Chapter 2

Farewell

“… of the resurrection to eternal life.”

The minister’s voice continued, saying the usual words as the casket was lowered into the ground. Of everyone there, Nick felt sorriest for Joseph’s elderly parents. They didn’t need this, not at their time of life. No parent should have to bury a child, no matter how grown up the child was.

Derek stood beside him, frowning and absorbed. Merlin stood on Nick’s other side, watching but not sad. There were quite a few people there. Joseph’s parents, a sister, her husband and children. Various cousins, aunts and uncles. A handful of friends. All of them were downcast, and some openly wept.

They’d flown into Heathrow and rented a car for the drive to Marlow in Buckinghamshire which was where Joseph’s family had its roots. They’d taken two rooms at The Thistle, a pub on the banks of the Thames, and had spent the remainder of the preceding day getting over their jet lag. At dinner that evening and in the bar afterward, people were semi-curious, attracted by the ‘foreign accents’. Derek, Nick and Merlin had ignored it.

They’d risen early, dressing in the customary sober black. Nick could wear a collar and tie and an ordinary black business suit, and he could wear it without fidgeting or feeling uncomfortable. Derek, of course, looked debonair in black and never felt uncomfortable in a suit. Merlin wore a suit as well, coupling it with a dark gray silk shirt. It was a nice day. The sun shone, it was hot – for England – and the parish church of Saint Paul had been coolly solemn. They’d taken a place about halfway back and listened to the service which had taken about an hour. Then everyone had followed the casket in its hearse to the Bicknell Avenue cemetery where the actual interment would occur. A brief burial service was held at the graveside, the sun making the wood and the silver decorations gleam and glitter. The floral tributes were beautiful. There were bouquets and wreaths with cards pinned to them. Derek had inspected them, nodding in satisfaction at the large arrangement which bore the card ‘To Joseph, a valued friend and colleague, sadly missed – the Luna Foundation.’

Then it was over and the mourners started to disperse to commiserate and to look at the floral tributes. Nick at last loosened his tie, popped the top button of his shirt, then shoved his hands in his pockets. He gazed down into the grave at the casket.

“Joseph .. I saw another side to you, one you kept hidden. I would’ve liked to have gotten to know you a little better .. but I never had the chance. I’m sorry about that. Rest easy,” he breathed. “I’ll see you soon. Maybe, then, we can have that talk.”

He moved away, leaving Derek and Merlin to make their own farewells to the corporeal remains. Nick strolled slowly toward their rental car, taking his time so the others could catch up.

“Excuse me,” began a hesitant voice. Nick looked up into a scrubbed, slightly fleshy face which was a little red-rimmed around the eyes. It belonged to a man in his thirties. “Am I right in thinking you’re from America?”

“That’s right,” Nick confirmed. “I’m here with Derek Rayne on behalf of the Luna Foundation.”

The man nodded. “Joseph’s employers over the water. I’m Geoffrey, his nephew.”

“Right! You’re the guy who sent him the package.”

“Yes, yes, I did. Is that Mr Rayne over there?”

“Uh huh.”

Derek left the graveside and came to join them.

“Mr Rayne, we spoke on the phone. I’m Geoffrey.”

“Oh .. I’m pleased to meet you although, obviously, I wish it could have been under different circumstances.” Derek shook Geoffrey’s hand.

“It’s a bit forward of me but .. are you intending to fly back soon?”

“Tomorrow,” Nick replied.

“I see.”

“Is that a problem?” Derek frowned. “We can easily stay longer.”

Geoffrey hesitated. “I’m not sure if that’s necessary. But I do need to talk with you before you go.”

“We’re staying at The Thistle,” Derek replied. “Maybe we could meet there this evening? Toast Joseph’s memory.”

“I’d like that very much,” Geoffrey agreed. “Eight o’clock?”

“We’ll be there,” Derek nodded.

“Till later then. And thank you so much for coming all this way. The family is .. very grateful.”

“No problem,” Nick said quietly. “Joseph was special to us.”

Geoffrey waved slightly and hurried after the rest of his family.

“What d’you think that’s about?” Nick asked.

