The Queen of Diamonds

by Patricia Loofbourrow

  Blitz looked to Sawbuck; apparently Morton had no say in the matter. Sawbuck hesitated. "We'll say nothing for now. But if he finds you dressed in this fashion, or anyone comments on your absence, all bets are off."

  I smiled. "Fair enough."

  After helping me into the carriage, Blitz took his place in the back as our footman. Sawbuck and Morton sat silent.

  Someone must have seen me leave the house: it was the only way they could've found me. I hoped it was one of these three.

  Amelia claimed she never told Roy about my business or the times I went out at night. Tony claimed Sawbuck hated Roy; Morton (as far as I knew) never met him. That left Blitz Spadros. Who did he report to? "Should I expect a meeting with Mr. Roy?"

  Sawbuck glanced at Morton. "A footman who betrayed his mistress would soon be out of a job. They report to me."

  They reported to Sawbuck. And he didn't trust me. "I only want what's best for my husband."

  "Then we're in perfect agreement," Sawbuck said.

  At my insistence, Sawbuck stopped the carriage a block away so I might get in the house without notice. As I hoped, Tony wasn't home yet, only much later slipping into bed beside me.

  I lay pretending to sleep as Tony tossed and turned, paced and mumbled to himself, yet I could only think of one thing: Marja was dead. And I couldn't help but feel I had something to do with it.

  The Reality

  Tony got up at his usual time, just as the sky began to pale. Once he went out to do whatever he did every morning, I lit a candle and went to my closets to search the pocket of the dress I wore the night before. The piece of paper Marja had in her hand lay crumpled there. Something was written upon it in pencil, but between the crumpling, the blood stains, and the dirt, I couldn't make out what it said.

  Deflated, I put on my robe and locked the note in my dresser. Perhaps I could find a way to decipher it later.

  Joe and Josie would be devastated at Marja's death. Their mother died bearing them, and Marja had been one of the few people who watched over them. I remembered Marja brushing Josie's hair in front of the fire, bringing her food, rocking her.

  Who would kill Marja? She was just a woman from the Pot. Certainly no one worth going to the trouble of killing. How did they know we were to meet last night? What did she have to tell me that someone found so dangerous that they would kill to silence it?

  I crawled into bed. A copy of the Golden Bridges arrived while I was at the Kerr's, and I felt curious to see what these men thought of the miracle gems.

  Indeed, they had an editorial on the subject:

  Gem colored price bubble?

  The "miracle gem" craze sweeping the city of Bridges is a great deal for the gem sellers, most notably a certain wag with the moxie to call herself Queen in a city ruled by the Diamonds. Whether these gems (or their "elixirs") actually do what they're claimed to be doing is unknown. Who knows this Dr. Overs Gocow, or his qualifications? But this is of little consequence to the mad sellers of gems, who will claim just about anything to part with their goods, for a price.

  I would bring your attention to the "secret penny" craze of the 1870's. A few misprinted pennies ended up selling for thousands of dollars until people tired of the sport. Prices fell dramatically, those holding the pennies at the end after purchasing them for vast sums unable to sell them for more than a penny. Will this finish the same way, with buyers left holding worthless merchandise after squandering their fortunes? I suppose it's lucky the gems are pretty. We shall see.

  Many people considered the Golden Bridges to be tawdry, but lately it seemed to have more sense than the Bridges Daily.

  That made me think of Mr. Durak. I hoped he might recover from his melancholy and return to the productive life he once had.

  When Amelia came in, she had a book with her. "The gardener said you requested this."

  "Oh, yes! Thank you." I opened the book, Formulation of Explosives, and paged through it while drinking my morning tea. It spoke of how the dynamite sticks were dipped in paraffin to seal them, how to set charges, place fuses, and (most interesting) the construction of timers.

  Air would have loved this book. My best friend, born the same day I was, murdered in front of me when we were twelve. In a different place, Air would surely have become an Inventor.

