Andrew with the slightest of shudders, wondering why Antonio was in hospital at that time, issues with his leg perhaps... Trying to avoid looking at the disconcerting dolls, he gestures towards the shelves of ledgers, 'Do any of your records cover the war years?'