The Hidden Man: A Phineas Starblower Adventure (Phineas Starblower Adventures)

by Giles

  Wright chuckled. “Did you not wonder why we did not leave the ship in Stavanger?”

  “No. It was always the secondary goal for us to reach the continent, were you not told that?”

  “Of course I was fool! But did you not wonder why we did not leave the ship at Aalborg?”

  D'Arcey had to admit to himself that he was a little surprised over that. It would have been a simple thing to just get on a train straight to Hamburg. He also just realized that at that point the communications between himself as Jade and Gaspe as the Marquis had stopped. Jules' trepidation just increased ten fold. He shrugged again trying to relax. “I did wonder, oui.” He said as casually as he could.

  “Well the answer is simple! Our leader determined that Carstares is in the way so he has arranged to have him killed. Fini! As you like to say.”

  Jules D'Arcey blinked several times. He was trying to make sense of what he just heard. Before he could stop himself he jumped to his feet again and said, “Non!”

  “Oui!” Wright replied and leaned back in his chair and put his feet on the command console. “And the plan is so beautiful! Gyldenfeldt does not have a nephew named Reinhardt. It will be our own dear Lieutenant Renaud who will kill the Colonel in about seven hours from now.”

  “But how?” D'Arcey said confused. “I am surprised that Gyldenfeldt would agree to this.”

  “Gyldenfeldt agree? No. He was duped as well. There was always a danger that he might throw in with the enemy. While the man is famously mercenary he does seem to have a bit of twisted honor, especially when it comes to Denmark.” Wright sighed. “We had no idea the woman would offer him such a good business deal, one that had the potential to affect all of Denmark and not just his little corner. Never the less, he was never trusted with the true reason the ship was lured here. To kill the famous Starblower!”

  “But that is not Starblower.”

  “No, but who knows that? Not all of the people who attended one of the largest and most advertised cultural event in the whole of Europe. Can you imagine the chaos it will cause when the world finds out about the death of it’s most famous industrialist? Especially at the hand of Reinhardt, a professed Dane who is sided with the Germans? By the time we are through with them the English will hate the Germans as much as we do! Nes Pas?”

  D'Arcey stood horrified. “You are going to kill Dr. Nordstrom as well.”

  “Of course! We cannot be sure the hypnotism will last nor what the idiot will remember. When we expose him on German soil and show the world that he has defected we will have no further use for him.”

  “NON! You cannot do this! I will not condone the murder of an innocent man!”

  “I rather thought you would say that.” Wright smirked.

  D'Arcey lunged for Wright, jammed his knee into the man’s stomach and wrapped his hands around his throat. “I will stop you!”

  Wright reached down to the toolbox at his side and grabbed the huge pipe wrench and brought it up to smash D'Arcey in the head. The man crumpled like a piece of paper and slid to the floor.

  Wright grinned. “I rather thought you would do at as well. Ah my friend, you have just saved me the trouble of rigging another bomb. Your body will work just as well placed in the exhaust pipes....”

  Chapter Six

  15th June 1870

  1:00 am

  Tash’s Cabin Soul of Discretion,

  Copenhagen

  Tash was absolutely beside herself. “What are we going to do?” She wailed for the hundredth time as she paced back and forth across her room. It was not like she was expecting an answer from the stoic Gopal, seated in the corner armchair. So she was surprised when he spoke up.

  “We are not going to do anything Tash.”

  “I can’t have Carstares murdered! And even worse I can’t have Starblower murdered!”

  “After all of these years have you not learned that we, mere mortals, are not in control?”

  “He who has control is the one who takes it! And I am going to figure out a way to stop this foolish duel! What is wrong with men? How can facing off with loaded pistols solve any problem?”

  Gopal shrugged. “I do not understand it myself, it is not the way of our people. But I will respect the choices of others, I suggest you do the same.”

  “Ohhh!” She said and stomped her foot. “You’re not helping!”

  “I would ask you a question then, Tash.”

  “What?” She replied still irritated. She sat down on the edge of the bed, arms crossed over her chest.

