AN: I'm so terribly sorry about the long wait. I'll try to do better, honest. I've just been distracted with other things all summer and haven't had much time to work on this. I know this chapter is kind of short, but I hope you enjoy it anyway.(:

The Greatest Joy

Sequel to Ribbons and Bo's

Chapter Eight: Despicable Thief Lord

"Where is it?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," Scipio lied.

Barbarossa was furious. "Yes, you do, you little imbecile! You were just shouting about it a minute ago!"

"Who are you to call me little?" Scipio smirked.

"Shut up! Do you have any idea who I am?"

"I haven't the slightest."

Barbarossa's fists slammed down on the closest surface. "I am Ernesto Barbarossa, and it was a complete mistake leaving my shop in the charge of you numbskulls! I haven't received my share of the profit for years now! And you dimwits misplaced everything!"

"Barbarossa…you've got to be joking. I think you're missing a very important point here."

"Oh? And what would that be?"

"You rode the merry-go-round. I rode the merry-go-round. We went opposite directions, which now makes me significantly older than you. You are a child on a field trip. I am a respected adult in this city. I have the power here, not you, no matter who you claim to be or how old you say you are."

Barbarossa glared up at Scipio, not wanting to admit that he had a point. Instead, he growled, "You watch, Thief Lord. I'll find that merry-go-round and soon it will be me who is in charge again here."

"You just keep telling yourself that."

{[(/*\)]}

Prosper had sent Riccio and Mosca back to the shop to sort thing out while he and Caterina continued on their way. When Mosca and Riccio arrived, they found, to their relief, that the door was still unlocked. They were about to walk in when they paused, hearing voices."

"…Thief Lord. I'll find that merry-go-round and soon it will be me who is in charge again here."

They recognized the boy's voice and then Scipio's saying, "You just keep telling yourself that."

Riccio strolled in. "But the merry-go-round's broken," he called out.

Scipio jumped, startled by his appearance. "Oh, it's just you, Riccio."

"And me," Mosca said, joining the scene. "And Riccio's right: the merry-go-round's broken."

Scipio could see the confusion in their eyes, but he gave them a wink, signaling that he would explain later. "Already? Well isn't that a shame. Maybe it never even worked in the first place," he mumbled.

Barrbarossa was outraged. "WHAT! You've got to be joking! You mean to tell me that I'm stuck this way forever?"

Mosca nodded solemnly. "Yes, dear Ernie, I'm afraid so."

Barbarossa glowered up at him. "Don't ever call me that again," he growled.

Riccio smiled. "We also went down to the Carabinieri while we were out. They offered to come and escort you away, but we told them we were sure we could persuade you to leave. They did say that they would send someone over after about twenty minutes, though. Just to check up on us."

Barbarossa's face was flushed red with anger. The little rats… "Fine," he grumbled. "I'll leave. But rest assured, this isn't the last you'll see of me." He backed away toward the door, keeping his eyes on Riccio, Mosca, and Scipio. "I'll be back."

The little bell jingled merrily as he exited.

"So what was it he was saying about the merry-go-round?" Mosca asked as soon as Barbarossa was out of sight.

Scipio beamed. "It works! The Conte and Contessa have told me that they found the Maker, the man who created the merry-go-round, and that he repaired it for them!"

Riccio shrugged. "So?"

Scipio nearly went on, but caught himself. "No, I'll tell everyone all together. Tonight."

Mosca raised an eyebrow. "And Carabella? Does she even know such a thing exists?"

"No. Which is why I should probably go. Tell Prosper, Bo, and Hornet, though. My house. Seven o'clock. I'll see you guys there." And with that, Scipio left the shop, dreading the explaining he would have to do when he got home.

All the way, he struggled for the right words. Should he elaborate and beat around the bush? Or just launch straight to the point? Maybe Carabella would be out and he would be off the hook…

But Scipio saw, to his dismay, that the lights were on in the living room. He sighed, deciding he should just get it over with. He trudged inside, took off his coat and shoes, and walked into the kitchen, where dinner was underway.

"Carabella, do you think you could set some extra places?" He kissed her cheek. "We're having company."

She smiled. "How many?"

"Five, I believe."

"Alright, love."

Scipio stood by her for a few moments, wondering where to begin.

"Is everything all right?" Carabella asked him.

"I don't know. Can we talk?"

"Of course." Carabella turned off the burner on the stove and sat at the kitchen table. Scipio took a seat across from her.

"Carabella, I know this is all going to sound a little strange…"

AN: So...what'd you think?