  At breakfast, I reminded Tony of Gardena's luncheon and told him we planned to visit the gardens at the Women's Club "We might even stay for tea, depending on the weather. She's invited her sisters-in-law, and her brothers may take us boating if the day turns nice. Jonathan is keeping Jack occupied."

  "That's a relief," Tony said. "I don't suppose too much could happen in the Women's Club. Unless you get soaked again."

  We were not to meet her brothers at the Women's Club at all, but rather at the Plaza on Market Center. Many buildings there had easily accessed roofs one might observe from. Also, the Plaza was crowded, so we might come and go without attracting notice.

  "Make sure you return right after tea," Tony said. "We should leave as early as possible for the Celebration."

  I was not looking forward to this.

  Tony placed his hands on my shoulders. "I know this isn't a blessed day for you, or even an enjoyable one. I understand; today we celebrate the destruction of your home and your people's descent into ruin, instigated by my ancestor." He spoke as if this hadn't occurred to him before, and paused, gazing to the side for a moment. "But this event tonight is something we're expected to attend. Can you at least appear to be happy?"

  I laughed. "That I can do."

  The biggest challenge I faced was leaving the Diamond Women's Center without my men noticing. I had instructed Gardena to bring a dark dress in my size with a plain hat and thick veil. I instructed Amelia to pick out a brightly colored dress with a feathered hat. "We're going to have such fun! First we'll have luncheon, then promenade, then perhaps go boating, then have tea ... it should be a lovely day."

  Amelia smiled. "I'm glad, mum. I do like Miss Gardena, and her brother's such a gentleman."

  "He is. He won't be there today, but I'll send your regards."

  She shifted, glancing away. "Servants are never brought into conversation with fine folk." Her face grew stern. "I know Mrs. Molly taught you this."

  "She did." I thought of what Roy had done to her and my eyes stung. "How do you stand it here? I couldn't do what you do."

  "I'm most grateful to be here, mum."

  After everything that happened. "Why?"

  Amelia gave me an incredulous stare. "Mum, I grew up in the slums. My father died when I was small." She spoke as if this explained everything.

  "I'm sorry, Amelia. How did it happen?"

  "He worked in a Party Time factory; a canister fell and opened in front of him. He breathed the dust, him and five others, and it killed them." Her face turned pensive. "There were ten of us children, the youngest just a baby. After he died, we never had enough to eat, or proper clothes, and barely time to sleep. I worked as a street sweeper from the age of eight, sixpence for a ten hour day, and helped my mother with the washing at night. It was sheer Fortune that Mr. Roy's mother took notice of me." She paused for a while, gripping the chair in front of her, knuckles white, then took a deep breath. "My life has been hard, yes, but my mother is cared for and my girls have food and good clothing. Someday, they may become lady's maids to your children. Everything that has happened was worth it, for them."

  I spoke gently. "And what of your son?"

  Amelia said nothing.

  "Amelia ... " I wasn't sure what to say. "What Mr. Roy did to you is not Pip's fault."

  Amelia stood silent for some time. "Maybe it's for the best that he live with the men." She took a deep breath and let it out, then picked up my handbag and gave it to me with a fake smile. "I'm sure your carriage is ready."

  The Message

  As I got into the carriage, Pearson came up with a message. "The boy said it was urgent." He handed it to me. "Oh, and I learned about the warehous
e."

  I blinked, confused. "The warehouse?"

  "The one you asked me about? Where your letter came from."

  The building Marja sent her note from. "Oh, yes, I'm sorry."

  Pearson spoke to me kindly. "It's of no consequence, mum. The building's owned by the Clubb Family."

  By the Clubbs? "I didn't know they owned buildings here."

  "Well, yes, mum. It's complex. They own the building, we own the land. But as it's one of their produce distribution houses, it's best for them to keep up the maintenance."

  Why would Josie's uncle manage a building in Spadros quadrant owned by the Clubbs? "Thank you, Pearson."

  He bowed. "Have a pleasant trip."

  Once the carriage was underway, I read the message:

  My dear Mrs. Spadros:

  I must leave in haste. You'll hear many things about me once I'm gone; I suppose most of them are true. I was a foolish old woman who should never have trusted Frank Pagliacci. I helped him. I loved him. But he has no love for anyone but himself.