  “Why are you so worried about Starblower being killed? He is not even here. There is only Colonel Carstares. If he is killed then we merely tell the truth of who he was and that he was posing as Mr. Starblower.” Gopal paused and shrugged. He waited until she actually looked at him before continuing.

  “I think perhaps it is the Colonel that you are worried about. Are you confusing the Colonel with your father? I could not fail to notice there are number of similarities. Or have you actually grown fond of Carstares?” Gopal shot Tash a wicked grin.

  “Don’t be ridiculous!” Tash snapped. She opened her mouth to issue further denials and then stopped, realizing that Gopal was correct. She had grown fond of Carstares. She very much enjoyed being in Carstares’ company and damned if she did not genuinely respect the man! The funny thing was that he seemed to like and respect her as well. Robert Carstares had become one of only a handful of men who treated Tash like an equal. She released her folded arms and covered her face with her hands as her eyes welled up with tears.

  Tash was not aware of Gopal slipping quietly out of the room. She cried over the possibility of losing Robert Carstares. She cried over not finding Evarard Nordstrom. She cried for Daniel Mather, whose death she was still not over. She cried because she missed her father so much and missed her home in Kashmir. And finally she cried to release the pent up stress and sadness of the last two weeks.

  Gopal returned and laid a tray on the small table. He sat down beside Tash and took her into his arms. He rocked her and stroked her hair, murmuring comforting words to her in the language of their birthplace, until her tears finally ran out.

  "I am so sorry." She said as she accepted the handkerchief he handed her.

  "Shhhh." He said softly. "The goddess Kali always accepts the genuine tears of grief and fear."

  Tash nodded and delicately blew her nose. When she had her face cleaned up Gopal handed her a small glass of milk.

  "Drink it down." He told her smiling.

  Tash upended the cup and drained the contents. When what she thought was milk hit the back of her throat she began coughing and sputtering. "What was that?" She gasped out.

  "Warm milk, do the English not place great store in it's powers to relax one and make them sleep." Gopal said innocently.

  "Yes, but what else was in it?" She said as she handed the glass back.

  "Brandy, I personally find it works better than warm milk. I thought the two together might be better than either one alone."

  Tash laughed. "I am sure you’re probably right, just next time, please don't put them in the same glass.

  "As you wish." Gopal murmured and bowed his head to hide his smile. "Now dearest Tash, into bed with you.”

  Tash stood and removed her robe and draped it across the bed. She climbed in and let Gopal tuck the covers around her. "I don't think I can sleep." She said mournfully.

  "You will sleep." He said and gently kissed her forehead. He turned off the light and heard her breathing even out as he reached the door.

  1:00 am

  Captain’s Cabin Soul of Discretion,

  Copenhagen

  Jerard Phillips sat at the desk in his cabin with the ship's log open in front of him. With all of the excitement over the coming duel he had forgotten to tell the others about his visitors. He entered their names into the log book and closed it with a snap. There was so much to think about that he did not know where to begin. I really should go to bed he thought b
ut he dismissed it knowing he would never get to sleep.

  Jerard got up and took off his jacket, tie and shoes and poured himself a small measure of Scotch for a nightcap. Taking a seat in one of the comfortable chairs he put his feet up on the ottoman and began to organize his thoughts. He felt somewhat vindicated over the whole Rüerberg affair but any good feelings he had were eclipsed by a sense of keen paranoia. How could the same person have arranged both accidents? Was he the connection or was there some larger plot afoot? This isn't over he thought and shivered as if someone had walked over his grave. What fine thoughts you are having old man, he chided himself, you are acting like McPherson! Hmm…McPherson, I wonder if I was the crew member saved this night? Regardless after the duel he was going to speak to Nichols and they would organize a search of the ship; especially now he had an idea what they were looking for. We can't afford to have any more mechanical 'surprises' now.

  He took a sip of the Scotch and turned his mind to the plans for the morning. The LensBaron's coaches would be arriving at six sharp so everyone needed to be ready.