Derek shrugged as Merlin approached. “Probably .. something to do with Joseph’s personal possessions in Belvedere. We’ll find out later. Are we all done here?”

“Yeah,” Merlin nodded. “Let’s go find someplace to eat.”

*****

Back at The Thistle, they changed out of the somber black clothes. Nick and Merlin opted for jeans and T-shirts because they were going out exploring. Derek decided not to go with them.

“I want to contact some agencies, see if they have anyone on their books willing to move to California,” he explained. “Enjoy yourselves. Marlow is very nice.”

“We’ll be back in time for dinner,” Nick said.

They had around seven hours to kill before meeting Geoffrey in the bar and so they walked. Marlow was a quaint mixture of historical and modern – timber-framed Tudor houses, and the ever-present concrete and glass. The streets were incredibly narrow in the older part of town, the houses almost meeting overhead. They passed antiques stores, gift shops, tea rooms, pubs. For once, Merlin wasn’t interested in shopping so they just strolled, enjoying the sunshine and each other’s company. The natives were polite in a diffident way, looking but not speaking, curious but never going as far as actually asking direct questions. Nick was always mildly amused by this behavior but Merlin took it all in her stride and ignored it. She was interested in the things which wouldn’t change – the buildings and the river. The Thames was a broad, glittering ribbon in the afternoon sunshine, a peacefully serene stretch of blue water graced by swans and weeping willows.

Hand in hand, they strolled along the towpath, watching the occasional motor cruiser chug past.

“Fancy a beer?” Nick asked as they neared another waterside pub.

“Yeah, that’d be nice,” Merlin agreed. “What’s this one called?”

Nick stretched to read the sign. “The .. Marlow Arms. Inside or out?”

“Out. It is a lovely day.”

“Wait here,” he said.

Merlin sat down at one of the wooden tables in the gently sloping garden and breathed deeply of the fragrant air. This really was a very peaceful spot. Five minutes later, Nick came back with two pint glasses of beer.

Inside the pub, in a shadowy corner, there was a long moment of silence.

“You see? I told you. You wouldn’t believe me.”

“So you were right. Nothing’s changed.”

Another moment of silence slipped by.

“You’re still set on this?”

“I never turn down a golden opportunity, not when it falls so fortuitously into my lap.”

“You do know it’s different now? It won’t be easy.”

Another moment of studied silence.

“In what way is it .. different?” A heavy question, lightly voiced because it was also an admission of weakness.

A slight pause greeted this because the second man knew he had a position of strength .. even if it was temporary.

“There’s an armed guard on the premises. She watches over them .. like an eagle hunting for prey.”

“A complication. I can work around it.”

“Not easily.”

“Ah .. well, that may be the truth. You .. know this guard?”

“Yes. Very well and for some years.”

“Then it may be possibly easier than you think.” There was an amused chuckle. “Another drink?”

“I should be going.”

“I’ll be in contact, very soon.”

William Sloan nodded and rose to leave. He went by the main door so Nick wouldn’t see him.

The shadow grew darker, richer, deeper.

*****

“You do? That is excellent news,” Derek remarked, sitting up slightly. “Our previous butler recently passed away; there was an accident while he was home for some family business, so we would like to engage a new butler as soon as we can. There are presently four of us living in the house, and it is also our place of work so we really need someone who is loyal, discreet, quiet, and able to deal with household matters on their own initiative.” He listened and nodded. “It is an organization called the Luna Foundation. A philanthropic society with houses all around the world. The conditions ..? Monday thru Friday, usually .. seven or seven thirty in the morning until around six or seven in the evening. Our needs, as such, are very few. There are times when we are all called away and we need someone who can run all aspects of the house in our absence. The salary is, therefore, above the average. For the right person, there are additional benefits. Our last butler .. we came to see him as one of the team. He volunteered for extra work and we deeply appreciated that. It is a large house, a manor. Cleaning staff come in three days a week and would report to him. Occasionally, we hold charity functions and someone has to oversee the caterers.”

