Paradise Plagued

by Sarah E. Burr

  “Greetings to you all.” Ferran pressed his hands together and bowed to the table. “Another beautiful day in the desert has dawned. I hope you slept well.” He glanced around the table, receiving a few nods here and there. “I have some unsettling news to share with everyone. Last night, Lord Tarek Killiam was found dead in the estate’s greenhouse.”

  “Dead?” Ines and Louis gasped at the same time.

  Olavo’s hand came down on the table with a thud. “What do you mean, dead?”

  Alasdair’s voice was low and raspy. “How did he die? Did the beast get him?”

  Vita and Uma uttered their own variations of shock, which pleased Jax. The Ogdams didn’t know about their involvement, and it seemed best to keep it that way, at least for now.

  Ferran appeared to be steeling himself for more shocked outbursts. “Despite appearances, it seems as though Lord Killiam was murdered. Poisoned, in fact.”

  The silence around the table was absolute. Jax’s gaze darted between all those registering disbelief at the news. Olavo’s bushy brows were lost in his hairline, Ines was openly sobbing, Louis’s skin had gone white, and Alasdair had stopped playing with his goblet and looked incredulous.

  “Poisoned?” Ines finally squeaked. “Are you certain, Master Ferran?”

  “Yes, it is certain,” Edrice replied, cutting Ferran off before he could respond. “I examined the body myself. The signs were there.”

  “What kind of poison was it?” Alasdair asked, having set his goblet down in favor of twirling a butter knife between his fingers.

  “I was not able to tell during my initial examination, but it left very distinct traces, which I’m sure won’t be hard to find.” Edrice folded her napkin on her lap. “After breakfast, I shall retreat to the estate’s library and see what I can determine.” She flashed a quick look at Jax.

  “Was it something he ate or drank last night at dinner?” Louis’s nervous gaze roamed to the decadent cakes sitting in the middle of the table.

  The devastation and humiliation on Samira’s face was so heartbreaking, Jax rushed to defend her. “I don’t think that’s possible, Monsieur Louis,” she said, her tone polite, but firm. “We all ate the same thing at dinner last night and we’re fine.”

  “How do you know he was murdered?” Olavo crossed his arms over his chest. “Perhaps he just had a bad reaction to something outside.”

  Ferran threw a stern look the man’s way. “I’ll spare you the details, Sir Olavo, but all signs point to Lord Killiam’s death being far more sinister than an accident.”

  Samira buried her face in her hands and quietly sobbed. Abra stroked the girl’s long hair as her protective gaze bore into Olavo like a viper.

  He barely flinched. “Well, then, has the killer been caught?”

  Ferran sighed as all eyes fell onto him once more. “No, I’m afraid not.”

  “Well, good grief, man, you best send someone out to hunt him down.” Olavo threw his napkin on his plate, his attention elsewhere. “Didn’t you say you were a hunter, Alasdair? Can you track a man the same as a beast?”

  Alasdair was silent a moment before answering. “I could.”

  “Then what are you waiting for? A man needs to be brought to justice!” Olavo commanded with a wave of his hand.

  Jax leaned forward a bit to study the bossy Tandorian more closely. He seemed awfully eager to point the finger of blame at someone outside of the estate. Yet, Ferran hadn’t shared the intimate details of the crime with the guests. Maybe someone hearing about Tarek’s murder for the first time would simply assume an outsider had done the deed. If Alasdair was as talented as he claimed to be, perhaps he would be able to investigate the greenhouse and figure out what had occurred.

  “I could,” Alasdair repeated, as if resuming his thoughts after being interrupted, “except it would do us no good. I went for a walk around the property this morning. I like to make sure I stretch my muscles properly before going on a hunt. I saw no indications of an intruder entering or leaving the property.”

  Monsieur Louis gulped. “What do you mean by indications?”

  “Ye know.” Alasdair waved his butter knife in the air like a scepter. “Footprints, tracks from a rickshaw or carriage, hoofprints, the like.”

  “You saw nothing?” George interjected, looking skeptical. “What about tracks from all the guests arriving yesterday?”

