The Mystery at Belle Magnolia (Madeline Donovan Mysteries Book 3)

by Madison Kent

  "Hugh, how did you react when Vinnie came over?"

  "As you can imagine, I felt like my jaw was going to drop, but I hid my true feelings. I let him take the lead. I didn't know if he wanted it known that he knew who I was. I could see he was not pleased that I was there. When he found out his brother was out walking with you, the veins were bulging in his temple, but he said nothing in front of me. He presents himself in such a way you immediately feel threatened. I can't explain it precisely, but he has a certain aura that criminals have. In my practice, I would get that same sense when I was around a hardened man of the streets."

  "The fact that he found you gambling gave credence to your story about Jonathan."

  "I thought it might work that way, but he looked unsettled to find me with his brother. I hope he did not see that Jonathan was here; that might appear too suspicious. We'll have to be careful when we leave here. I don't think meeting at the coffee shop will do. Perhaps the bookstore. I'm sure none of Mario's friends could be found there."

  She began writing a note to that effect. "I will walk by and drop it at their table. They still look preoccupied and are not yet taking any notice of us."

  "All right, but please hurry."

  When they saw her approaching, they knowingly avoided eye contact and began speaking to each other without regard to her. She dropped the note in front of Jonathan without even glancing up at him, and then returned to Hugh.

  "I watched them our new friends. They never turned around," said Hugh.

  Within a few minutes more, Mario returned.

  "My brother requested that you join him at the bar," he said to Hugh.

  Now that they were alone, Madeline decided to once again flirt with Mario, hoping to extract information.

  "I am feeling parched," she said as she waved her fan. "This summer heat does leave one with a thirst."

  "Would you like another frappe?"

  "That's sounds lovely, but only if you will join me."

  "My brother's always worried about my drinking, but I'm fine," he said as he stopped the waiter passing by.

  "You're more sophisticated than the ladies I've met in New Orleans. I've never been to Chicago, but I have heard great things about the city. It's not a sleepy little place like this, but filled with theaters and all manner of attractions." He paused before asking,

  May I inquire as to whether you are a single woman?"

  "I am single, but then I have not found the men of Chicago to be as charming and handsome as you," said Madeline.

  "How is it someone as lovely as you has not been taken?"

  "Thank you for the compliment. There was someone who was my intended, but he met with an unfortunate accident. Since then, I have thrown myself into studying art and working with my father."

  "There is a Civil War museum you might wish to visit. May I escort you?"

  "Yes, thank you. I think Hugh and I would like that. You don't mind if he joins us?"

  His head moved down slightly—openly showing his disappointment—but she did not wish to tempt fate to that point. She would feel safer if Hugh accompanied them.

  "Of course, that would be fine. Would you like to go this evening?"

  She knew Hugh had his appointment with Vinnie tonight, so she said, "I believe my cousin has already made other plans, but perhaps tomorrow afternoon."

  "Shall I pick you up at the Dauphine?"

  The fact she had told him they were staying there had been on her mind. She thought she would get a room there before they left the city. It might suit her purpose to be in the city for a few days, and she knew the Dauphine Orleans was noted for its beauty and rich history.

  "Yes. Shall we say at two?"

  "Fine."

  "Now, you had been telling me about your Sicilian heritage and your brother Vinnie."

  "My brother has just warned me about talking about private matters, but he is old. At thirty-three, he sees the world differently than I do. He has grown to be like an old woman, thinking no one is trustworthy. Imagine him believing I would have anything to fear from a sweet, lovely visitor from Chicago."

  He was definitely in a state of ease, not guarding anything he was saying.

  "Did he say that? I suppose he has to always be thinking about those things if he is in such a powerful position among your peers. He wouldn't be doing his job if he didn't. I find it all to be so mysterious and fascinating. You must tell me more. Another absinthe?"

  The waiter was walking by with a tray of the delicious frappe's, plying them to the awaiting patrons who whisked them off nearly as quickly as he could replace them.