  Although the charade with the Doctor was Frank's idea, I gave you the case so you'd take the necklace. Dismantle it at once and sell the gems to one of my appraisers. Please don't hesitate; do it now.

  Your fondest wish has always been to leave Bridges. If you sell the gems in the next few hours, you should have more than enough money to do so. That will make this whole debacle worth it.

  I truly am fond of you, and I wish you well.

  All my love,

  Anastasia, Dame Louis

  PS. Thank you for the clock. Such a heavy package for its size! I'm most intrigued. I will follow your instructions and wait to open it until we have passed through the Aperture.

  I gave her no such gift. To ask me to destroy her necklace with such haste made no sense. And she neglected to use the code wordings we normally used when writing to each other.

  This felt wrong, dangerously so.

  Was this message indeed from Anastasia, or was this another forgery? Or was this message in some code? Was the package real? If so, what was really in the package? If the note was a forgery, what was the forger trying to tell me?

  I took the brass calling tube. "Driver."

  "Yes, mum."

  "Clubb quadrant, zeppelin station, please."

  "I'm sorry, mum, I can't do that."

  "Why not?"

  We continued on, and Honor came round outside the open window, standing on the running board. "Mr. Roy said not to enter Clubb quadrant until time for the celebration."

  "Do you know why?"

  "No, mum, I don't." He disappeared back to his post.

  Why would Roy forbid us to go into Clubb quadant?

  I took up the tube again, meaning to go to the bank on the way to the Women's Club. "Driver?"

  No answer.

  But then the outside lock clicked into place. I was trapped.

  ***

  While overcast, the day was warm, and rain seemed unlikely as we approached the Diamond Women's Club. The street was crowded; many women went up and down the Club's steps. The dining room and lobby were full. Gardena stood out of sight of the street, beckoning as I approached, and led me to a side room.

  I closed the door behind us. "I must find a taxi-carriage."

  Gardena blinked. "Whatever for?"

  How could I tell her that my men (probably under orders from Roy) locked me in my carriage and forced me to come here? That I had a terrible feeling about all this? "I can't explain it now."

  "Jacqui, no. You promised you'd come with me! You can't just leave me here! I did everything you asked me to."

  You're at your best when you think, and reason, Tony said, when you have the urge to act.

  I took a deep breath. Tony sent outriders with me for a reason. By now, everyone in Diamond knew Mrs. Spadros was in the Women's Club. Despite what I told Tony, Jonathan was still at his Country House, not in the city keeping Jack Diamond occupied. Jack might be loitering around the corner at this very moment waiting for an opportunity. What was I thinking? "You're right; I'm sorry."

  Gardena smiled and patted my hand. "Whatever it is, all will be well. Let's get you changed and catch this scoundrel."

  She made it sound as if going on a lark, but I wasn't so sure.

  I changed into the navy blue dress she brought, covering my hair with a black scarf. The hat and veil were also navy blue, and hid my face well. I stuck my handbag in my pocket. "Ready."

  Gardena also wore a hat with a veil. So disguised, we walked into the crowd of women on the street and past my men without them noticing us. It worked just as I planned.

  Around the corner and down the street, a Diamond carriage awaited us. Gardena's footman opened the door. A man wearing brown sat inside.

  Morton said, "Hello, ladies."

  The Briefcase

  How did Morton find us?

  "Master Rainbow!" Gardena said. "Whatever are you doing here?"

  I turned to her, astonished. "You know him?"

  "Why yes. He works for the Harts." She climbed into the carriage, and sat across from him. "He's a friend of my father's."

  "How remarkable!" The footman helped me inside, and I sat next to Gardena. I told Morton, "I didn't know you and Miss Diamond were acquainted."

  "I didn't know you and Miss Diamond were acquainted either," Morton said. "Although I haven't been to call on the Diamonds for some time."

  The footman shut the door.

  Gardena said, "So I take it the two of you know each other."

