by Madison Kent
Hugh said, "Matthew, how did this come about? What evidence did they say they have against you that links you to the thefts?"
He replied, "They said someone told them that I was in in a ring that operated to distribute the stolen goods. The informant claimed I was seen collecting payment from someone convicted of possessing merchandise that clearly belonged to the church."
"That would be scant evidence actually to arrest you. Did you retain a lawyer?" Hugh asked.
"My father is looking into that. My greater concern with the inspector is that it would not be a far leap for him to accuse me of harming Jeffrey, or the other men. Davis has reported these events as accidents. However, if the tide should turn, and it comes to light that it's murder, I feel he might easily use me for a scapegoat."
Oliver said, "It does seem hard to believe that the inspector has it right, still I think there is the possibility it could have happened the way he said.
"As for what occurred at the pier―I heard a group of rowdy, fraternity brothers were on the beach―it is possible it was a hazing prank."
Madeline watched as the other two visitors nodded in agreement with Oliver's suggestion. She also noted that Hugh continued to ply the men with drink and wondered if they would become so intoxicated that they would have to remain at the estate for the night.
She surmised that if the trio could accept the fact that her fall into the ocean was accidental, then arriving at the truth could be even more daunting than she thought.
Hugh said, "To change the subject for a moment―do any of you find it curious that the St. Fleur's seem to have an ongoing construction project? Has anyone ever seen the inner workings of that estate?"
Matthew said, "I suppose I never thought much of it. Mrs. St. Fleur believes in keeping the estate a visual work of art. She loves showing off her new rooms, or the goods she procures from around the world."
Oliver added, "That's true, I don't think there's anything unusual about it."
Austin concurred, "A wealthy family that never stops building―I agree―nothing of interest there."
Madeline thought, Such a quick consensus, they know the family more intimately than I, perhaps I am leaning in the wrong direction.
The discussion returned to Matthew's case, and he again protested his innocence. Madeline felt it was the appropriate time to ask, "Earlier today, Hugh and I, visited St. Mark's, and we were told Father John and Sister Agnes identified you as the person who received stolen wine."
Everyone turned to look at Matthew, who then looked at Madeline, with a mixture of anger and dismay, as if she had betrayed him. She knew the probability of that reaction, but also knew that the subject needed addressing.
Matthew said defensively, "There are matters you don't understand, Madeline. There is a simple explanation, perhaps I will tell you in private, but not today."
The bottles of cognac and brandy passed between the men, and the prolific intake of alcohol- fueled the discussion.
Austin was attempting to ply from Matthew what he meant by his statement when Frederick interrupted them to say Deputy St. John was in the foyer and requested an audience with Matthew.
Austin said, "We will all go with you."
For a moment, the group entering the foyer appeared to intimidate the deputy. He hesitated to speak, then shifted his feet a time or two before he spoke, "Mr. Matthew St. George, you are expected to be at the police station tomorrow. You will be questioned about your part in the St. Mark Church thefts and your possible implication into the death of Jeffrey Lang.
"Inspector Davis will expect you promptly at eight in the morning."
The three guests, clearly inebriated, proceeded to argue with the deputy.
Deputy St. John stepped away from them, and said, "These are my orders. You can take your complaints to Inspector Davis. Mr. St. George, you will comply, or I will come back to arrest you."
Madeline looked at Hugh to see if he was as surprised at she was at the deputy's newfound fiery aggression. The deputy now stood defiantly with his arms crossed and his feet set apart, as if he were ready to defend himself.
Hugh interjected, "Deputy, I'm sure Matthew will be there. Thank you for delivering the message."
St. John muttered out a quick good-night and left.
Austin said to Matthew, "You have to fight them, old man, stand up. Go home, and see if your father has contracted a lawyer―I wouldn't go to the station alone."
Oliver added, "Yes, it's time for all of us to depart before the cognac does us in."
Madeline and Hugh remained on the veranda after their guests departed.
Hugh asked, "Will you join me in the kitchen for a cup of Earl Grey? I think I would enjoy the hot, soothing liquid to remove the pinch of the bourbon."
"I would like that, but I believe we have something to attend to first."
He looked confused, and said, "It's nearly midnight, what do you mean?"
"Remember, the plan to see the area where you thought someone might be hiding out on the grounds?"
"I also said it could've been there for some time."
"I know, but you do want to take a look, don't you?"
"Yes, but I think I'll take my gun with me."
He returned momentarily, and they began their jaunt into the darkness. The night was filled with the sounds of alligator croaks, bird chirps, and the buzzing of insects. However, other than nature's rhythmical noise, there was no one stirring. It was another typically beautiful night, yet, for some reason, Madeline felt the same trepidation as if she were entering the streets of Whitechapel. They proceeded slowly, with only the moonlight to guide their steps.
After they had walked a considerable distance, Hugh grabbed her hand and whispered, "Madeline, I think I see the light glow of a fire―look―over there. It's barely visible. Do you see it?" Hugh said, pointing in the direction of a dense group of pine trees.
Squinting her eyes, she answered, "Now, I do. Do you think it might be a tramp?"
"Anything's possible, but I don't think it probable."