  Mario placed one in front of both of them. Madeline did not intend to drink hers—she knew she had reached her limit, but he did not appear to have one.

  "You said you were gaining a foothold in this organization?"

  "I'm trying. It's not something I can talk about. Let's just say, it's not for anyone that doesn't have a strong back and even stronger stomach."

  Hugh and Vinnie were returning to the table, so she quickly changed the conversation to small talk about Chicago and her neighborhood of Goose Island.

  "Sounds like quite a place, I will have to visit there sometimes," said Mario.

  "Mario, your Uncle Anthony needs you to unload a cart of vegetables," said Vinnie.

  Vinnie tipped his hat to Madeline and said, "Perhaps we shall meet again."

  When they had left the saloon, Madeline said, "Hugh, we must check into the Dauphine Orleans. Mario is picking us up there tomorrow afternoon to take us to the museum."

  Hugh said, "That's fine. I was going to suggest something like that. We certainly can't be seen now going back to Belle Magnolia. We'll have to be careful. I don't think, though, from the way Vinnie spoke to me that they have any idea we might connect to Wesley. He did seem to believe the story about the gambling, especially after he saw me take the money from the young men at the table.

  "I will check in, and you can meet up with Jonathan and Walter. It is almost two. Are you all right? You look rather flushed."

  "One too many drinks of absinthe, but yes, I will go to the bookstore and take the long way. I think a little fresh air will do me good. I will wait for you there."

  She immediately felt the sun's heat upon her face. It seemed to overtake her as she already felt warm and light headed from the absinthe. She felt exhilarated from the stimulating conversation at the saloon. It was good fortune indeed to make the acquaintance of Mario Baroni.

  She was walking down one of the streets that crossed Rue Bourbon. Many of the saloons there were open air with men standing outside drinking dark beer. It was easy to spot Guy Finaldi: he had a raucous laugh and was always surrounded by many male friends.

  She called out his name, but he did not hear her the first time.

  "Guy...Guy Finaldi," she called out again.

  "Mrs. Donovan. It's good to see you," said Guy when he noticed her.

  "May I speak to you in private?"

  "One minute, lads. This way. Around the corner, there's a place we can have a cup of coffee."

  They didn't have to walk far to find another outdoor cafe.

  "What is it?" said Guy. "Have you found the murderer?"

  "I wish that was the case. I do have an urgent request to make of you."

  She went on to tell Guy of their plan to enlist Vinnie in the charade, in the hope they might learn more about the man and how he conducted his business.

  "What is it you wish of me?"

  "The plan has been set in motion. Once Vinnie is paid, I believe he will set out to recoup the money from Jonathan. Jonathan will have one hundred dollars on him. Hugh is insisting that in the recovery of the money, Jonathan not be hurt. This man is dangerous; he may pay no heed to that and relish harming him. If you, or perhaps some of your friends, would keep watch on him, we would be very grateful. He is with his friend, Walter, but that may not be enough. If you would keep an eye out until the transaction is complete, I'm sure we would all feel be
tter. They are to ask him for the money he owes, fifty dollars, but if he doesn't pay, they are to take it by force. Jonathan will have to resist or risk discovery." She paused before adding,

  "They are meeting at ten tonight down the alley from the coffee house."

  "You have my word that my friends and I will be there. We will not cause attention. Everyone sees us walking the square at that hour."

  "Thank you, you have put my mind at rest. Come by anytime at Belle Magnolia and we will discuss the case, and I will let you know what we have discovered."

  "That I will...I need to know.

  "On another topic, I happened to see Mr. LeBlanc today. I got to know him during the trial, a most conservative man. Today, however, about an hour ago, he was in this area. One of my friends pointed him out to me as he walked past the area on the other side of the street. He was untidy, haggard looking really, and moving about as if in a daze. He was practically running down the street as if someone was chasing him. In fact, I looked after him to see if that might be the case; he was that undone. I tried to follow him to see what might be the matter, but he eluded me. He went into one of the back alleys, and I lost him.

