I frowned, shaking my head, and handed the scrap to Sawbuck. Why go to the trouble of leaving this message? And why speak of Zia — who I did chase down, but she got the worst of that encounter — as if she were my ally?
“He’s playing with you,” Sawbuck said. “I’ve seen this sort before. Fancies himself a master criminal. Likely he’s a cold-blooded killer who’s read too many spy novels.” He snorted. “But who’s the Fed? Someone after Master Rainbow?”
I nodded. “A woman —”
Sawbuck raised an eyebrow.
“— named Zia Cashout. Pretty, with red hair. They worked together. But he didn’t know she was a Fed until her friends tried to kill him. He thinks they destroyed his boat.”
“Well, if that’s not the strangest thing I’ve ever heard, I don’t know what is,” Sawbuck said. “How do you know her?”
I went back to my desk. How much could I trust Sawbuck? “Master Rainbow introduced her first as his maid, then his sister. She was with him when he brought me to rescue the boy.”
Sawbuck nodded.
“But later she made it clear she was in league with Frank Pagliacci.” In love with him might be more accurate. I pointed to the paper. “Which makes this puzzling.”
“Perhaps they’ve had a falling-out,” Sawbuck said. “And you’ve not heard from her since?”
I shook my head.
“Wait,” Sawbuck said. “This is the woman the police think you knifed on Market Center.”
Why did I mention her name? “So my husband did tell you.”
Sawbuck chuckled. “Did you really knife her?”
“Not intentionally.” It was the first time I’d actually cut anyone. “If I’d have known she was a Fed, though ....”
Sawbuck leaned forward. “Why do you keep lying to him? What haven’t you told us?”
I sighed. “None of it matters now. I was trying to help Dame Anastasia, and ... well, now she’s dead.”
Pearson knocked. “Two packages for you, mum.”
In the hall, a big bouquet of lavender sat next to a package addressed to me. Inside were two thick round white candles, six inches long, carved on the surface as if covered with lace. There was no return address or note. “Where did these come from?”
“There was no card on the flowers, mum,” Pearson said. “Perhaps the messenger lost it. Where would you like them?”
“In the parlor, please.” I detested lavender, and white was my least favorite color. But it was so rare for anyone to send me a gift that I didn’t have the heart to throw them away.
Thunder rolled in the distance. I went to the front door and opened it. The air smelled of rain.
“Mrs. Spadros,” Tony said behind me, “would you assist me?” Tony had shed his coat and hat, and rolled up his sleeves.
I laughed. I’d never seen him like this. He appeared ready to engage in some physical labor, which of course we had servants for. “Whatever with?”
“Come,” he said, and took my hand.
I glanced over my shoulder. “Thanks for your help, Ten. We'll speak on this matter another time.”
Sawbuck grinned at me. “My pleasure.”
Tony led me through the house and out to the back gardens, where a target stood ready. “You must teach me to shoot.”
“Me? Can’t Ten teach you?”
“He’s tried.” Clouds scudded past overhead, while black storm-clouds loomed in the distance. “I thought maybe ...”
I smiled. “Very well. First, you must put in earplugs.”
“Already done.”
He handed me some, which I put on. Then I brought him to the closest mark. “Stand one foot in front. Your left should be good, since you’re left-handed. Which eye do you see from?”
Tony stared at me blankly. “I don’t know.”
“That might be your trouble. Hold a finger up to cover the middle of the target.”
When Tony did so, I said, “Watch the target. Close one eye, then the other. The finger which stays still is your sighting eye.”
“Oh!” Tony let his arm drop. “Why did no one ever tell me?”
I shrugged. “Not everyone is good at explanation, I suppose.” Roy probably loved to see him fail. “Now the gun.”
I showed him how to stand, how to hold the gun. “Now, it’s going to be loud. Make everything else but the target go away.”
Tony sounded out of breath. “Very well.”
“Now slowly squeeze the trigger.”
Hands trembling, he did so. “I hit it!”
I grinned at him. “That you did.”
Pearson came to us. “Master Joseph Kerr and Miss Josephine Kerr to call, sir.”
Tony holstered his gun. “Seat them in the parlor.” He took my face in his hands and kissed me. “I love you so much.”
I batted his hands away, laughing. “You silly man — you smell of gun! Let’s go inside.”
As we walked back, large drops fell. “They got here just in time,” Tony said. “A few minutes later and we’d all be drenched.”
Hand in hand, we ran back to the veranda.
