by Robin Caroll
Lissette chuckled. “You’re right on that.” She stood. “Then I’ll go update him.”
Claude’s last conversation with Dimitri replayed itself over and over in his mind. “Why don’t I go with you? I want to feel Father out to see if he’s still going to go forward with his silly Mardi Gras krewe parade this weekend.” Dimitri stood and waited on Lissette to come from behind the desk.
“Do you think he will with everything that has happened?” Dimitri grabbed a notepad and pen from her desk before opening the office door for her. He handed her the items. “It wouldn’t surprise me in the least. He started that krewe because of his own vanity. Krewe of Aion, the Greek god of eternity. Father’s attempt at immortality. Making sure the Pampalon name lives on and on.”
Lissette chuckled as she stepped into the hall and took the few steps to Claude’s office. “And here I thought that’s what you were for.”
“Cute.” He paused at Claude’s closed door, giving her a little nod.
She knocked, her hesitation showing in the timid way she rapped on the door. Dimitri didn’t wait for a response, just opened the door and basically pushed her inside. Claude respected someone taking authority, even if he didn’t appreciate it against him.
His expression masked as Lissette entered before Dimitri. “What is it, Lissette?” His tone was that of a bored superior.
“I contacted . . . um, our insurance agent. Uh, as soon as I get the . . . um, appraisal on the princess’s crown, I’ll . . . uh, I’ll complete the claim.” Her broken speech pattern reflected her intimidation.
Dimitri wanted to confront their father on her behalf, but it would only give Claude’s reservations about the situation more ammunition. Instead, he stood beside Lissette, silently praying for her fortitude.
“Is that all, Lissette?” Condescension dripped even from the way he pronounced her name.
She licked her lips and drew up her shoulders. “Um, Addy, I mean, Adelaide, I mean Ms. Fountaine—”
“I know who you are referring to. What about her?”
Claude’s impatience was a clink against Lissette’s bravado, but only for a moment before she straightened her posture and jutted out her chin. “Well, she is quite adamant that you did, in fact, have something in the safe. Something of yours. In a black pouch, so she claims. Is it possible you just forgot?”
She’d pushed too far. Their father’s face went to stone. “As I have explained, I did have something in there—nothing of great value, of course, more sentimental than valuable. I removed it prior to the robbery.” He glared at Lissette.
“I was wondering if you were still planning on Princess Katerina riding on your float this weekend.” Dimitri hoped he would deflect Claude’s irritation.
“Of course. Why would I not?” Claude shook his head as if Dimitri had asked the stupidest of questions.
“Considering her crown has been stolen and her guard murdered, I thought perhaps you might think it in poor taste.”
Claude’s eyes narrowed, looking very much like Lissette’s had earlier. “Your thoughts are too linear, my son. A celebration is needed to lift the spirits of all.” He smirked at Dimitri. “Besides, Ms. Fountaine is quick to sing the praises of the detectives on the case. Perhaps the crown will be recovered before this weekend. Truly a time to celebrate then.”
Of course his father would refer to Detective Savoie and Adelaide’s relationship just to goad him. Claude had learned of Dimitri’s feelings for Adelaide last year and in his true narcissist form had done a background check on her, learning of her close friendship with Beauregard. Claude enjoyed rubbing it in Dimitri’s face when he himself felt threatened.
“I’ll get you a copy of the insurance claim as soon as I turn it in.”
“See that you do.” Claude didn’t even look at Lissette.
She and Dimitri turned and headed to the door. “Dimitri, I need to speak to you for a moment alone.”
Sighing, Dimitri forced a smile at his sister. She left and he turned back to face his father, but remained by the door. “Yes?”
“I take it you recall our last conversation regarding the importance of how this situation is handled?”
How could he forget? “I do.”
“Then you understand how important it is to recover the stolen items, yes?”
Dimitri nodded. “We’re cooperating with the police in every way, Father.”
“Perhaps the police are confined in their investigation by their rules and policies. Maybe an independent source could be of assistance.”