He listened again. “I’m flying back tomorrow so .. if you could fax some details thru to me, I would be very grateful. I will need to interview people but I can do that over the telephone and, if I feel a face to face interview is necessary, I will pay all traveling expenses.”

Derek gave them a fax number. “Thank you for your assistance. I look forward to receiving the details.”

He closed the call and put his cell phone in his pocket. That was the fifth agency he’d contacted and each had at least two people on their books. Surely, from fourteen possible candidates, one would possess all the right qualities in the right quantities. There were many butlers, trained and experienced, but very few prepared to take on the unseen extras which came with working in a Legacy house. And not only be prepared but also willing to assist and who had the same slightly cynical, suspicious opinion of strangers who just .. turned up.

Fourteen. It wasn’t many. But if just one came close to their basic needs .. maybe they could help him develop the rest.

Derek had done all he could for now. He had a slight headache which he put down to the weather and the day’s events. He felt he was, in some way, betraying Joseph by making inquiries about a new butler on the day Joseph had been interred. He checked the time and decided to have a bath. That might help him unwind enough to be able to enjoy his dinner and then meet with Geoffrey in the bar.

*****

Rachel woke to a ringing phone and scrambled for her robe. Usually, she took the unit up to her nightstand before turning in but, last night, she’d gotten home later than usual and the house had felt empty without Kat, so her routine had been off. Kat was staying on the island and really getting into her volunteer work. Rachel had kept her appointments to just the morning so she could get to Angel Island around one thirty and stay for as long as she was needed. Alex was back on her feet now, enough to hold things together, but, every so often, she would give a deep sigh and her eyes would grow distant. Kat was company for her, at least.

Rachel flew downstairs to the phone and scooped it up. “Rachel Corrigan,” she said, her voice a little breathless.

“Hi,” replied a voice. It was a male voice. She thought she recognized it. Her eyes narrowed slightly. The guy cleared his throat. “Bet you don’t remember me.”

He sounded upbeat yet terribly unsure.

“I do .. I’m just trying to put a name to the voice,” Rachel replied.

“Which amounts to the same thing.”

Rachel snapped her fingers. “Detective Miller. Pete Miller. From Tulsa.”

There was a moment of utter quiet. Then she heard him chuckle. “Well, I’ll be damned … You do remember.”

“I never deliberately forget someone who saved my life,” she grinned. “What can I do for you?”

“Well .. you could agree to meet me for dinner.”

She blinked and straightened slightly. “You’re in San Francisco?”

“Yeah. Not permanently,” he added. “I was asked to represent my lieutenant at the annual convention and I said no, but then I found out where it was gonna be held and I lobbied real hard to get the ticket. I figured .. what the hell, I could at least check it out. See what it’s like in earthquake country.”

“I see,” Rachel smiled.

“Anyway, I’m kinda tied up at the convention all day but I get off around five thirty so if you would like to have dinner … ”

“I would, very much, but – ”

“It’s okay,” he cut in. “Short notice, I know.”

“How long are you in town?”

“Convention goes on till Monday.”

“I can’t make tonight or tomorrow night because we have people away, but the weekend or any night next week would be good for me. I don’t suppose I could persuade you into taking a few days of personal time .. could I?”

“Absolutely. No one else could but .. I can’t really turn down a request from someone whose life I saved.”

Rachel laughed. “Okay! Well .. how about Saturday?”

“Sure. Sounds good to me. Seven thirty?”

“Fine. Where are you?”

“I’m staying at the Pacific Heights Inn on Union Street.”

“Not far from Chinatown.”

“I love Chinese food.”

“Okay. I’ll meet you on Saturday at seven thirty at your hotel and we’ll go explore Chinatown.”

“Can I say it’s a date?”

“Why not?” Rachel laughed. “It’s really very nice to hear your voice again, Pete. How’s Harry?”

“The guy’s doing good, Rachel. Andrea’s expecting another baby.”

“Oh, that’s fabulous news!” she exclaimed. “When you get back, please pass on my good wishes.”

“I will. I have to cut this short. It’s been very nice hearing your voice too. I’ll .. see you Saturday.”

“It’s a date,” she smiled. “Bye.”