Hugh pulled his gun from his jacket, and they continued. When they were within a few feet of the intruder, Hugh grimaced, he had stepped into a hole in the ground, probably dug by an armadillo―these holes were abundant in certain areas. The noise Hugh made was loud enough to alert the person behind the trees. The firelight was immediately doused, making it difficult to see.
Hugh called out, "You've no right to be here. Show yourself."
Madeline could see a shadowy figure moving, darting between the pines.
Hugh gave chase, yelling out, "Stop!"
Madeline tried to keep pace with Hugh, but her high boot heels dug into the moist ground, preventing her from any attempt at speed.
The trespasser and Hugh were now far enough in the distance that she could hear them, but they were no longer visible to her.
She stopped dead still when she heard a shot ring out.
She thought, Please, oh please, let Hugh not be hurt!
Calling into the night, she said, "Hugh, Hugh, are you all right?"
Then another shot pierced the peaceful night, and she heard a moan.
She bent down to remove her boots. Now able to give chase, she went in the direction of the groaning voice.
She quickly came upon her friend, lying on the ground.
He said, "Madeline, get down. Do you have your derringer?"
"I brought it, but it's in my boot. They were sticking in the ground, so I took them off."
"My gun is somewhere nearby―it fell from my hand."
Hugh was holding his shoulder. She could see the blood trickle from it, but it did not seem to be a serious wound. Retrieving the gun, she sat near Hugh, feeling like a duck in hunting season. The trees covered their position, but she felt they remained vulnerable.
"It's all right, Madeline, I don't think whoever it is will be back. But, we have the gun for protection, if they do.
"The person was wearing monk garb―it must be
the same individual who pushed Jeffrey. Their shot clipped my shoulder, and the noise caused the birds to fly everywhere. They were in my line of vision when I took my aim at him. I don't believe I hit anything, except a tree, or a bird perhaps. However, the culprit was running away at full steam. I can't imagine he will be returning, now that he has been found out. Of course, assuming it is a he."
Madeline and Hugh returned to see if the assailant left anything behind that might identify them.
Hugh said, "I'm a little dizzy, but I'll wait while you look."
"I'll only be a minute. It's not a large area to canvas."
She immediately went to where the fire had been, assuming the shooter may have been there last. Running her hand through the dirt, she moved around the stones.
"Hugh, amazing―see what I've found."
"A rosary?"
"No, not just a rosary. It is identical to the one I found when Oliver and I explored the riverbed where Clifford met his death. The intruder may have been praying when we surprised him."
Hugh said, "Do you believe it could be a monk from the Abbey who is involved? Could it be a disenchanted brother or someone who may have left there in disgrace?"
Madeline stated as they headed back to the estate, "Truthfully, I'm more confused than ever. However, the thefts evolve around the church, so maybe there is a defrocked priest or monk who is responsible."
When they returned, they went to the kitchen where Madeline dressed his wound and made them both the Earl Grey tea he had requested earlier.
He said, "We'll have to see Davis tomorrow―what happened tonight should clear Matthew."
"Will it?"
"What do you mean?" asked Hugh.
"It could have been Matthew, it could have been Oliver or any of them―they were all here right before the incident happened. One of them could have double backed to the estate. When the figure appeared, I tried my best to see if I could ascertain some familiar mannerism, but it was too dark."
"I was so focused on the shooting that I did not think of it, but you're right. Davis could certainly use this information to the detriment of Matthew, but either way, we have to inform him of the shooting."
Madeline stated, "Of course, it unnerves me to think someone has been on the grounds watching us. Were they looking for an opportunity to harm us, or just me?"
"I don't think we'll know the answer to that until this case is solved."
She said, "I think after the police station, I should inform the Armstrong family of what has transpired thus far."
Engrossed in their conversation; they did not hear the Montgomerys' arrive home. Emily entered the kitchen smiling, but then saw Hugh's shoulder, whose stained bandage was fresh with blood.
Emily said, rubbing her brow, "Goodness, what dreadful thing has happened now? Oh, my, Madeline, life certainly has been topsy-turvy since you've been here."
She replied, "It was a most troubling event―please, sit and have a cup of tea."
Edgar appeared as Madeline was pouring the tea. Taking another cup, she handed it to Edgar and said, "I was about to tell Emily what happened while you were away."
Edgar sat next to his wife, taking her hand in his, "Go on."
Madeline began, "Someone shot Hugh this evening...".
Hugh and Madeline described their ordeal during which her hosts nervously rattled their spoons in their tea. Edgar coughed several times, and Emily's "oh, my's" were consistent as they told their story.
Edgar said, "Well, we must do something. The lowly, miscreant who did this deed is no doubt connected to this ring of thieves that have plagued our church. Imagine, disturbing the sanctity of a holy institution, but now this. This is intolerable―I trust Davis will get to the bottom of it."
Madeline deliberately neglected to tell them of the men's visit but knew the servants would do so. She decided she must be forthright, and relayed the information.
Edgar commented, "So, it's entirely possible that one of these gentlemen is responsible. I will not go so far as to accuse, but it does shine a light on all of them as possible suspects, especially Matthew.