  I glanced at Morton. "We've been introduced."

  Gardena appeared perplexed.

  "I've been tasked with your protection, my dear," Morton said to no one in particular, "so here I am."

  Gardena beamed at him.

  It was clear Tony had asked him to follow me. "I hope your companions are well?"

  "Indeed," he said, and the way he said it made me think they were alert to the fact that I might try to slip past them.

  Morton's presence was a major impediment. He surely gave Tony's men a contingency plan if he didn't return after a certain time. They would send one of our outriders to search for him, and not finding him, return and inform Tony.

  This was not going to end well. Perhaps I could tell Tony that Gardena changed plans at the last minute — as long as Morton played along.

  Gardena's expression became shrewd. "Evidently, Master Rainbow is a widely traveled man."

  Morton grinned. "I do meet with many in my travels, although I haven't had the pleasure of visiting the Clubbs."

  "I'll have to introduce you," Gardena said, then blushed.

  "Miss Diamond is being courted by the Clubbs," I said. "The heir, to be precise."

  Morton's eyes grew wide. "Indeed?"

  Gardena began chattering in great detail about her meetings with Lance Clubb.

  I gave up the idea of reaching Anastasia before she left. It was clear she planned to leave the city before her forgeries were discovered. But why stay in the city a moment longer than she had to? Why not leave earlier, hiring me instead to sell her belongings and send her the money?

  Perhaps she never wanted me to know where she was going.

  That hurt; she was one of the few friends I had in Bridges.

  "You're so quiet," Gardena said. "I hope all is well?"

  Anastasia helped Frank Pagliacci. "I recently learned that a friend may have betrayed me." I couldn't help but notice Gardena's flinch and Morton's evaluating gaze of us both.

  I wondered what Gardena had done, why she sounded so contrite, so remorseful, at Queen's Day dinner. Why she had begged Tony to tell me something important, and if it was so vital, why he failed to do so. Why Tony thought she was in such terrible danger. Why Jake Bower thought I could gain a great deal of money from his information. What Thrace Pike thought was happening which upset him so.

  I was missing something — as usual. Something important, something I should be able to deduce.

  Gardena wasn't
in love with Tony; she never acted as if she loved him in all the years I had known her. She seemed more irritated with him than anything else. She had never treated me badly nor acted jealous of my relationship with him. And instead of moping or doing the other things a woman in love with someone she couldn't have might do, she was happily accepting suitors. "I don't know why she's done this. I can't even find her to talk with her."

  Gardena put her hand on mine. "I'm sorry." She gazed out of the window, and we held hands the rest of the way there.

  ***

  The carriage pulled up in an alleyway near the Plaza on Market Center. Morton, Gardena and I went into the side door of an office building, then up several flights of stairs to the roof. Five men stood there, all tall, very dark, and handsome. Or the oldest would be, if he wasn't scowling. They wore black business suits and top hats, looking a bit too dapper for this sort of work.

  He gestured at me. "Why did you bring that creature here?" His brothers shifted, glancing away, embarrassed.

  "For shame, Cesare!" Gardena said. "This is Mrs. Spadros, my friend, who has risked her life to assist me."

  Cesare smirked. "This is a Pot rag dressed in your finery, Gardena, nothing more." His gaze went past me, and he tipped his hat. "Afternoon, Master Rainbow. So my sister has ensnared you into this farce as well."

  Morton seemed amused. "My pleasure, sir."

  We were near the bank; from there I could catch a taxi-carriage. "Very well. If my services are no longer required, I'll —"

  "No!" Gardena said, grabbing my arm. "You must stay. Please don't leave. Cesare, you will apologize to —"

  "I'll do no such thing." He turned to me. "Have I said one inaccurate word?"

  I chuckled. "Not one." I turned to Gardena, who appeared mortified. "I find men who speak their minds refreshing. I see you two are much alike."

  "No." Gardena glared at her brother. "We are nothing alike."

  I sighed, turning so I might face them all. "Are we here to argue, or to capture your blackmailer?"