Rachel hung up and paused, hugging her robe around her body and feeling incredibly energized. There really was no better way to start the day than to be asked out on a date.

*****

“It’s my lunch break.”

“So why are you calling me?” Alex asked.

“Because I was hungry for food but starved for hearing your voice.”

“Oh, Mark .. I do miss you,” she sighed.

“Goes both ways, Alex. I wish the new office was up an’ running, that I was there, that we’d found a nice place together … ”

Alex felt a small worm of doubt roll over in her heart. “You don’t think, maybe, we’re rushing into this ..?”

There was a stunned silence on the phone.

She sat up. It was just past eight in the morning in San Francisco and Alex was taking it easy while Derek was away. She didn’t feel a need to rush downstairs. Mark had called just after she’d gotten out of the shower. She sat on the edge of her bed, her hair dripping, a towel wrapped around her body.

“Mark .. are you there?”

“Yeah. I’m here.” He sounded strained. Hurt.

“Please, don’t sound like that. I do love you. It’s just .. I need a little time. We were close in High School and in college, and then .. silence for so many years. Since then, a long weekend in Cypress Grove, three days in Hidden Valley, and a week here. That’s two weeks in total, Mark, after .. ten years? Twelve? I just feel .. a place together .. is rushing it. I am looking forward to you being out here, and spending time with you, and not having to call long distance every day, being able to see you whenever I want and need … ”

“A poor choice of words on my part,” Mark said quietly. “I was thinking long term. I’m sorry, Alex. Here am I, thinking in my heart that .. ten years haven’t passed without a word and you have said yes to my proposal. The truth is I’ve only asked you to think about it .. and you are right. Two weeks together spread over seven months … We should make time.”

“Thank you. When are you flying back? Do you know yet?”

“Well, I have got some realtors looking for suitable office space. They’re covering quite a big area. Oakland, Berkeley, Albany, Mill Valley, Tiburon and San Rafael. Even the city itself. Soon as I see something I really like, and that I can afford, I’ll fly out there. It could be a week, or a month. I don’t know yet.”

“And if they don’t find anything suitable?”

“Then I’ll buy some land and design my own office. Be my own advertising. I plan to be out there by Christmas, one way or another.”

Christmas … That was over five months away.

“Alex ..!” Kat’s voice drifted up from downstairs.

“Mark .. I have to go. I’m here on my own with Rachel’s daughter. I’ll call you later ..?”

“Yeah, please, do that, no matter what the time. I love you, Alex.”

“Love you too,” she whispered and hung up. “Okay, Kat, I’ll be down in a few minutes!”

At the front door, Kat turned back to Carl Chang. “Would you like to come in, Dr Chang? You can wait in the music room. I can get you a cup of coffee.”

“That would be very acceptable, Miss Corrigan. Thank you so much.”

Kat giggled and Carl grinned. He stepped over the threshold, stumbling slightly on the step. Kat reached out a hand to steady him because he’d suddenly gone pale.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Don’t know what that was. It felt like I kicked something. And the thought of dropping these … Phew! My heart was in my boots there, for a second.”

Kat closed the door and led him to the music room. “I’ll go get your coffee. How do you take it?”

“Badly. Cream and three sugars.”

She giggled again. “I won’t be a moment.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to do this professionally? Derek could use a good housekeeper about now,” Carl remarked. “And you are surely fitting the bill.”

Kat paused. “I think my Mom would have something to say about that. But I don’t mind helping out till school starts again.”

“You’re doing a great job,” he smiled.

“I’ll be right back with your coffee.”

Alex was just coming downstairs when Kat reappeared with a small silver tray.

“Kat ..?”

“Dr Chang’s here. He’s in the music room,” Kat relayed. “Shall I get you some coffee?”

“That would be great. Thank you.”

“No problem.”

Alex followed her into the music room. “Hi, Carl! What have you got there?”

“Nick said I could drop these off with you while he was away and he’d take a look when he gets back from England.” Carl set a box on the low table, next to the tray. “To be honest with you, Alex, I have no real idea what these are.”

