by Andy Emery
‘That would be fun. We can discuss it as we go. Also, I’ve been busy with all these people turning up to pay their respects and give their condolences. Today, I’ve had a mysterious Russian gentleman with a fur hat and a serious expression, followed by the two Michaux brothers. Loic and Mathieu. You know them, I think?’
‘Yes, indeed. They are well?’
‘Yes. Also, Darius has left on his expedition, as he said he would. I hope he finds what remains of his family back in Persia. It sounded unlikely.’
‘Are you alone in the house, then?’
‘Not quite. I’ve employed a housekeeper. She’s there several days a week. But otherwise, yes. But that’s fine; I’ve got plenty to keep myself busy. Not that I’d mind your company, if you’re at a loose end. But, what of you? And especially, how is poor Hannah?’
‘She seems to have recovered well. She’s back staying with her mother, of course. But I’m so happy to be seeing her almost every day. She still has nightmares. That’s something I can sympathise with. But on the whole she is back to her bubbly self. Her experiences have made her even more keen on rights for women, by the way. She’s been lecturing me about it regularly.’
‘Good girl! I’ll have to talk to her about that. There are some wonderful speakers she must go and listen to. I hope that’s not a sceptical look I’m seeing, Lucas. Do you have some objection to women being treated more fairly?’
‘Far from it. You yourself have amply shown what women can do if given a chance. You saved my life and helped to save my daughter’s.’
‘You give me too much credit. But, thank you. Now, listen. There’s something I have to tell you.’
‘What’s that?’
‘That night, when you arrived at the top of the stairs. Claude was just saying his last words to me. Barely whispering them, actually.’
‘Yes, you said. About the clients being some of the highest in the land?’
‘No. After that. I thought he was going to tell me who some of them were. But what he actually said wasn’t so straightforward. His speech was halting and partial, of course, but I’m certain his exact words were: “The man…wearing a scarab…murders…there’s a connection…look in the files.”
‘I don’t know why I didn’t mention it before. I’ve no idea what it means, and I’ll have to decipher the relevant files to be able to understand it.’
Gedge said ‘It sounds ominous. But we all need time to get over the Ackerman affair, Polly.’
She smiled. ‘I know. Don’t worry, I’m not going to rush into anything. But once I’ve sorted myself out, I must try to work out this scarab business. I owe it to father.’
‘Of course, and when you’re ready, I’ll be there to help. But for now, let’s forget about all that. How about a drink? The Admiral Jervis is just around the corner.’
As they walked off, arm in arm, the first snowflakes began to fall.
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First, thank you very much for taking the time to read it. Lucas Gedge will return in Death Dogs.
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About the Author
Andy Emery
When I was young, I spent my time writing stories and drawing pictures. Later, I abandoned the idea of a creative life, and I’ve only recently rediscovered my calling.
Blood Tribute is my first novel, and the first in the Lucas Gedge Thriller Series.
I love writing. And the research and planning that precedes it, the interaction with editors, book cover designers and other professionals, and even the process of publication and marketing.
For more info:
Email: [email protected]
Web: andyemerycreative.com
Twitter: @AndyE_Create
Facebook: Facebook.com/andyemerycreative
Acknowledgments
Even in these days of independent publishing, no author can (or should) do it all themselves. Several professionals have contributed to whatever success this book achieves. Thank you to all!
Andrew Lowe provided content and copy editing, and was friendly and constructive, while clearly pointing out what I needed to change.
Katherine Stephen was very efficient in her proof-reading.
Stuart Bache applied his consummate design skills to produce a brilliant cover.
Copyright © 2016 by Andy Emery
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Content & Copy Editing: Andrew Lowe
Proof-Reading: Katherine Stephen
Cover Design: Stuart Bache at Books Covered
Cover photographs © Shutterstock
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