  "I was wondering if his actions might be the cause of something that happened in Wesley's case. Have you heard anything?"

  "Curious. No, I have not heard anything from him or the office. I did not know him before, but what I have observed of him makes me think something is amiss. I wonder if he knows more about this than he is willing to reveal.

  Did you happen to notice if there was a tension between him and Mr. Randolph?"

  He stopped and scratched his head as if trying to recall.

  "I'm trying to remember if I noticed anything, but, honestly, I was in such a state myself that I don't know if I would have been aware of anything unusual even if it stared me in the face. I will think on it and let you know if I come up with anything."

  "Thanks again for helping out with Jonathan. I hope to see you again soon."

  Her thoughts returned to the secretive relationship between Hannah and Andrew. She wondered if Andrew had perhaps forced unwanted attention on Hannah, and that is why she also had behaved peculiarly at the mention of his name. Whatever was going on, she knew she would have a better chance finding out from Andrew than from Hannah.

  She was still several blocks away from the bookstore, feeling the heat was getting the better of her; she stopped for a glass of mint tea being offered from a street vendor.

  It was always interesting to observe the colorful patrons bartering for their goods. She had finished her drink and was about to leave when she thought she recognized someone in the crowd.

  The solitary figure stood out in her long, black garment, frayed at the sleeves with a hem that dragged on the ground. White hair, with streaks of black framing her face, belonged to Anastasia. She had wondered if she would ever seen this unusual creature again. Calling out to her, she thought she saw her hesitate but then moved on.

  It had to be her. Madeline wanted an explanation for why she had taken her down that path where she ended up almost strangled. She set out after Anastasia, who zigzagged down the alley, checking door handles to see if they would open. Madeline wondered why she would run from her unless she were guilty of having some involvement in her assault.

  Following her to the end of the street, she turned into a group of playing children who unintentionally blocked her path.

  "Please, wait."

  Anastasia stopped then and turned toward her.

  "It wasn't me who harmed you—if that's what you think," she said.

  "How did you know I was hurt?"

  "I..."

  Madeline pulled her dress down at the neck and showed her the marks.

  "Someone wrapped a snake around my neck and tried to choke me. It was terrifying. If my friend had happened to come round..."

  "If? There was no "if" about it. I set him on the path to you."

  "I suppose I have you to thank then. You were so kind. I never questioned whether I should trust you. May we go somewhere so that we can talk?"

  "I must not be seen with you. Tonight...come to me by the bridge at ten. There will be a great oak tree nearby, with two palms on either side of it. I will tie a red scarf around a limb."

  With those words, she once again disappeared, moving off as if she were twenty instead of the sixty or so years Madeline perceived her to be.

  It was well past two in the afternoon, their meeting time, when Madeline arrived at the bookstore.

  She knew they would be in the back smoking area where the men congregated.

  "Madeline, we were worried about you. What delayed you?" asked Jonathan.

  "I have much to tell you, but first, you don't think you were spotted by Vinnie or Mario while we were at the restaurant together?"

  Jonathan replied, "I don't think so. As you know, we moved to the dimly lit area in the back. I tried to stay with my back turned and let Walter tell me what was going on. You had a rather successful run of it. Hugh tells me you have made an engagement with Mario. If his brother finds out, I find it hard to believe he would allow it.

  "Hugh is around the corner aisle having a game of chess with some man, just trying to fit in and see what he can find out. Walter is somewhere down the street having a beer."

  Hugh must have heard them talking as he came into view moments later.

  "I wasn't sure whether we should go searching for you. I have some interesting news."

  "As I do. Do they serve beverages here?" Madeline asked.

  "No, but there is a street vendor right outside the back door. There are tables there," said Hugh.