He pulled on a pair of gloves and, carefully, opened the box and removed a layer of straw. “It’s three pieces of pottery. Oddly shaped. Could be shards of an urn or a water jug. They look like basic terracotta.”

He took the first and held it out to her so she could see. Alex frowned, instantly intrigued.

“It is a strange shape,” she murmured. “Are there any markings?”

“No, not one.” Gently, he placed it on the straw and took out another layer of packing material. The second piece was a different shape again. So was the third. “You’d think there would be at least some kind of decoration even if it was just .. scoring in the clay, but there isn’t.”

Each piece was about the size of someone’s palm but with those odd jagged protrusions. Alex knelt for a closer examination but didn’t touch them. Carl was wearing gloves. She wasn’t.

“That’s interesting,” she mused. “They look like shards, as if someone dropped something larger and it shattered, but the edges aren’t sharp. Even with weathering, they wouldn’t be that smooth. They’re almost rounded, crafted to be like that.”

“It’s a intriguing puzzle, isn’t it?” he agreed. “It means .. possibly they’re not shards. We don’t know for sure, not yet. It could be the action of the salt mud had more of a weathering effect than we’ve yet discovered.”

“Where did you find them?”

“We didn’t. It was an anonymous donation but the letter which came with it stated these were found in the Holy Land at a site on the south eastern edge of the Dead Sea. Again, we don’t know but .. maybe this is all that survived the downfall of Sodom.”

“Wow … ” Alex breathed.

Carefully, Carl packed them away again and stripped off the latex gloves. “Needless to say, whatever assistance the Luna Foundation can give will be greatly appreciated.”

Alex sat back on her heels. “I think Nick, Derek and I will all be fighting to provide assistance on this one, Carl.”

Kat returned with Alex’s coffee.

“When are they due home?” Carl asked, sitting back to enjoy his own coffee.

“They’re flying back tomorrow so we’ll likely start work on this Saturday.”

“Keep it as long as you need. I would prefer to sacrifice time if it means definite answers.”

“I’ll tell Nick,” she smiled.

*****

“How did you enjoy your afternoon?” Derek inquired.

“It was great,” Nick replied. “We walked along the towpath.”

“How about you?” Merlin asked. “Make all your calls?”

“Yes,” Derek sighed.

“Ah ah, is that self pity I sense?”

“No, it’s an unruly feeling of guilt,” Derek answered.

“You didn’t interview and appoint his successor today, Derek,” Nick commented. “You started the ball rolling. Everything has to start somewhere and at some time.”

“I suppose so.” Derek sipped his beer and instantly thought back to his days as a student.

“Here’s our guest,” Nick breathed, raising a hand to signal.

Geoffrey was still in his black suit and looked even more flushed. “I’m sorry, I’m a little late. I do apologize.”

“We quite understand. It’s been a .. long day,” Derek replied.

“What would you like to drink?” Nick asked.

“A pint of bitter, thank you.” Geoffrey started to dig in his pockets.

“I’ll get it.”

“That’s most kind, thank you.”

“Shall we sit down?” Merlin suggested.

Derek nodded and led the way to a table in the bow window. Nick came over, put Geoffrey’s drink on the table and sat down.

“When the police contacted us to tell us Uncle Joseph had been killed, we had to .. deal with things. Close his bank account, read his last will and testament. Of course, we could only settle his affairs in this country. He has a flat, an apartment, in Belvedere, personal possessions and so forth. It’ll need to be cleared out.”

“We will do that for you,” Derek accepted.

“Thank you, most kind. I was hoping you’d agree to that, seeing as you’ll be in the area, as it were.” Geoffrey ran a finger around his collar. “Now, there are certain instructions in his will regarding disposal of various items. Bequests. According to Uncle Joseph’s instructions, his collection of antique firearms has to go to a Mr Nicholas Boyle. Do you know the gentleman?”

“That’s me,” Nick said, sounding a little stunned.

“Oh! Well, that’s fortunate then. The package I mailed to him recently, that is part of the collection as well so .. if you know where it is or if you find it – ”

“Top shelf in the pantry.”