"You must report this in the morning."
Hugh said, "Yes, sir, we plan to."
Edgar continued, "If you're sure you do not need a doctor, then I suggest we retire."
Madeline helped Hugh up the stairs.
She said, "Thank you for helping me. I feel I've put you in danger and am so very sorry for that."
"Nonsense. I've spent far too much time in my life behind a desk, immersed in paperwork, as the rest of the world lived.
"Since I've met you, my life is far more engaging. Should there be some risks, then so be it. Life, after all, was meant to be lived."
He kissed her on the cheek, and said, "Thank you for your friendship, and your continued kindness."
She smiled, and said good-night, feeling fortunate to know such a man.
At breakfast, Emily said, "I meant to tell you that Corinne has invited all of us to dinner. She said she felt she was not the proper host, and had neglected you, Madeline. She was apologetic, which is noteworthy for her, and said she would like to show you around her estate.
"I don't know if you're up to it, Mr. Scott, but I would like it if you would both consent. It would be an evening away from all this sordid business. I don't like it―I don't like one bit, and I wish we would return to the Southern Living that I am accustomed. It is a gentle, loving city, and right now, I don't recognize it."
Hugh said, "I hope I can speak for both of us, and say we will be delighted to attend. The St. Fleur's are a fascinating family, and their estate, it is second to none."
Hugh looked contrite, and Emily said, "Oh, I take no offense. Their estate is as you say "second to none". Edgar and I would be the first to agree with that statement.
"We've been fortunate to have what we do, and I could ask for no better life, but our circumstances cannot compare to their wealth. I don't think anyone in St. Augustine can."
Madeline said, "We will be on our way to the station, and we will return later in the day. I also plan to visit with the Armstrong family."
There was a light, misty, rain falling as Frederick drove them to the station.
Madeline said, "I don't believe I will tell the inspector about the rosary. It is enough that he will know about the attack. I want to keep it for a while."
"You know that is withholding evidence, but I will refrain from advising you," he said, smiling.
"Oh, you suggest I should give it to him?"
"Under any other circumstances, I would more than strongly suggest it, I would probably request it of you. But, even a blind man could see that Davis is not to be trusted―giving it to him is as good as throwing it away."
"Good. I hope it may prove some use to flush out the murderer."
When they arrived, Matthew was already there. Deputy St. John addressed them, "If you've come to see Mr. St. George, he will be detained for some time. He's in the back room with the inspector."
Madeline answered, "No, we've come to report a crime."
She thought; He's an odd one, what a stoic expression on his face. I cannot, for the life of me, figure this man out.
The deputy replied, "And what is the nature of your business―I was with you late last night and saw no evidence of a crime. Did someone try to break into your residence after I left?"
St. John's face remained unchanged as Hugh told his story. He took notes, and when they finished, he said, "It's most likely the work of your friend, Matthew, or one of his accomplices. It's fortunate that we have him here, where he can do no further harm.
"I'm sure the inspector will wish to speak with you sometime today, and take a look at the place where it occurred. Is there anything else?" he said, with a smug look upon his place.
Hugh replied, "No, that's all. Thank you."
Because of the rain, Frederick did not remain with the carriage and had accompanied them inside. He said, "I don't know what the deputy would do
if he didn't have that job. He's not inclined to make friends or socialize―it seems he lives to please Mr. Davis."
Hugh said, "Throughout history, it seems people have paired off like the Davis―St. John duo. There is a dominant and a submissive person. For whatever reason, the passive person, in this case, the deputy, is content to live their lives in service to the other."
Frederick added, "I suppose that could be me, except for I'm not so content."
Hugh offered, "There is a difference, Frederick, you are earning a living for your family, and through your sacrifice, they are housed and fed. I believe Mr. St. John truly enjoys his subservient position."
They proceeded on their travels to the Armstrong home. The family welcomed them in, anxious to learn what Madeline had to say. Assuming they heard the inspector's version of what happened to Jeffrey Lang, she recapped the accurate events that led to Jeffrey's death.
Her narration also included what had occurred the evening before, and she also reported the information the locals were heard saying about the case. She concluded her summary of events by producing the rosary and asking them if they had ever seen one like it.
No one identified the holy object―only saying many similar rosaries could be seen at Sunday mass at St. Mark's.
The family embraced Madeline and thanked her for her efforts, especially since they knew the town had already condemned Lonnie, and no longer supported the prospect of his innocence. They lived a life spent in solitude, and they were considering moving, but not without clearing their son's name.
Mrs. Armstrong said, "Stay safe. I've heard about your recent fall into the ocean. That must have been horrible. I had thought it best to ask you to discontinue your search, but my husband said you would be the judge of your life, and how much risk you were willing to take. He said you wouldn't be doing it if you weren't able to adjust to the threats."
Madeline replied, "He's right. There's nothing that could stop me, especially now. I had not considered that I, or my friend, might be a target. When we started, it looked like there was one isolated crime involving a broken engagement. Since then, it has expanded to include all sorts of possibilities. But because of what we have discovered, it makes me realize that nothing is as it seems. If we have come under attack, we must be ruffling feathers, and getting closer to the truth."