“You should. I’ll leave you a sample.”
This was overdoing the sociability. Octavius seldom parted with any mead. Personally, I prefer fermented coconut milk VSOP. I should have brought some along.
“We’ve been trying out a scenario here, Major, and I’d like to bring you into our discussion.”
“Fire away!’ (Little did he know!)
“Major Butho. I don’t think you’ve been telling us the truth. Or you’ve been letting us wander around in blind alleys while you knew all the time what happened to Idi.”
“I resent that. I’ve been giving you my full assistance since you came here.”
“But that full assistance has been misleading. Let me try this on. You and the Ambassador have known for months that Idi was using the diplomatic pouch to smuggle in materials that had high fungibility. Gold, other precious metals, rare earths, diamonds. He would dispose of them and after taking a commission for himself, he would send the money back to someone in Gotu or elsewhere, but not using the diplomatic pouch. Probably some form of electronic funds transfer. You allowed this to continue in the hope that you could trap that someone on the other end but he or she kept eluding you.”
“You finally decided enough was enough and resolved to close the traffic off by shutting Idi down. This past Tuesday during the staff meeting, the diplomatic pouch arrived as usual. During a break, Idi got to the pouch and extracted the bag of diamonds we have been toting around. He scooted up to the top floor and left the bag there on a shelf in a remote, empty room where he could pick it back up after the meeting broke up. He got back in time to take part in the discussions. Are you with me so far, Major?”
“Speculate away, Doctor Bear. This is fascinating!”
“However, things went awry for our Impala friend. The Ambassador told him to stay on for dinner. He wanted to discuss a few pending contracts with him or some other business. This didn’t fit Idi’s plan for a quick exit, diamonds in hoof. Nevertheless, he hung on. He couldn’t leave the Residence early without arousing suspicions and that could destroy his profitable game.”
“Sometime around ten o’clock, I guess, the Ambassador finally sent for the Impala. You were in the office with him. The Ambassador faced him down with what you knew and what you surmised. You accused Idi of being a traitor, using the money to support a clandestine group planning to overthrow the government.”
“You have been reading too many spy novels, Octavius.”
“Maybe I have, but here we get to the climax. Idi, not the most courageous individual, panicked. He bounded from the office with you and the Ambassador in hot pursuit. Neither one of you could possibly keep up with an Impala. Very few animals can. He raced down the back staircase and that’s when you or the Ambassador threw a large metal object, perhaps an urn, at him, sending him hurtling down to the bottom and breaking his neck and his antler. That’s why I wanted to re-examine the body. I wanted to look for traces of paint or metal on his pelt.”
“Cremation made that impossible, as you well know. I’m sure you carefully disposed of the heavy weapon just as you did the body. However, Frau Schuylkill got the maid who cleaned up the area after you moved the corpse to show her the horn fragment she picked up and put in the trash. Sure enough, paint and metal fragments in the scratched-up surface. We have that piece of the antler. I’ll be happy to show it to you and the Ambassador.”
“The Ambassador was right when he called me in. This was a killing. This was no accident even though he wants me to certify that it is. A repeat of a service I performed for him before.”
The Dog looked at The Great Bear quizzically. “I don’t understand.”
“No, and you won’t, but the Ambassador will when I see him tomorrow morning. You know, all this drama and stagecraft is ridiculous. If you want to admit to killing Idi, do so. The two of you can invoke diplomatic immunity. If you want to continue with the fable about accidental death, go ahead but you will not receive any certification to that effect from me or my team. No objective and disinterested attestation. We are resigning from this assignment and leaving in the morning. At least my cubs got to see Washington or Washing-Tub as they call it. A rather expensive bit of tourism. Thank you for your hospitality but not your assistance. I don’t expect you to break down and admit my scenario is correct but you may want to review the proceedings with His Excellency. Please feel free to react.”
“I will. I have never heard such a pile of arrant nonsense in my life. When you and your team first arrived, I had heard so much about the famous Octavius Bear and his associates that I was willing to set aside any resentment I may have had at being upstaged. I expected to be overwhelmed by a brilliant show of investigative legerdemain. A true genius! Bah, humbug! Go to the Ambassador. Try your cockeyed theories on him. Go ahead and resign. At least we won’t have to pay you.”