Wait, what? “Are you suggesting that we hire a private investigator?” His father had done so on occasion before, but always without consulting Dimitri, or anyone else, for that matter.
“It might be in the best interest of recovering such a valuable item quickly.” Claude pinned Dimitri to the spot with his stare.
What was his father up to? Had to be something. Or was it possible he was trying to teach Dimitri like Dimitri was trying to teach Lissette? To guide him in hopes that Dimitri would, for whatever reason, opt to take on what Claude felt was his rightful role as CEO to the Darkwater Inn? It sounded like a plan his father would come up with.
“Dimitri?”
Even if he never intended to become CEO, acting on his father’s suggestion could only be a bonus in building trust between Claude and Lissette. And Adelaide. “I’ll look into it, Father.”
“Smart decision, son.”
Dimitri paused. “Do you have any suggestions, Father?”
“Me? No, of course not. I don’t associate with such people.” Sure he didn’t. “Perhaps someone in our security department could make a suggestion.”
Dimitri nodded. “Of course. I’ll see to it, Father.”
“Oh, and Dimitri?”
He stood, hand on the door, and stared at Claude.
“Something of this nature is usually best kept quiet, if you know what I mean.”
Hire a private investigator to try and recover the crown, but don’t tell anyone. Yeah, he knew exactly what his father meant. But with Claude holding Lissette and Adelaide’s future in his hands, what choice did Dimitri have but to play along?
He nodded, then stepped out of his father’s office. In the hallway he gulped in air. Claude had the ability to suck the life right out of most people, Dimitri included. He couldn’t allow that to happen to his sister.
Or Adelaide.
10
Beau
“We really appreciate you coming with us to speak to the princess.” Beau shortened his stride to match hers.
“Of course.” Addy smiled as they made their way across the lobby. She looked as fresh as the morning to the outward observer, but Beau knew her better than most and he could detect the puffiness under her eyes that said she hadn’t gotten much sleep last night. Yet here she was, putting her best foot forward because that’s who she was.
“Her fiancé asked again when Rubin’s body would be released. He’s anxious to make arrangements to have the guard taken back to Liechtenstein.”
Beau nodded. “I imagine. That’s one of the reasons we need to speak with them. The coroner has released the body, and I have the contact information for them.” He always carried a couple of the coroner’s informational cards with him. Over the years, he’d found it was much easier to hand a card with instructions on who and how to contact regarding the remains of a loved one to the grieving family than to try to verbally give them the information.
“And now we have to deal with Jackson Larder’s murder.” Addy smiled at the elevator attendant as they stepped into the car. “Penthouse suite, please.”
“Yes, ma’am.” The respect the young employee had for Addy was apparent in the way he addressed her. Beau liked that. So many of the young people today lacked respect for those in supervisory positions.
“When I spoke to the ambassador’s office at the embassy this morning, they seemed a little surprised by my call.” That was putting it mildly. While the ambassador
had seemed polite and reserved, he hadn’t hidden his surprise very well over being told that the crown had been stolen. That had struck Beau as unusual.
“Really? That’s odd.” Addy nodded at the attendant as the elevator door opened and they stepped out of the car.
“Yeah. It was.” Beau rang the bell at the penthouse suite’s door, which still baffled him. A hotel room with a doorbell? Definitely above his pay grade.
The large bulk of the princess’s bodyguard opened the door, his shoulders so wide they nearly wedged into the doorway.
Addy smiled at the man. “Hello, Luca.” She lifted her voice. “Princess Katerina? It’s Adelaide Fountaine here with Detectives Savoie and Taton. They need to speak to you again.” She glanced at Beau and Marcel. “Luca doesn’t speak English.”
The woman spoke quietly in German, and Luca shifted so they could enter.
The princess sat on the couch with her fiancé, tears streaming down her face. Edmond Jansen jumped to his feet as they approached.
“What’s happened, Katerina?” Addy went automatically to sit beside the princess and put her arm around her. Her natural response was to comfort. Beau recognized it easily as he had been on the receiving end of Addy’s care many times over.