  “They were gone.” Alasdair didn’t even glance in George’s direction. “Which makes sense. The desert winds howled until about eleven last night. Would have blown away anything left in the sand.”

  Jax and George locked eyes with one another, and she knew they would be taking a stroll of their own around the property to see if the Beautraudian hunter was telling the truth.

  “Has the Earl been notified, Ferran?” Olavo asked.

  “No. He arrives tomorrow with a small delegation. It was supposed to be for an engagement party…” Their host looked down at his crestfallen daughter. “We’ll share the news with him then.”

  “How horrible,” Ines sympathized. “I’m so sorry such tragedy has befallen you.” To Jax, she said under her breath, “I’m glad my brother and I won’t be around to witness that. What a damper this must put on your vacation, Lady Victoire.”

  Surprised by the callousness coming from the otherwise pleasant woman, Jax simply bobbed her head in feigned agreement. She had to stop the Tandorians, or any of the other guests, from leaving, as she didn’t believe for a moment that the killer had simply come and gone in the night.

  “We hate to depart on such a sour note, but our carriage will be arriving within the hour.” Olavo stood up, not having even touched any of the breakfast foods before him. “Ines, if you’ll see that the bags are packed?”

  Jax had to act fast. “Excuse me, Master Ferran, but is it really wise to let your guests depart? What if Tarek’s killer is still out there? Wouldn’t we all be safer, remaining on the estate until the culprit is caught?” She didn’t allow the man to respond, instead turning to lock gazes with an annoyed Olavo. “Sir, I’m sure your travel can wait a few days until this matter is resolved. Your safety isn’t worth the risk, is it? Unless you know for certain you won’t be targeted.”

  Olavo’s face turned beet red at the implication lacing her words. “When you put it that way, Lady Victoire, perhaps it would be wise for us to remain until the madman is apprehended.” He settled back down into his seat, shooting daggers around the table. “Do you have someone looking into the matter, Ferran?”

  Ferran’s expression reflected the overwhelming weight he must be feeling. “Not exactly.”

  The Tandorian’s chest expanded. “What? What about an estate guardsman or something?”

  Abra shot a cool look across the table to Olavo. “We no longer employ estate guards.”

  “A little short-sighted, no?” he huffed, scowling.

  Jax glanced at Perry and George, trying to figure out how they could believably insert themselves into volunteering to get to the bottom of whatever was going on. She couldn’t very well proclaim George was the man for the job because they’d already established him as their valet, and not a guardsman.

  Perry surprised her by clearing his throat. “I would be willing to look into the matter, Master Ferran. I spent a good deal of time as a member of my father’s guard, and we encountered situations like this more frequently than I would have liked.”

  Olavo’s face darkened. “How do we know you’re not the one who did this?”

  Color blossomed on Perry’s cheeks. “My wife and valet can vouch I did not leave my chambers last night, and therefore, could not have orchestrated the man’s death.”

  “It’s true. I swear on the Virtues,” George said.

  Olavo glanced at George, eyes narrowed. “And how do we know you’re not in on it, as well?” He locked gazes with Perry once more. “A bit suspicious that the day your party arrives, Lord Rapaste, a man ends up dead.”

  “Did you and your sister not
arrive yesterday, too?” Perry countered.

  Olavo gripped his fork. “I am a member of the Tandorian ducal court. How dare you speak to me like that!”

  “I am inclined to believe Lord Rapaste,” Edrice spoke up, her voice a calming stroke against the anger boiling around the table. “As a High Priestess of the Ancient Faith, he has my support.”

  Ferran dabbed at the sweat streaming into his eyes. “Y-yes. Agreed. He’s all we’ve got at the moment, I’m afraid. It will take a few days to send for a courtier to conduct an investigation, and I’m sure you’d all like this matter wrapped up quickly.”

  Jax released a sigh of relief she hadn’t realized she’d been holding in. During her past exploits investigating murders, she’d never had to justify why she was looking into the matter. She’d just done it. As Duchess of Saphire, no one had questioned her intentions. Only now did she realize what a privilege that had been.

