Butterfly Palace

by Colleen Coble

“I know you wouldn’t, and we’ll convince the police.”

  “How?” Her voice was desolate. “They’re convinced.”

  “Do you have any idea where that butterfly went?” Lily asked. “If we can just find that thing, we might be able to figure out what happened.”

  Jane went still, and her blue eyes widened as she thought it over, then she shook her head. “I’ve thought and thought about every moment. I should have thrown her out of the house the minute she showed up. Why, oh why was I so stupid?” She began to cry again.

  “Stay calm, Jane. We need you to help us.” The quiet strength in Nathan’s voice had a calming effect in the room. “Think about everything that happened, everything she said to you. Take us through every minute of the day. Can you do that? Only you can help us, Jane.”

  Jane started to relax and she nodded, then exhaled. “All right, yes. I’ll try.”

  Nathan nodded. “Good girl. Were there any other visitors before Mrs. Karr arrived? What other servants were around?”

  “I started the pies around ten. I was planning on veal cutlets for dinner with herbed potatoes and vegetables. Emily helped me peel the potatoes, then she left to run some errands for Mrs. O’Reilly.”

  “Where was Mrs. O’Reilly, and what was she doing?”

  Lily stared hard at Nathan. “We want to exonerate Jane, but I don’t want to implicate Mrs. O’Reilly.”

  “I’m just trying to get to the bottom of what happened yesterday.” Nathan looked back at Jane. “Where was Mrs. O’Reilly?”

  “We were having weekend guests, so she was upstairs preparing the room for their arrival. She left me the keys so I could get into the wine cellar.”

  Nathan frowned and glanced at Lily. “Did any guests arrive?”

  Lily shook her head. “They canceled at the last minute.”

  “Okay, so Mrs. O’Reilly told the truth. Then what happened?”

  “I was pounding the veal to tenderize it. I heard a tap on the window of the back door, so I wiped my hands and went to answer it. I saw Mrs. Karr through the window and nearly turned back around and left her to cool her heels.”

  “Why didn’t you?” Nathan burst out.

  Jane’s lip trembled. “She was smiling, so I thought maybe she had finally come to apologize for what she did to me. Not that an apology could make it right, but she should at least realize how she ruined my life.”

  “So you opened the door,” Drew prompted.

  Jane nodded. “I opened it and asked her what she wanted. She said, ‘I want a favor, Jane. I want you to show me Mr. Marshall’s new butterfly.’ I laughed and started to close the door. She put her foot in it and told me if I didn’t let her in, she was going to call on Mrs. Marshall. She would tell her I’d stolen silver and that she’d been appalled to find out I’d been hired at the Butterfly Palace.”

  “Do you think Mr. Karr sent her?” Lily asked.

  “I don’t doubt it. Mr. Karr was quite fond of his butterflies.”

  Drew leaned forward. “So you let her in and showed her to the basement.”

  Lily nodded. “I didn’t have any choice. I knew I’d be out on the street, and then what would happen to Hannah? She only wanted to look at it, not steal it. At least I didn’t think she would take it.”

  “Yet you didn’t go down with her. I think that’s what confounds the police. If she was the evil person you claim, surely you would have gone down there with her, just to make sure.”

  Jane bit her lip. “I had dinner to get ready and not a moment to spare. A-And I hated being in her presence. Every minute with her made me remember what he did to me.” Her voice wobbled. “I hated her. Hated her.”

  “Enough to kill her?” Drew asked quietly.

  “Yes.” Jane lowered her head. “I almost wish I’d done it because then being here almost might have been worth it.” She burst into noisy sobs.

  THIRTY-TWO

  Drew hadn’t seen Vesters since Belle tossed out her bait, but that was about to end. He had been shown to the parlor and left cooling his heels while Vesters took his sweet time coming down. Drew had his story all planned out, but the question was whether or not Vesters would believe him.

  When he heard heavy steps in the hall, he turned from his position by the window. “Ah, Stuart, there you are. Sorry to stop by unannounced, but I have some exciting news to share with you.”