“I am in such—how do you say it?—big, big trouble.” Her shoulders shook as she sobbed.
Addy patted her back. “What’s wrong, Katerina? How can we help?”
“You can help by finding her crown and returning it to her.” Edmond Jansen’s face twisted with anger and . . . fear?
“We’re working on that, Mr. Jansen.” Marcel moved to stand shoulder to shoulder with Beau.
“Are you? Because I don’t see you doing anything at the moment but standing here bothering the princess. Why aren’t you out there finding who did this? Scouring the streets to recover the tiara before it’s dismantled and the jewels scattered?”
Katerina’s sobs increased.
Beau’s internal radar was off the scales. Something was very wrong here. Without being invited to, he sat on the sofa across from Katerina, Jansen, and Addy. He pulled out one of the coroner’s cards and laid it on the coffee table between the two sofas. “Here is the information for Rubin’s remains. The coroner has concluded his examination.”
Katerina lifted her head and dabbed at her eyes with a tissue she’d balled up. “Thank you, Detective. I know his family will want to see to his proper burial.”
Beau’s research into the country had taught him that the pre- dominate religion in Liechtenstein was Roman Catholic. Naturally the family would be anxious to have his remains properly buried as to their religious beliefs and customs.
He nodded. “I hate to bother you, Princess, when I can only imagine how distraught you are, but there are a few follow-up questions I need to ask for our investigation.”
As she nodded, he pulled out his notebook and pen.
“Prior to your arrival, who knew your itinerary here in the States?” “Luca, Rubin, my assistant Giulia, Edmond, and Edmond’s father. That is all I can think of who knew the details of our trip.”
A very limited number. “Who knew of your trip, just not the details?”
“Oh.” Katerina’s eyes widened. “Many people. Most all of my staff knew I would be coming to the United States. Several in my family. I suppose I could have Giulia compile a list.”
“I would appreciate that. Thank you.” It might be a waste of time, but it might come in handy later in the investigation. “I’ve read your initial statement, but could you walk me through your arrival procedure again?”
“Is this really necessary? Wouldn’t your time be better spent actually looking for the crown?” Her fiancé was too small to be acting like such a bully.
“Mr. Jansen, I need to speak with you regarding a few details as well.” Marcel stood, winked at Addy, and waited. “Could we please go into another room?”
“Please, use the study,” Katerina volunteered.
“But I don’t want to leave you, dear.” Edmond’s voice softened as he wove his arm around her waist and scooted her closer to him. He kissed her temple.
She smiled. “I am fine, my love. We must assist the police as best we can in order to help their investigation.”
“Of course.” He kissed her temple again, then stood. He didn’t bother to hide the mask of animosity covering his face as he stood and motioned Marcel with his arm. “This way.”
Once they left, Beau turned his attention back to Princess Katerina von Pavlovna. “Please, I know it’s redundant, but walk me through your arrival.”
“Yes. Our private plane landed Monday evening. About seven your time. The hotel had a car waiting to bring us here. We met with Ms. Fountaine and Mr. Pampalon and Ms. Bastien. They took us to the vault, where we placed my tiara in their safe. Bottom drawer. They secured the safe and the vault door. Rubin was assigned guarding the crown first. We left Rubin outside the vault, and we were brought to this suite.”
Beau held up a finger. “So, Luca would relieve Rubin?”
The princess nodded. “Luca and Rubin scheduled the times they would stand guard outside the vault. Let me ask Luca how many hours they would stay at the vault before they switched out.” She spoke to the guard in her native tongue.
“Neun,” Luca replied.
She nodded. “Each would be there nine hours. They usually sleep for about five hours, then spend the rest of their waking hours watching over me before their next time guarding the crown.”
“It was the plan for the vault to always be guarded, then?”
She nodded again. “Yes. The tiara is always guarded. It is only customary for me to have a guard when I am out in public. If I am wearing the tiara, I have at least two guards with me.”