The Dog lapped up his Scotch, stood up and strutted out of the room.
The Colonel laughed, “Well Octavius. I don’t know who gave the more dramatic performance. He or thee. Personally, I like your version. Not because you’re my employer but it holds together. We probably would have never found the weapon. I suspect Joseph may also be in on this. I suppose, at this stage, you don’t care. Anyway, the Frau and I will be out at the airport early in the morning, ready to bring the Otter home.”
“Thank you, Colonel. Comments from anyone else?”
“I’ve heard a few rumors that the current government of Gotu is not long for this world. Idi may have had strong personal ambitions for a major job in the new regime assuming his side won. His smuggling and financial finagling gave someone a boost. That same someone will not be happy at his death. No wonder the Ambassador wanted to play it down and use us as a smokescreen. An accident certified by the Great Octavius Bear and his all-star team of detectives.”
“Probably, Maury, probably!”
Thump! Octavius fell over in a deep narcoleptic sleep. As we know from experience, it’s impossible to move him while he’s out. He’ll wake up eventually.
Chapter Fifteen
The Ambassador knows that we know.
The Impala sustained a great blow.
We refuse to opine.
So, it’s time we resign,
Leaving diamonds and horn as we go.
Morning at the Residence. I was gulping down a bowl of coffee and waiting for Octavius to stir himself. The Wolves had already left for the airport to retrieve the Twin Otter and fly it back to the Bear’s Lair. Belinda and Mlle Woof were busily packing up the cubs’ belongings.
“Momma, why can’t we have that bag of diamonds? We found it.”
“This time, there is no finders’ keepers. Those stones belong to the Embassy (not literally true) and your father is going to return them to the Ambassador. You stay here with Mlle Woof until I call for you. I’m going out to the helicopter with the Flying Tigers and check it out. We’re going to have to make a refueling stop before we fly to Cincinnati. Then, we’re going to stay at the Bear’s Lair for a few days. You’ll love it there. You’ll meet Senhor L. Condor again. Remember, Arabella, he rescued you in Egypt. And there’s Doctor Howard Watt. He’s a porcupine. He knows everything about everything.”
“Like you and Poppa.”
“Well, maybe, and oh, yes, Marlin, the Dolphin will be there. You met him at Polar Paradise. Now he’s at Cincinnati working with Poppa and his team and the technical animals at Universal Ursine Industries to make an underwater language translator. He’ll be coming back later to the Shetlands and Polar Paradise to appear at the Aquashow along with Otto, The Magnificent. (An Otter with truly remarkable talents.) Many of the Aquabears will be there. There’s lots of fun in store for you. Now, help Mlle Woof get you all packed up.”
Ta-Da! The Great Bear has made an appearance. I guess he has foregone breakfast. He seems to be in a somewhat belligerent mood. The
Ambassador is in for it.
“Come on, Maury. I’m going to resign this engagement. I want a witness to this meeting. Bring the fragment of the Impala’s horn. They can bury it along with his ashes. Belinda, get ready for a quick departure. You two, don’t give Momma any trouble. We’ll be going for another long helicopper ride in just a while.”
Off we went to the Ambassador’s office. His secretary announced us and we entered. He was not alone. Major Butho was seated in a chair opposite his desk, nervously scratching his ear.
“Good morning, Octavius. I believe you have some news for me.”
“If you wish to call my resigning from this assignment ‘news,’ I suppose I do”
“And good morning to you, Mr. Meerkat. Major, don’t be boorish. Acknowledge our guests.”
The Ridgeback grunted in our direction.
“The Major has told me about your interpretation of Idi’s death and my involvement. I must say I’ve always admired your intelligence, Octavius. But I didn’t realize you had such a wild imagination. So, you think the Major and I killed the Attaché and then conspired to pull off the ultimate cover up by bringing you in to objectively and thoroughly declare it an accident. Do you honestly believe I would spend our country’s or my own money so foolishly?”
The Bear growled, “It would not be the first time.”
“Ah, the suicide! I see! You are sensing a pattern here, digging up bygones to support your speculation. How impulsive of you and wrong!”