  The thunderous expression on the other man’s face smoothed. “Oh?”

  “I know your partner didn’t want me to be involved, but I’ve hired someone to arrange the perfect distraction while I put a bullet in Marshall’s head.”

  The other man’s jaw hardened. “You’ve cost me all manner of inconvenience, Hawkes. Blast you! Belle overheard you.”

  Drew feigned shock. “Belle heard me? I never saw her.”

  “She said she’d heard there was a plot to murder her uncle and asked me about it.”

  Drew made himself take a step back, then he spread out his hands in an appeal. “That’s perfect, don’t you see? No one will ever suspect you. When he’s dead, Belle will tell the police what she overheard, and they’ll come looking for me. I’ll have a perfect alibi arranged, and we’ll both escape suspicion.”

  “How will you explain yourself to the police?”

  “I’ll say I was investigating the rumor because Marshall and I were such great friends. They’ll believe it.”

  Vesters stroked his whiskers and turned to pour a drink at the side table. “It might actually work. I’ll talk to my partner about it. I like the idea.” He tossed back the drink, then stared at Drew. “But I must say, it was very sloppy to allow yourself to be overheard. That concerns me, Hawkes. How do I know you won’t mess up the assassination?”

  “I think you’ve seen me enough to take my measure. This is something I have the skills for.” He waited until Stuart’s massive head finally nodded. “You won’t be sorry.”

  “I hope not.”

  “How did you explain it to Belle?”

  “I simply told her I’d look into it and that she had nothing to fear.” His smile held no mirth. “And of course, I’ll be there to comfort her when he’s dead.”

  “Of course.” Drew held out his hand. “So can we agree to do this together?”

  After a hesitation, Vesters shook his hand. “Let’s just say we’ll agree to talk more about it.”

  Drew intended to be at the meeting on Thursday to find out more. It was clear Vesters was still being cagey.

  Lily had decided to talk to Mr. Ballard at his knife factory office so there was no chance of Mrs. Ballard overhearing. The waiting room was painted a soothing green, and the furniture was new and uncomfortable. She sprang to her feet when Ballard himself appeared in the doorway looking quite agitated.

  “Lily, is something wrong?”

  She smiled and held out her hand. “Not at all, Mr. Ballard. I took a notion to drop by. I hope it’s convenient.”

  His frown smoothed. “Of course, my dear, I’m always happy to meet you. I just sent a customer on his way, and I’ve got a few minutes before my next meeting. I’ll have my secretary bring in tea.” He ushered her into his office.

  “No need. I don’t want to be a bother in the middle of your workday.” She glanced around the spacious room reeking of money with its leather furniture and masculine rug. “So this is where you make all your money.”

  He went around his desk to drop into the chair. “Mother hates coming down here. It’s too nouveau riche for her. She forgets she’d be living on the streets if all we had was her precious Bostonian name.”

  Lily settled into the chair. “Something is troubling me, so the best way to deal with it is to ask outright.”

  “Honesty is always best, my dear.”

  “I have been poking into my father’s death and something unexpected has come to light.”

  His expression grew wary. “And what is that?”

  “A wallet was found in his hand. I’ve been told it belonged to a man nam
ed Ballard.”

  His expression didn’t change, and he leaned back in his chair. “Do you think I had something to do with your father’s death?”

  “I don’t know. I hope not.” She held his gaze. “Did you?”

  He chuckled, a laugh that sounded genuine. “Is it any wonder I’m so fond of you, Lily? You’re so refreshingly honest. No beating around the bush.”

  She managed to smile back at him. “I could stew about it for months or just ask. So I’m asking.”

  “As well you should.” He sat his chair back upright. “But no, I did not kill your father. My wallet was stolen two nights before. Ask the police. I reported it.”

  She wanted to believe him, but his story sounded entirely too well planned. Did he think she wouldn’t check with the police?

  “I’m glad we have that settled.” He rose and came around the end of the desk.

  She rose to meet him, and he embraced her. The hug felt as though it held genuine warmth. Or did she just want to believe it did?