  Riding in the first coach would be Gyldenfeldt, Carstares, Nichols and himself. The second coach would contain Roger and Jeremy Landover, McPherson and Mr. Adams. Howell had made an excellent suggestion that he and Fred use the motorcycle and sidecar to reconnoiter the area first. If all checked out they would then meet up with Gyldenfeldt's men.

  Let this be the end of things he silently begged. If all went to plan they would force Reinhardt to tell them where Dr. Nordstrom was. They would leave straight from the dueling ground and go and get him. Easy, yes? He thought. But then he shook his head. What was it Von Ulric said? No plan, no matter how good it is, survives the enemy. God how he hated that axiom, maybe, just this once, it would be wrong.

  Jerard closed his eyes in exhaustion. His last thought, before he began snoring softly, was that he should try to get a couple of hours sleep before…

  5:45 am

  Bridge of the Discretion

  Copenhagen

  “Where is D’Arcey?!” Phillips roared at the crewmen assembled in the bridge anteroom. His query was met with shrugs and blank stares. He looked at his pocket watch again.

  "Mr. D'Arcey an’ I have adjoining quarters Sir. When I got up I noticed that his bunk has nae been slept in." Wallace said.

  "Wright and I just left the aux bridge and he wasn't there either." Nichols said. He turned to Mr. Adams and Mr. Collins. "Was he in the engine room or electrical?"

  Both men shook their heads and answered with no Sir's.

  "Mr. Wright?" Nichols asked. "Did Mr. D'Arcey say anything when you relieved him last evening?"

  Wright frowned and shook his head as if trying to remember. Finally he replied. "No Sir, not that I can recall. He just said good night Sir."

  Nichols nodded and said, "Thank you Mr. Wright." He looked at Phillips and half shrugged.

  Jerard moved to the speaking grill switch and depressed it. "Mr. D'Arcey to the bridge immediately! Mr. D'Arcey to the bridge!" He released the switch and stared at the grill for a moment.

  "Is there a problem Captain?" Tash said as she entered the anteroom with Gopal and Carstares in tow.

  Jerard looked at the speaking grill again before answering Tash. "Maybe. Mr. D'Arcey is not responding and it's nearly time for us to leave. I need to give him his orders, he will be the senior officer while we are gone."

  Mr. Nichols sighed. "I suppose I can say behind."

  "No." Carstares said adamantly. "We are going to need everyone designated if we are to have a chance to retrieve Dr. Nordstrom. We may have to fight our way to him."

  Tash looked at Gopal and frowned. "You already know my opinion." He murmured. Tash sighed loudly and looked at the floor. After a moment she looked up and crossed her arms over her chest.

  "Captain Phillips, is there some reason that I cannot be in charge while you are gone?"

  "But I thought you would…" Jerard shut his mouth with a snap. His prayers had been answered! She was not going to insist coming along. "Why no madam," he continued. "I cannot think of a single reason. I accept your most gracious offer. The bridge is yours." He bowed to the lady.

  "Mr. Jones, Mr. Wallace, which of you was on late bridge watch?"

  "I was Ma'am." Jones spoke up.

  "Then to bed with you Sir. Mr. Wallace you have the bridge until I return."

  "Aye! Ma'am." Wallace said grinning.

  "Mr. deReuter, I understand that you and Mr. Dortsman were up quite late running a new line from gas bag number 14. Both of you are dismissed to your beds as well. I will call you if you are needed."

  "Thank you, Miss Tash." deReuter said and inclined his head toward her. "Come on Edmund, let's get some rest old man." Gus deReuter gently took Dortsmorn's arm and lead him off.

  "Now, Mr. Wright, I understand you were on late duty, you are dismissed. Mr. Collins you have the auxiliary bridge Sir." Tash paused while the two men acknowledged her orders and moved out of the anteroom. She next turned to the stewards and Mr. Vinetti.

  Mr. Phelps, Mr. Tanner and Mr. Vinetti, you are dismissed to your regular duties."

  The pair of stewards both nodded and murmured 'thank you madams' before they left. Mr. Vinetti grinned at Tash. "Now Signorina, will you break your fast?"