Joe and Josie sat in the parlor on two armchairs facing the sofa, rising when we entered, Joe needing his cane to do so. The sky was dark, and rain battered the window.
Jane came bustling in. “I’ll light the lamps for you, mum.”
Josie gasped. “Your candles are lovely. Are they new?”
Jane looked put out.
I smiled. “Go ahead and light the candles instead, Jane, if you would.” I sat by one of the large glossy houseplants in its marble urn at the end of the sofa. Tony sat beside me. “To what do we owe this honor?”
“Why, you’ve come to our home,” Josie said. “It’s only right that we visit in return.”
“Thank you for your card of condolence,” Joe said to Tony. “We didn’t know our uncle well, but ...”
Tony smiled. “I’m grateful that you’ve come.” He rested his hand on mine. “She has so few callers.” His smile faded. “I’ll remember who’s been kind to my wife and who’s shunned her when I’m in charge of this Family.”
The scent of lavender wafted in the air, mixed with gun oil. Jane lit the first candle.
“Is your father well?” Joe said.
Tony shrugged, taking his hand off mine. “As wicked as ever. But enough about us. I’m glad you’re here. I spoke with the Chief of Police about your friend’s murder.”
Lavender ... candle wax ... gun oil ...
Lavender sprigs lined the aisle, a bunch at each pew as I walked towards him, and I clutched a bundle in my hands to stop their shaking.
I still felt the cold imprint of Roy’s gun as I walked, not meeting anyone’s eyes.
Jane lit the second candle. My lips tingled, and I licked them. Swallowed. I didn’t feel well at all.
“He understands that finding her killer is of high priority.”
Tony smiled and took my hand ... then we climbed the steps. “We are gathered today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony.”
The smell of candle-wax mixed with lavender ...
“But I’m going to have my men on this as well. And the matter with your uncle. This affects my wife,” Tony placed his hand on mine, “which makes it a Family matter. You can rest assured, we’ll learn who did this.”
The room was filled with bunches of lavender as Tony undressed me in the candlelight. I couldn’t look at him. Couldn’t bear to feel his touch.
Jane started towards the door.
“We’re truly grateful for you help, sir,” Joe said.
The lavender ... the candles ... Tony touching me ... the smell of the gun ...
My stomach lurched. I managed not to spoil my dress or the sofa — except the arm — but the potted plant was worse for wear.
Everyone cried out, except Josie, who told Jane to bring a wet cloth. I lay draped across the sofa’s arm panting, bathed in sweat.
Tony knelt beside me, smoothing my hair. “My poor dear.”
Pearson came in. “I’ll call the doctor.”
“That would be wonderful, thank you.” Tony sounded happy, which infuriated me. “Have the men bring the plant outside. The rain should wash it clean.”
“Yes, sir.”
Josie said, “We should go.” She placed her hand on my hair. “I hope you didn’t catch ill with this weather.”
I squeezed her hand. “Don’t fret. Our doctor is excellent.”
Joe stood by my feet, gazing at me calmly. “We’ll return another time, when you’re well.” He mouthed, “I love you.”
Tony, kneeling beside me, focused on my face, never saw it.
I still felt faint. “Have a safe trip.”
Tony carried me upstairs and laid me in bed.
* * *
Dr. Salmon sat beside my bed as he examined me. He chuckled at the moonstone on its chain around my neck.
“What’s funny?”
“Your husband gave you that.”
“How did you know?”
“I did an investigation into these ‘miracle gems’ when they first went on the market.” He fingered the stone, then laid it on my chest. “One of the moonstone’s claimed powers was to increase fertility.”
This astonished me so much I laughed.
Dr. Salmon gazed at me soberly. “My dear girl, I’ve never betrayed you. And I never will. I hope someday you can bring yourself to trust me.”
So he suspected my morning tea. Could I trust him? Should I confess? But he had no proof, and who might be listening?
Then he took my hand. “Tell me what happened.”
So I told him how the smells made me so ill.
The rain beat upon the windows, and I recalled that he attended my wedding. Did he guess as to why I fell ill? But he spoke kindly. “What can I do to help?”
My eyes filled with tears. All I wanted right then was to go home and see my Ma. “Perhaps a day or two of rest?”
He placed his hand on my forehead. Then he called Tony in.
“How is she?” Tony seemed almost giddy.
Dr. Salmon gave Tony a sad smile. “She’s never fully recovered, and has developed a case of nervous exhaustion with severe irritation of the stomach. She may eat whatever she finds soothing, but rest as much as possible for the next few days.”