Something didn’t seem right with that to Beau. “Wouldn’t it have been easier to have brought an extra guard—or two—to relieve Luca and Rubin and still have both you and the crown guarded all the time?”
Her face reddened, and tears filled her eyes. “We should have. I should have known better. Now I am in such trouble.” She ducked her face into her hands and wept.
Addy patted her back but shot Beau a confused look that matched his own.
“I’m sorry, Princess, but I have to ask what you mean by that.”
“My uncle is—how do I say this?—very mad . . . furious. He is demanding I return home immediately.”
Beau flipped his pen through his fingers. “He’s probably just worried about your safety, Princess.”
She shook her head. “No. That is not it. He is angry that I let the tiara be stolen.”
Well, Beau could certainly understand that. Still, it wasn’t the princess’s fault. “Of course he’s upset, just as you are, as Ms. Fountaine is, as we all are, but he can’t be angry with you. It’s not your fault the tiara was stolen.”
Tears streaked down her face, leaving wet tracks in her makeup. “It is. If I had not wanted to come to the States so badly, my tiara would not have been at risk.”
“Accidents happen, Katerina. You couldn’t have known this would happen.”
Addy’s soft tone only seemed to intensify the princess’s cries. “But my uncle, he does not see it as an accident.”
“I’m sure you followed the customary security measures of your country, yes?” Beau couldn’t help but feel like he was missing something.
“Yes and no.”
“What do you mean?” Addy asked.
“I followed the protocols as usual.”
“See? You did what you were supposed to.” Addy rubbed the princess’s shoulders. “You can’t be held responsible.”
“But I am to blame. My uncle is furious. The ambassador called this morning after he was informed.” The princess stared at Beau. “I do not blame you for phoning him. I know you were doing your job.”
Blame him? Why on earth would that be a consideration?
“Of course, everyone is working to solve the case and recover your crown. Your family and the amb
assador have to know that. They’re just upset.”
The princess shook her head. “No, they are accurate. I should not have come.”
Addy wore her confused look again, which Beau was pretty sure matched his own. “Katerina, did you not follow protocol in some way?” Addy asked.
The princess stared at Addy. “I followed the protocols as best I could.” She dabbed at the fresh tears pooling in her eyes. “But they are mad because the tiara was exposed. It could not have been stolen had it not been here.”
Beau tapped his pen against his notebook. “I’m sorry, I don’t know such policies and procedures, but I’m not following what you’re saying here.”
Her big blue eyes glimmered with moisture. “I did not have permission to bring the tiara.”
“What?” The one word question was out before he could stop it. The princess’s waterworks were back in full force as she spoke between sobs. “I know. I did not ask to bring the tiara . . . because I knew my uncle . . . would not allow it.”
Beau dropped his pen.
“I took it.” She sniffled. “I should have brought at least two more guards . . . but then . . . I would have had to . . . explain why I needed them.”
Beau met Addy’s wide-eyed stare.
“My uncle is sending one of the court jewelers here. If the tiara is recovered, we will require an inspection from someone who is most familiar with the pieces.”
“What?” Addy shifted to stare into the princess’s face. “Who?When?”
“Our plane returned today to my country to collect the court jeweler.”
Addy’s expression told Beau that no one had bothered to tell her of the arrivals. Was it a trait of the Liechtenstein royals to not keep others informed? No wonder the ambassador had been so surprised. No wonder the princess was beyond upset—more that her tiara was missing than that men had died.
This opened a whole new can of worms for Beau’s investigation.
11
Addy
“Trace, thank you for meeting me for lunch. I needed to get out of the hotel.” Addy swung her legs from the metal stool at the tall table and smiled at her best friend, Tracey Glapion. She’d really needed to get out once the story broke and her father called. He was only concerned, of course, but his intensity sometimes made Addy feel a bit like she was incapable of handling her job. That was one of the things she’d thought she’d left in Europe—her feeling of not being in control—yet here it was, back again to pay a visit.