  Tash returned the grin. "Not quite yet Paulo, however a cup of tea would not go amiss." She winked at the chef.

  "Ah bella, for you anything!" Paulo executed a grand bow and hurried out of the room.

  The carriages were outside of the ship now, the driver's 'whoah' could be heard clearly. Roger moved to the door and opened it.

  "Well, time to go then." Tash said trying to keep a neutral face. "Is there anything else Captain Phillips?"

  Jerard smiled, still impresed at her decisive command and knowledge of her crew and current situation. "No madam, that was well done. We shall return as soon as possible."

  Nichols moved to Tash and hugged her. He murmured against her hair, "All will be well Tash, try not to worry. We will be back before you know it and we will have Dr. Nordstrom."

  Tash did not trust herself to speak so she just nodded yes when Nichols released her. She held her hand out to Carstares. He smiled and took it between his own. "Godspeed Sir, and be safe. Dear friends are few and far between and I would not lose any of them."

  Carstares bowed over her hand and then said. "Nor will you, not today Tash."

  Tash bit her lip to hold back the tears that threatened to burst forth. "Go on! Shoo! All of you! Don't keep the LensBaron waiting. She stepped forward and waved her arms like a goat herd.

  Mr. McPherson was the last out of the door. "You must find D'Arcey Tash, it's important."

  "I will Mac, take care of my gentlemen."

  McPherson bowed, and then he was gone too. Tash watched the carriages drive off. Before she could stop it, a single tear slipped free and rolled down her face. She sighed and quickly wiped it away. Turning to Gopal she said, "And now we wait."

  6:20 am

  Valby Park

  Near Copenhagen

  The sky was clear as a bell as the last of the stars faded in the glow of the rising sun. A heavy dew sparkled wetly on the green grass of Valby Park. Somewhere nearby honeysuckle was blooming, filling the warm air with it's soft scent. Carstares tugged nervously at the collar of his shirt and thought, God what a beautiful morning. He could easily think of a hundred other places he would rather be than standing here waiting for a duel to begin.

  He watched Phillips greeting Reinhardt and his second and turned to Gyldenfeldt who was standing beside him. He was a little surprised to see the LensBaron smiling although on reflection he shouldn't have been. Gyldenfeldt had been fairly bouncing with excitement and had begged Carstares again to allow him to take his place. Carstares had heard of people who loved the duel but Gyldenfeldt was the first one of them he had ever met. He turned his thoughts away from the LensBaron and studied his opponent. It was good that Reinhardt was the same height as he
; although of a much slighter build. The man had elected to bring his sword as well Carstares observed wryly. Perhaps he thought I'd back down and let Bodil fight him after all? Still it should not be a problem, Carstares thought, as he made up his mind to aim for the man's right thigh, away from the sheathed sabre.

  Phillips, Nichols, McPherson, Reinhardt, his second and one of the Landover brothers were moving towards him. It looks like it is time to start, Carstares thought as he stepped forward.

  "Gentlemen," Jerard said as he addressed Carstares and Gyldenfeldt. "May I present Count Leopold Sandberg, the ambassador of Sweden. He will be acting as Mr. Reinhardt's second."

  Carstares stepped forward and shook Count Sandberg's hand. Gyldenfeldt however stood his ground and narrowed his eyes at the man. "I am surprised to see you here Leopold I did not consider this an affair of state."

  The Swedish ambassador shrugged. "It is not. I am only here to see that the fight is fair."

  Gyldenfeldt nodded curtly in acceptance.

  Jerard Phillips opened the box he was holding. "Gentlemen, please choose your weapons and check that they are loaded properly."

  Carstares motioned for Reinhardt to choose first. When he had picked up one of the pistols Carstares took the other. He did not have to check the load, he had loaded them himself but he watched as Reinhardt expertly checked the gun he had selected. The Colonel noted that Reinhardt was right handed.

  "The rules of engagement have been agreed upon by all parties." Jerard stated.

  Carstares had to hold back his sigh of relief that Reinhardt had agreed to the rules he had proposed. They were English standard rules but one never knew what foreigners would find acceptable.