  Olavo hardly seemed satisfied. “Well, I’m sure the culprit will be caught by next winter’s solstice with the young lord at the helm.” He glowered at the guests before abruptly rising. “I’d like my breakfast sent to my suite, Ferran,” he said before stomping away.

  His rude exit was followed by tense silence.

  “Lord Rapaste, if there is anything my family can do to assist you in this matter, please let us know,” Abra said softly, for the first time since their meeting looking contrite. “If you’ll all excuse us, my daughter and I need to tend to Sir Olavo.”

  Samira dutifully became her mother’s shadow as the two glided out of the room.

  Edrice turned to Perry but kept an eye on Jax. “If I can be of help to you, Lord Rapaste, do not hesitate to pull me aside. I will be in the estate’s library researching which poison might have been used.”

  Perry smiled. “Thank you, High Priestess. Your expertise will be most appreciated.” To the remaining guests, he said, “Before I begin, might I have a slice of that cake? My brain requires some sustenance.”

  Ferran set to work divvying up the breakfast his daughter had prepared, placing generous slices on everyone’s plate. Jax savored the light, crumbly sweetness and quickly devoured her food.

  Dabbing her lips with her napkin, she said, “Compliments to the chef, Master Ferran. That was lovely.”

  “I don’t know how you can eat after hearing such awful news.” Ines poked at her uneaten cake with her fork. “Poor Tarek.”

  Jax placed her napkin down. “Had you grown close to the young lord?”

  “I wouldn’t go that far. We only arrived here yesterday morning, I guess shortly after your own party. Tarek did give me a lovely tour in the afternoon, showing off the estate’s artwork. He then accompanied me to a rather boisterous game of cards with my brother. Tarek had quite the winning streak.” A small smile formed on her plain face at the memory. “The young man was rather lovely.”

  Jax gave the woman a sympathetic pat on the forearm, masking her own doubts. With Ines and Olavo’s connections to the Tandorian court, it’s likely Tarek did his best to charm his way into their good graces.

  Placing her silverware across her plate, Edrice stood and motioned for Ammon to follow. “Thank you for a delicious meal, despite the circumstances. We’ll take our lunch in the archives when the time comes, Master Ferran.”

  “Let me show you the way.” Ferran rose and escorted the Zaltorians out of the banquet hall, leaving Jax and her friends alone with the remaining guests, away from Ferran’s watchful eyes and ears.

  “Bloke seems to be taking the whole thing well,” Alasdair commented, his mouth full of cake. “Ye’d think he’d be a bit more panicked with all that’s at stake.”

  “What do you mean?” Jax was curious to know if the huntsman really knew the extent of the Ogdams’s troubles.

  Alasdair’s bushy brows knitted together. “Well, it’s no secret the villa has been struggling these past few years. Word is the Earl was preparing to bail Ferran out once the offspring were wed.”

  Perry and George both shared an interested look with Jax. She knew their thoughts mirrored her own: If Alasdair had heard rumors about the estate’s troubles, was it possible Nadir had also found out and retaliated?

  “Maybe Master Ferran found a better match for his daughter and did in Tarek to prevent the Earl’s deal from going through,” Monsieur Louis said with a nervous chuckle.

  This scenario took Jax by surprise. “You really think he’d go to such extremes? Why not just call off the engagement?”

  The merchant gave Jax a disbelieving look. “Call off the engagement to an Earl’s son? That sort of thing just isn’t done, Lady Victoire. With Master Ferran’s station, he’d be under the Earl’s thumb. The high nobles lord their power over anyone of lower rank.” He eyed her warily. “Begging your pardon, ma’am, but surely you’re aware of that?”

  Disapproval coursed through her. Was it really commonplace for an Earl to use his station to force a marriage? The nobles were never meant to act in such a brutish manner. “I guess my family has always operated more fairly,” she finally mustered a response.

  Master Louis looked chastened. “I didn’t mean to offend you, my lady. It’s just, I could see Master Ferran regretting any arrangement he made with the Earl. The man has no respect for the Ogdams and their legacy. I’ve made enough deliveries here to know how much this estate means to Ferran. Desperation can make a man do dark things.”