  "Shall we go?" asked Jonathan as he crooked his arm for her to walk beside him.

  They sat in the baking afternoon sun, Jonathan and Hugh ordering a beer and she a mint julep. Alcohol was readily available everywhere in the French Quarter, which she surmised might have something to do with the multitude of street brawls and other odd behavior that was evident as one perused through the area.

  As they gathered together at the outside table, Madeline said,

  "Were you able to secure a room for us at the Dauphine?"

  "I was, on the third floor. It is a suite with an adjoining room. It's quite magnificent," said Hugh.

  "And I have secured some added protection for you, Jonathan," said Madeline.

  She went on to tell them of her meeting with Guy Finaldi and his plan to watch over them.

  "I do hope it will not come to that, but I am prepared for a struggle of some kind," said Jonathan.

  Hugh said, "I don't' like the idea of it, but I suppose it is the only way to ferret out some information about this odd man, Vinnie.

  "Of all things, on my way to the hotel, I saw that man, LeBlanc. I tried to speak with him, but he brushed me off. He was rather out of sorts, both mentally and physically. His waistcoat was rumpled—he left his home in a hurry."

  "I believe he may still be in love with our, Hannah. The question is does she, in any way, have any hidden feelings for him which may have led to this unfortunate outcome for Wesley?" said Madeline.

  "If she led him to believe there might be a chance with him, not to mention that without Wesley at the law office, he moved up in the ranks, people have committed murder with less reason than that," said Jonathan.

  "There's Walter—we have so much more to discuss. The afternoon sun has done its worse to me. Would anyone mind if we return now to Belle Magnolia to freshen up? We can resume our discussion in the cool of the drawing room," proposed Madeline.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Anastasia

  As Samuel drove their carriage through the picturesque oak trees, which arched the winding road to Belle Magnolia, they saw Hattie and several of the field hands waving to them outside the entrance.

  "I hope there is nothing wrong with Belle. I've been worried her heart might just give out," said Madeline.

  "Or your father for that matter. I've not seen him look so frail,"
said Hugh.

  "I noticed that, also. Your father cares for everyone and the poor man never seems to rest," said Jonathan.

  Then Father appeared in the doorway, and Madeline said, "Thank goodness, he is all right. You are right, gentlemen. I must see he takes better care."

  They all rushed up the steps to the great place, Madeline asking, "What is it, Father? What has happened to bring you all outside waiting for our carriage?"

  "Come inside...come inside. I will get Belle and meet you in the drawing room."

  Sobriety came upon her in an instant, and whatever light, easy feeling she had was gone. They all looked perplexed as they hurried into the drawing room.

  Mrs. Brown was there and had prepared glasses of tea and a tray of pastries for them. Madeline was now certain something terrible had happened.

  A few minutes later, Father escorted Belle in. She looked as if she had aged ten years since this morning.

  "What is it?" asked Madeline.

  "It's Hannah—she has left us. Her room was disheveled―clothes thrown from her dresser drawers, and personal belongings were cast aside everywhere in her room. On her dresser, she left a note with just these words, "I must go. I will return when I can", said Belle.

  "She is not in a good mental state, nor has she the physical health to be left on her own. We were waiting for your return so we could send Samuel to search for her. We will need all your prayers and help now to find her before she comes to harm," said Father.

  "The last time I spoke with her...she wasn't fine, but she was stable. I cannot imagine what transpired to cause her to take this action," said Belle.

  "There is one clue: she had told Hattie she wanted to send a telegram to someone but was unable to because Samuel was with you," said Father.

  "Did she go on foot?" asked Jonathan.

  "No, she took her horse. She slipped undetected from us all. We were in our rooms, and the staff were busy working," said Belle.

  Madeline did not offer the possible explanation, that it, of course, may very well have had something to do with their discussion about Andrew. In fact, she felt certain of it, but she did not speak. She would discuss it with Father later, and ask his advice about informing Belle about her and Hannah's discussion.