  He released her. “So you believe me?”

  She nodded. “Thank you for not getting angry. I had to ask.” She wanted to ask him about Norris, but it might reveal she knew too much. Still, this was her opportunity. “Does Norris know a man named Vesters?”

  His brows drew together. “I would suppose so. Vesters purchases some of our products, and Norris sells for us. Why do you ask?”

  “I saw them together the other day.”

  “Where?”

  “It’s not important.” She moved toward the door.

  “Stop by anytime, Lily. I’m always glad to see you.”

  He closed the door behind her, and she stood blinking in the bright sunshine. Though she’d hoped to have a clear feeling about his truthfulness, she found she was still full of questions.

  Thursday came with a moonless night, clear enough that the stars sparkled in a black sky. Drew’s feet ached from standing in the same position for half an hour, and he shuffled a bit from his vantage point behind a stand of live oak trees. He wasn’t entirely sure this was the right spot along the river walk, but he’d spent most of the day strolling the area and figuring out where a secret meeting might best take place.

  Lily had been despondent since they saw Jane, and he had vowed to do his utmost to clear her. Once he’d saved Everett, he could focus on Ballard again too. He didn’t buy the man’s story about losing his wallet.

  He crouched down when he heard voices approaching. The shape of Stuart’s head was unmistakable, bull-like with big ears. He didn’t recognize the other person from this distance. There was only one way to find out.

  Taking a deep breath, he slithered along the bank and came out at a curve. He brushed himself off and began to stroll as if he’d been on the path all along. When he rounded the crook, he came face-to-face with Vesters.

  “Stuart, how pleasant to run into you.” He thrust out his hand to shake.

  Vesters hesitated, then took his hand in a firm grip. Drew got a better look at the man behind him. About fifty with a neatly trimmed beard and close-set eyes. He wore a bowler, and his suit was expensive. And Drew knew the man very well.

  His boss, Ian Richardson.

  He sent Ian a friendly smile. “Hello, I’m Drew Hawkes.”

  Ian masked his surprise well and shook his hand. “Ian Richardson. Pleased to meet you.”

  I’ll bet. Drew managed to keep his simmering rage from erupting. “Beautiful night.” He tipped his hat. “Good evening.”

  He didn’t wait for a reply and strode away before he could throttle Ian. What was going on? Ian never seemed to be interested in politics, but here he was embroiled in a murder plot. No wonder he’d wanted Drew to stay out of the assassination plot and focus on the counterfeiting. He’d hoped his involvement with this wouldn’t be discovered. For a moment Drew considered the possibility that Ian had other agents on this plot, but after consideration, he shook his head. There was no reason to keep it from Drew. He would have been the likely person to be involved.

  Ian was a dirty agent.

  Drew intended to go straight to the hotel and send a telegram to Washington. He might not be able to stop Ian, but the Secret Service could. And would. A rogue agent wasn’t unheard of, but the agents worked hard to make sure a bad one didn’t taint their reputation.

  He heard rapid footsteps behind him and turned to see Ian practically running after him. He put his hands in his pockets and curled his fingers around his gun. Ian would likely try to persuade him of a lie and then would eliminate him if that didn’t work. He stood and waited until his boss reached him.

  “Drew, we need to talk.”

  The cold steel in his pocket was comforting. “You’ll be able to explain yourself to Washington.”

  “It’s not what it seems.” Ian touched his arm. “We can’t talk here. Let’s go to your room. Too many people are around.”

  “I’m not sure it’s safe to be alone with you.”

  Ian sighed. “How long have you known me?”

  Drew looked away from the appeal in Ian’s gray eyes. “Four years. Goes to show you how deluded we can be about people, doesn’t it? I wouldn’t have pegged you as a man who would ever sell out. How much money are you getting for this? Or is it power you’re after? Maybe a cabinet position?”

  “I thought you had more trust in me than that.”

  “Don’t reverse the guilt here, Ian. I’m not the one who was playing two sides.”

  Ian glanced around at the couples strolling the walk lit with gaslights. “This way.”

