It had taken James almost ninety minutes to go through every item in Maximilian’s office before he realised his search was fruitless. All he had were two items that linked Maximilian to the missing women. Nothing else. Not a single ounce of evidence pointed towards the location where he could find Valentine and Elizabeth. Upon admitting defeat, Alistair talked James into coming down to the library and having a drink to mull the situation over.
It was 2:24 a.m., and James collapsed in an armchair, his suit jacket lying across the three-seater sofa in front of him. He sighed as he clutched the glass of rum. Taking a sip, he grimaced as the alcohol burned the back of his throat. Alistair sat in the armchair next to James and grabbed a glass from a small, round table. A faint smell of polish lingered in the air. James watched as Alistair, sitting cross-legged in the chair next to him, surveyed the tall mahogany bookshelves.
For someone with a missing loved one, he seems tranquil.
James pulled the glass from his lips and rested it on the arm of his chair. He stared into the brownish liquid and calculated his next move. James took a deep breath as he turned his head towards Alistair. Even though James was weary, he didn’t have the luxury of resting. He had to get back to work.
‘So, we can assume that Maximilian kidnapped Elizabeth for two reasons. The first, she got too close or knew too much. And when I showed up and questioned her, Maximilian kidnapped Elizabeth to keep her from saying something,’ James recounted, waving his glass in the air.
‘And the second reason?’ Alistair placed his glass on the table.
‘He knew the sword came in pieces and couldn’t get the information anywhere else.’ James put his glass down and dabbed a spill on his tie with the napkin that had been resting on the other arm of the chair. ‘I’m expecting to find her office at the NMA ransacked, and maybe her home office.’
‘That doesn’t explain why he has Valentine.’ Alistair had a sympathetic look in his eye.
‘I got too close, and he needs the money. Perhaps one of your investors is squeezing him for ROI.’
‘Sounds about right,’ Alistair said after a few moments. ‘Most people are impatient and expect quick results.’ He stared straight ahead.
‘What if we go back to her offices and retrace her steps?’ James placed the napkin on the table and inspected the damage on his tie from the spill.
‘Why?’ Alistair screwed up his face.
‘Well, we could figure out where she’s hiding the pieces and locate them before Maximilian figures it out. We could trade the pieces for Elizabeth and Valentine,’ James said as Alistair picked up his glass and took another sip.
‘Elizabeth has probably told him where the pieces are by now.’
‘No—’ James picked up the glass from the table next to him, ‘—she’s far too stubborn for that. I don’t see her giving out that information too soon.’
‘I guess.’ Alistair finished his drink. ‘You don’t think he will hurt her?’
‘No,’ James lied. ‘But we’re short on time.’