[Act 1] [Scene 3] [Saint Mark's]

[Korbel]

"You're right, Cirilllo, we don't have the time. I think we should leave now, as Rocco suggested. We're done here."
Marco starts to unfasten his gambeson.

[thirtythr33]

Rocco takes his hand back and says "Yeah, run along now."

The tension in the room releases as people disperse and go back to their own activities. You return the borrowed equipment and no one approaches you or stops you from leaving.

[Marras]

Cirillo hands over Marco's kit and follow him out still staying alert in case Rocco tries something underhanded.

[Korbel]

'That was close! Good that Rocco didn't attack. You were right, he is really nasty. So, what do you Cirillo think about all of this?"
Marco asks quietly while walking around the building of the school.

[Marras]

"Yeah, Rocco is a nasty piece of work, isn't he? I would be better off if I hadn't had a misfortune to meet him and his band of thugs. It's bit of a surprise your brother knows him.", Cirillo answers.

"My first instinct was that Rocco did it. He could very well do shit like that among other things. As much as I hate to say this, he also sounded a bit like he was thrown to the wolves by that other friend of Giacomo. What was his name again? The one who said they left the school leaving Rocco there alone thus denying any witnesses to Rocco's innocence.".

[Korbel]

"Blasio. His name is Blasio. He is Giacomo's best friend. And you know what? I think he did it" Marco almost whispers, to make sure no one beside Cirillo can hear him. "Francesca said that the man who attacked her was of thin or medium build - and is Rocco like that? Not really, right? But look at Blasio..."

[Marras]

"You're right. Rocco is anything but small, physically speaking.", Cirillo agrees.

[Korbel]

"So... if one them did it, it must've been Blasio, right? But he won't tell us anything. I'm going to wait for him here and if he leaves the school, follow him. Maybe I'll discover anything?"
Marco goes back to the main doors of the school and starts to looking for a place to sit down and wait.
"Cirillo... I think we should split up. You must tell Karl and Giorgio about our suspicions. And I must say I'm worried about Francesca. If Blasio is the person we are looking for, than we have just warned them - and now Giacomo might... I don't want to even think about this. But we must make sure Francesca is safe".
"I'm sorry... or maybe you have a plan?"

[Marras]

"True, at the moment Blasio seems to be the main suspect.", Cirillo nods his agreement on that.

"As for the plan, I think I will hide here with you. If you think that your brother has something to do with it one of us will follow him and the other will follow Blasio. How about that?"

[Korbel]

"Hmmm... I haven't thought about that. You're right. So, let's wait together and see, what happens..."

[thirtythr33]

INSIDE

After Marco and Cirillo leave Rocco storms over to the other side of the hall and barks to two men "Valentine! Rambaldo! Pack up. We're leaving. We have work to do." He starts stripping off his exercising clothing and stuffing it forcefully into a bag.

Giacomo and Blasio are having their own conversation, more quietly but Ferran overhears:

Giacomo: You think he is making a move against me?
Blasio: Could there be another reason he came here spreading rumors?
Giacomo: If that's true, he's not doing it alone. My brother couldn't come up with a plan like this.
Blasio: What about the doctor that came with him? You said you already suspected him of him poisoning your father and Rocco just named him a liar.
Giacomo: God, I hope you're not right. I need to get back to my father, immediately.

It only takes a couple of minute before the five men (Rocco, Valentine, Rambaldo, Giacomo and Blasio) are heading for the exit.

OUTSIDE

The door bursts open forcefully with Rocco stepping out first. He has changed into a doublet and more fashionable attire. He wears his short sword on his hip and behind him follow two young men. They are similarly dressed and equipped. The three head up the street away from the bridge and the Acerbi residence.

Less than a minute later Giacomo and Blasio exit. They are dressed in nobles clothing; hose, doublet, and black caps with rapiers on their belts. They are moving quickly, almost jogging, towards the bridge in the direction of the Acerbi household.

Nobody appears to notice Marco and Cirillo's hiding in wait.

[Benedict]

There seems to be something interesting going on and my curiosity really kicks in.

On the pretense that I'm checking on my blades I ready my folding knife in the open position. I do however conceal it in such a way in my belt that while easily drawn it can't be seen without a search. After they exit the school doors I cautiously follow outside ready for anything in case someone noticed my preparations.

[Korbel]

"They're heading to our house... I told you, we must save Francesca, quickly! Do you know the shortest way to home?"

[Marras]

"Okay Marco, you take the fastest route and I'll stay behind and follow them at the distance."

[Korbel]

When they all cross the bridge, Marco takes the slightly longer route and runs to home to find Francesca, leaving Cirillo behind.