  Drew followed until they were far enough away to be able to speak privately but not so far that the shadows would hide them if Ian tried to harm him. “Get it over with. I have a telegram to send.”

  Ian steepled his fingers. “We have an agent out there who has been living as a counterfeiter for fifteen years. He’s the reason we’ve been able to put so many of them behind bars. His work is indispensable. You’re putting his life in danger by your behavior.”

  “Right. You’d better come up with a better story than that, or I’m leaving.”

  “It’s true.” Ian held his gaze. “Think, Drew. I’ve never lied to you.”

  Drew struggled to hang on to his temper. “That I know of. You’d better tell me more details or that telegram is going out.”

  Ian stuffed his hands in his pockets. “This is a ring we’ve been tracking for eight years. It was too important to let slip away. There are lots of nuances to the plan to bring them in. And the plot to kill Marshall involves an attempt on an even bigger target.”

  “Who?”

  “It depends on the results of the election. If Roosevelt wins, he may be assassinated.”

  “His stand on ending patronage?” Drew didn’t need Ian’s nod to recognize those behind it. Appointments for civil-service jobs had been based on favors and not merit. The elite hated that.

  “The assassination plot is already in play.”

  Drew took a step back. “I don’t believe you. If it was that serious, you would have brought me in on it.” But the level gaze on Ian’s face made his stomach clench.

  “I’m telling you the truth.”

  “Then who is our inside man?”

  “I’d rather not say.”

  Drew took a step toward the city lights. “Then this conversation is over.”

  Ian caught his arm. “Drew, it’s Ballard.”

  Drew stared at him. “You’re not saying Ballard is one of us?”

  “That’s exactly what I’m saying.”

  Drew shook his head, unable to take in the conviction in Ian’s face. “What about the fire? You told me . . .”

  “An accident. I am ashamed to admit I used it to fuel your determination to find the counterfeiters. A vendetta is a good motivator for a justice seeker.”

  Wrong. Drew had been wrong about everything. “Ballard has been trying to get to the bottom of the assassination attempt. Norris has gotten close to Vesters for that reason?”<
br />
  Ian nodded. “Your meddling has nearly derailed what’s really important. We don’t care about the counterfeiters. We need to be able to stop any plan to kill Roosevelt. You need to back off.”

  “Vesters is part of that plan too?”

  Ian nodded. “The plot goes deep.”

  Drew turned and plunged into the darkness. He’d been consumed with a blind vendetta.

  THIRTY-THREE

  The noise of the cicadas rose in a raucous concert around Lily as she waited on the porch with Belle. Little Hannah slept with Emily watching over her. Drew should have been finished by now. He’d promised to stop by to report on what he’d discovered. No lights appeared in the windows of any of the houses down the street since it was after midnight.

  She rose and walked along the length of the porch. “Surely he’s done by now.”

  Belle’s voice spoke out of the darkness. “Calm down. I’m sure he’s fine.”

  “The meeting was supposed to be two hours ago.” Lily stepped closer to the steps and peered down the dark street with its occasional illumination of gas streetlights.

  Belle turned to face her. “Everything has changed in the last few weeks. My life is upside down. I never realized before how difficult life is for people like you and Jane. I’ve always had enough food, nice clothing, a beautiful home. I’ve taken it all for granted.”

  “My life hasn’t been hard,” Lily said. “We didn’t have a lavish home, but it was nice enough. I’ve never gone hungry, and I’m thankful my mother taught me a skill.”

  Belle wore a softer expression than Lily had ever seen. “She taught you to care about other people too. It’s a lovely trait, Lily. I’ve taken you for granted as well. These last few days have shown me how selfish my life has been up to now. All I’ve thought about is what I want.”

  Heat rushed to Lily’s cheeks. “I have plenty of faults myself, Miss Belle. I’m no one to admire.”

  “I’ve been raised to believe life is all about power and money. I see now how silly that is. I’ve watched you pour yourself into other people ever since you’ve been here, both to people a bit higher up the social ladder like me and to those less advantaged like Jane. You don’t seem to notice status.”