“Good, good. Everything else in his .. apartment – clothes, soft furnishings – they are to be sold or donated to charity. Whatever money is raised from this sale .. he wanted it to go the, er, Winston Rayne Museum. Any relation?” he asked Derek.

“My father,” Derek replied. “We will abide exactly by the terms of Joseph’s will.”

“His .. personal items .. letters, photo albums, whatever you find, if you could arrange to have them sent home to us, we’d be very grateful. The collection, of course, is yours. I understand it’s worth quite a bit.”

“And he left it to me?” Nick queried.

“He wrote once in a letter that .. you appreciate a fine weapon, Mr Boyle. I expect he bequeathed the collection to you because he knew you’d take care of it.”

“I will,” Nick promised.

Geoffrey carefully regarded Merlin. “Um .. dare I assume that you are Peri?”

“That’s right,” she nodded.

“In that case,” he said, fishing in a pocket, “this is for you.”

Merlin took the small velvet covered box and carefully opened it. Inside was a gold bracelet, set with sapphires.

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered.

“It belonged to Uncle Joseph’s grandmother,” Geoffrey said quietly. “He wanted you to have it. He was very fond of you.”

“I’ll treasure it, always.”

There was a long moment of silence. Then Derek raised his glass. “To Joseph – may he rest in peace.”

“I’ll drink to that,” Geoffrey nodded.

To an enjoyable retirement, Merlin amended silently, smiling to herself.

*****

“You’re back late,” Patricia remarked.

“You didn’t wait on dinner for me, I hope,” William smiled, kissing her cheek.

“No. I can warm yours over – ”

“It’s all right. I’m not really hungry.”

She nodded. “Well .. you may not be hungry but you definitely don’t look tired. I’ll go on up because I am.”

“Retirement isn’t proving to be as .. restful as I once thought it might,” William commented. “I’ll be up in a while. I have some .. serious thinking to do.”

Patricia nodded. “Try not to think too hard with the brandy .. not on an empty stomach.”

“One glass, I promise.”

She watched him go into his study and close the door. She sighed. This was just like the old days …

*****

After an hour, Geoffrey took his leave and strode off into the night. Derek, Nick and Merlin sat in the bar of The Thistle, bemused and wrapped in their own thoughts.

“Joseph .. was a very unique individual,” Derek eventually murmured. “That’s some bequest, Nick.”

“Tell me about it. While you were in Hidden Valley, I was showing Peri how to use the lab equipment. We X-rayed the package. It’s a flintlock pistol. I’d say it’s from the English Civil War period.”

“Really. I’d like to see that for myself. I wonder what else is in the collection.”

“So do I,” Nick agreed.

“If you want a home for it .. you could always display it at the Hall of Antiquities,” Derek suggested.

Nick laughed softly. “An’ have to deal with Emily Forrester? Thanks but no thanks. Actually, I do know where I’d like to put it .. if that’s okay with you? Y’know that long wall leading into the kitchen?”

“That long, empty wall ..?” Derek queried.

“That’s the one.”

Derek nodded. “It’s perfect. Joseph would like that very much. It’ll seem like he never died.”

Nick rose to get another round of drinks. “Same again?”

“Sure,” Merlin said. Derek inclined his head.

“You’ve been very quiet this evening,” he remarked to her as Nick went to the bar.

She shrugged. “I know he’s okay an’ everything .. but I still miss him. I came to your house after he did. I was the newbie who didn’t know the local rules. Right up till almost the day he left, he was still putting me straight on the way things were done. It sounds strange, Derek, but I needed that. It was normal. He never treated me with kid gloves, he was never in awe of me. If I got the floor dirty, I had to pay a penance. Doing the dishes by hand. Cleaning the silver. Helping him out with his herb garden. He was .. like an uncle. Whoever you get as the new butler, he won’t do any of those things. It’ll be different.”

“Change is constant, no matter how much we try to keep things the same. We have to go with the changes, as and when they occur. Feeling otherwise could be considered self pity.”

Merlin laughed at that. “No way!”

He smiled too. “Joseph left a hole in all our lives. That hole will not be filled until we have seen him, spoken with him, touched him, said goodbye .. even if we can visit him again.”