  Jax considered the merchant’s words. “Did you ever sense any tension between Tarek and Ferran during your stays?”

  Louis shook his head. “Not really. Mind you, this is the first time I’ve had a requisition for the Oasis in six months. An engagement between Tarek and Samira hadn’t even come to fruition the last time I was here. Back then, Tarek was simply a young man head-over-heels for Ferran’s daughter, constantly following her and her brother around any chance he got.”

  “Really?” Jax recalled her conversation with the Ogdams. Samira had made it sound like Tarek was just as unhappy with their engagement as she. Had time eroded his feelings, or had something else happened between the couple to cause the rift?

  Louis took a sip of tea and sighed. “It’s really rather heartbreaking how this has all played out. I pray Ferran isn’t involved. He’s a decent man. I meet many slimy landowners in my trade, but he has always been a kind and caring one.”

  Eager to get her friends together to discuss all they had learned, Jax pushed her chair back from the table and stood up. “I hope to see you all at lunch. Do try to enjoy the rest of your morning.” Waltzing out of the dining area, she headed for the stairs and was seated in her room within five minutes.

  A series of knocks pummeled the door, and Perry, Uma, and Vita filtered in. “George has gone to relieve Hendrie at the greenhouse. He asked us to come get him when we go for a walk around the property.”

  Jax chuckled, appreciating her friends knowing she’d want to check up on Alasdair’s story without her having to tell them as much.

  “Quite a range of reactions to the news,” Uma said as she sat in a plush chair next to Jax. “Ines surprised me the most. She seemed so nice yesterday compared to her brother.”

  Vita snorted. “I’d think a raging bull would seem nice next to him.”

  “He was awful quick to point the blame away from anyone in the villa,” Perry pointed out.

  Jax nodded, feeling the heady rush that came with mulling through a list of suspects. “I thought so, too. But I can’t understand a motive. They only just arrived yesterday. According to Ines, Tarek gave her a tour of the estate’s artwork and then joined her and Olavo for a few rounds of cards. Unless Olavo really hates to lose, I can’t imagine why either would want the man dead.”

  “You’re right,” Perry agreed. “If anyone had reason, it seems like Nadir is shooting to the top of our list.”

  “I haven’t even seen the Ogdams’s son. Why wasn’t he at breakfast?” Uma asked.

  Jax steepled her fingers, resting them against her chin. “I ha
ven’t seen him anywhere this morning. You’d think he’d be with his family during this difficult time.” Sinking into the cushions of the chair, she puzzled over the heir to the estate. “He mentioned last night that he and Tarek used to be good friends, but didn’t give a reason for their falling out.”

  A grim expression spread across Perry’s face. “We should find him and hear him out.”

  Jax replayed the memory of last night. “George ran into Nadir near the hot spring. Nadir said he had just arrived home and wanted to rinse off. If that’s the case, I doubt he would have had time to kill Tarek and then stage his body. I didn’t see anyone else moving about the estate when I was walking.” Her mouth twisted in thought. “We need to confirm his story. Abra seemed surprised her son had returned home early. We need to find out what prompted him to come home from the village.”

  “Anyone else we should look into?” Uma asked. “Vita and I can do some digging while you two walk the property.”

  Jax tapped the arm of her chair. “We should learn the whereabouts of the other guests last night and whether or not they saw anything suspicious.”

  Vita shrugged her shoulders. “Easy enough.”

  “Any other marching orders?” Uma’s question was accompanied by a twinkle in her eyes.

  Just as she was about to say no, Jax smacked herself on the forehead. “I completely forgot! Could you take this to Edrice and have her examine it for poison?” She reached into her dress pocket and pulled out the small silver flask. “Tarek carried it on his person. Samira said he was afraid to drink from anything else.” She paused, surveying her companions. “She said he was worried someone might come after him, with him being the son of an Earl and all.”

  Perry’s eyebrows lifted. “He was afraid someone might poison him? Had he received threats or something?”

  “Samira gave me the impression it was more a case of inflated ego rather than actual worry.”

  He scratched his chin. “Well, we still should take a look at his quarters to see if he left behind anything to suggest otherwise.”