Tony stared at me in shock.
After he left, Tony knelt by my bed, holding my hand. “All this time ... ill ... and you never said anything? How could this be? I should never have pressed and agitated you so.” He put his forehead on the bed beside me. “Oh, gods. I—”
“Shh,” I said. “It’s not your fault.” I moved over in bed. “Join me.” Taking off his shoes and jacket, he did, and I held him to my breast, stroking his hair. “None of this has ever been your fault.”
Tony fell asleep in my arms. I lay staring at the ceiling.
If I left with Joe, it would destroy Tony. Even though he loved Gardena, he trusted and relied on me. I was everything to him. He never intended me harm — in fact, the opposite. He had never so much as raised a hand to me, ever. None of this was his fault.
But could I spend my life pretending I loved Tony, when Joe had a way out?
* * *
Presently, Tony awoke, going off to tend to something or other. Yet I lingered, grateful for the chance to relax in privacy. All too soon, Amelia came to check on me. “A package, mum.”
It was a new copy of the Golden Bridges. The top story:
Third Body Found In Train Tunnel
A third body was found in the train tunnels under Market Center this morning.
Our Inside Reporter, speaking with a source on the island, confirms the body belonged to a man of seven and twenty who recently died of strangulation. This source also confirmed this man was an associate of the infamous Dame Anastasia Louis.
The number of her associates missing numbers two dozen. Six and ten so far have been found dead throughout Bridges, all of strangulation.
Sixteen dead? All of strangulation? “Good gods,” I said.
Amelia said, “Has something happened, mum?”
Were they targeted by an angry bankrupt? Or has the scoundrel many call the Bridges Strangler resumed his grisly work? All the deaths so far are recent, which suggests the villain keeps the men captive for an extended period before their murders.
So far the Police have not seen fit to acknowledge this menace. We advise all young men — especially those associated with the deceased lady — to travel in groups until the madman is found.
I handed her the paper.
“I’d never heard this,” Amelia said. “It’s preposterous. How could such go on without any warning about it?”
“Perhaps the Families don’t want a tourist to bring this news to the Feds,” I said. “I believe the Feds would have jurisdiction over a multiple murderer, would they not?”
“Ah,” said Amelia. “I wonder what the Families plan to do.”
“That’s an excellent question.”
* * *
After a while, I got up, telling Amelia I’d be taking dinner in my room. Presently, Tony came in, Pearson and Honor following. They set up a small table and chairs, with various foods for me.
“How kind of you,” I said.
Pearson said nothing. Honor bowed. “My pleasure, mum.”
Once they left, we began eating.
“I’m glad you’re feeling better,” Tony said.
A knock came at the door. “Come in,” Tony said.
One of Tony’s men entered. “Sir, about the coat.”
Tony gestured with his chin. “Go ahead, sit down.”
The man gave me a glance, then pulled up a chair from my tea-table and sat across from us. “Thank you, sir. I talked with the manager there at the shop. He didn’t remember the coat at first, so we hunted down Master Rainbow —”
“You’ve seen him?” I said. “How is he?”
He glanced back and forth between us, then shrugged. “Seemed fine to me, mum. Anyways, the manager remembered the coat once he saw it. Said a red-haired gal picked it out.”
Was this Zia? “Did he remember anything else about her?”
The man frowned slightly. “Not that I recall.” He glanced at Tony, then at me. “Something you want me to ask?”
I leaned forward. “Was she an outsider? Have an accent?”
Tony said, “You know this woman.”
I nodded. “An outsider. She had a heavy accent, and liked to move her hands when she talked.”
“The manager said none of the sort, mum.” He let out a short laugh. “Seems like he would’ve: that one liked to gab.”
How many women did this man Pagliacci have? “What did Master Rainbow say when he heard the description?”
The man shrugged. “Don’t know, mum. Just gave me the coat. He weren’t there when we talked. Anyway, the manager said he’ll search out the invoice and send it by.”
Tony nodded at him. “That’ll be all. You’ve done well.” Once he left, Tony said, “What is it?”
“Frank Pagliacci collects women as the Harts do racehorses.”
Tony laughed. “It would take all one’s energy to keep them from learning of each other. I wonder how he finds the time.”
I snorted. Tony had put a remarkable amount of energy into keeping me from his connection with Roland and Gardena. “Let him collect his horses, then. Perhaps it’ll keep him busy enough to make a mistake.”