“Okay, I get the message. When we get home, I’ll go see if he’s ready for guests.”

“Thank you.”

Nick returned with the drinks. “We’ll need an early night. We got a long drive back to Heathrow an’ we gotta check in at eight fifteen.”

“As well as packing tonight,” Derek agreed, then softly added, “I’m glad I came.”

“Me too,” Merlin said.

*****

William Sloan watched the brandy swirl around the balloon glass. He lifted it but only to inhale the aroma.

This is quite like old times, he thought. And, yet, it isn’t. the intrigue .. yes. I recognize that heady scent. But I can walk away when it’s done. The repercussions .. are not my concern. For once, I don't have to think past a certain point. And that is new.

For once .. this isn’t my idea, I’m just .. helping out. What’s that saying ..? Oh yes. I rather think I’ve gotten into bed with the Devil. I know I haven’t because I have spent a year in Hell and I never once saw the Devil. My guards, they were fairly high ranking but .. I never saw the boss.

And, while this might feel like I’ve climbed into bed with the Devil, I know he isn’t anything but a very interesting exercise in advanced psychology and manipulation. Two things I know very well. He is as sly and underhand as I am. At this moment, we both have our own secrets and we’re not giving anything away. We don’t trust one another enough to do that. I doubt we ever will. We’re circling like two wrestlers, looking for a gap in the defenses so one of us can take a hold and throw the other, pin him and get a three count.

His idea, my insider knowledge. His resources, my experience. A team of two, although I really don’t believe we’re a team as such. More like two individuals working in their own way toward a more or less common goal. To steal one rose amidst a minefield of thorns. The odds .. yes, they are stacked against us. But that has never prevented me from getting what I want. Careful planning will reduce the odds to evens, and then stack them in my .. our favor.

Wheels are already turning. One grain of sand has shifted .. and soon the avalanche will be unstoppable. I hope he knows exactly what is likely to happen when it buries those unfortunate enough to be caught in its path. I intend to be a long way off …

But only if I plan very carefully .. and find out what he is planning. He hasn’t told me, he wouldn’t, but I know he wants me to fall with them. My advantage, he reflected. He has never been in that situation before. I have.

*****

Rachel arrived at just gone one and went to get a progress report. She found Alex in the library, Kat working alongside her.

“Hi, how’s it all going?”

“Hi, Mom.” Kat looked up. “You want lunch?”

“I can do it. I don’t wanna disturb you. Did Derek call or something?”

Alex closed the book. “No, Derek hasn’t called, but Carl Chang dropped off some very intriguing .. things.”

“Things,” Rachel echoed. “Artifacts?”

“I don’t know if they exactly qualify as artifacts, Rachel. They look like three pieces of pottery shards .. but they’re not. At least, I don’t think they are. They’re too smooth, too crafted. I think they’re meant to be these odd shapes. Kat and I were just seeing if something was written somewhere about them .. or if there are other instances of similar items.”

“Where are they?” Rachel asked, remembering the last time Carl had left some things to be looked at.

“In the lab, and the lab is sealed,” Alex replied. She’d remembered the last time too.

“Good. Let me go grab something to eat an’ I’ll give you a hand.”

She went thru to the control room to leave her jacket and briefcase and, while she was there, the fax beeped and hummed into life. Curious, Rachel went to the hopper and collect the first sheet as it came out.

“What is it?” Alex called.

“A resume,” Rachel replied. “Looks like Derek’s been making calls somewhere at least.” She replaced the sheet in the hopper and returned to the library. Alex had a rich smile on her face, like that of a cat suddenly discovering the icebox is full of cream and someone had left the door open.

“I’m not sure I like the look of whatever’s going thru your head,” Rachel remarked suspiciously.

“I was simply thinking that .. if Derek has been making inquiries about a new butler, he’ll have to go thru those resumes, and that means Nick will be tied up doing thorough background investigations … ”

“Oh .. I see!” Rachel said, nodding. “If they’re both busy with that, you get to examine Carl’s pottery things.”

Alex’s smile broadened. “Sometimes .. life doesn’t throw you a curve ball.”

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