“Your Excellency, we have clearly reached an impasse here. I will not continue in this charade. I hereby withdraw myself and my team from this investigation. There will be no record or correspondence to you or others besides this written notice of resignation.” He placed an envelope on the diplomat’s desk. “Upon reading it, you will notice there is no conclusion, no mention of cause or explanation for my action. Mr. Meerkat is here to witness this event, if ever a witness is required. Thank you and your staff for the hospitality you have shown to me and my companions. If you would care to have Joseph make up a bill for our transportation, housing and meals, I will be happy to pay it.”
“Hardly necessary, Octavius. Needless to say, I am disappointed in you and how this all turned out. Fortunately, I will be leaving for a short vacation in the next few days and I can relax and put this out of my mind.”
The Great Bear turned to me and said, “Maury, will you leave on the Ambassador’s desk the one part of Idi that wasn’t cremated? Thank you. A fragment of the Impala’s antler, complete with metal scratches and paint. A souvenir, Your Excellency.”
He then reached into his utility belt and pulled out the bag of diamonds. “I am not sure who is the true owner of these gems. I certainly am not. They were found on Embassy grounds by my two cubs but they also have no claim. Since these diamonds, no doubt, traveled in the Embassy’s diplomatic pouch, I leave them in your care. The Major can tell you about them.” He dropped them on the desk next to his letter of resignation and the antler fragment.
The Ambassador smiled and said, “I sincerely doubt we will meet again, Doctor Bear. Let me wish you good fortune in your future endeavors. I will not thank you for your efforts.”
“I do not wish for any thanks, your Excellency. I bid you and the Major a ‘good day.’”
Rising to his full height, he strode toward the door. I grabbed my tail and followed suit.
“I wonder where those diamonds will end up, Octavius.”
“I think you know as well as I do.”
Down the Grand Staircase, past the flags, seals and portraits and out the Ceremonial Door. Pawsing long enough to thank Joseph and bid him farewell, we headed toward the Ursa Minor. The helicopter’s rotors began to turn as the Bear, none too gracefully, entered the large cargo door at the rear. He managed to close the door behind him and settle into an oversized lounge seat designed especially for his height and bulk. As usual, he had a great struggle with the seat belts. I squeezed past him, went forward and sat down next to the Cubs, who were chattering and gazing out the windows at the Residence. Those seats were smaller and I could manage the shortened restraints. It’s not easy being Meerkat size.
With a roar of the engines, we rose, circled the building and headed off, first to refuel and then on to The Bear’s Lair in Cincinnati. In the rear, I could hear Octavius loudly snoring.
Epilogue
A strange letter arrives in the mail.
And it closes this mystery’s trail.
For it quite tersely said
The Ambassador fled
And my friends, that’s the end of our tail.
Two weeks later: Frau Schuylkill came into Octavius’ office carrying the day’s mail. I was sitting near his desk sorting out bills, incoming payments and the occasional request for assistance.
“Herr Bear, there is a letter here from the Gotu Embassy Residence in Virginia. Do you suppose they decided to charge you for our stay, after all?”
Octavius replied with one of his famous “Hmmms” and took the letter from the Frau. Slicing the envelope with a letter opener awarded to him by The Ursine of the Year Committee, he looked at the single page and then let out a snicker.
“Here Maury, read this aloud.”
The stationery was formal and expensive with the embossed Embassy logo on top. The typed message read:
Dear Doctor Bear:
Since your recent visit here, a few things have taken place that I feel you might want to know.
First, a few days after your departure, the Ambassador went on vacation to a small Central American country.
At the same time, a bloodless coup was taking place in Gotu, resulting in a complete regime change. All the diplomatic staff in the US have been recalled, including the Ambassador. As I understand it, he has chosen to stay in his Latin American retreat, ignoring the new government’s calls for his return. Gotu does not have an extradition agreement with the country where he is residing. It is rumored that Major Butho has joined him. I cannot confirm that.
I have been instructed to stay on to facilitate the diplomatic transition. At the moment, only the household staff and I occupy the Residence and the Embassy is closed until further notice.
I thought you might find this of interest. I hope you, your family and associates are well. It was a pleasure hosting you,
Your Obedient Servant
Joseph Kamel Dromedary
Majordomo - Gotu Embassy Residence.
I chuckled, “Well, what do we make of that, class?”
The Frau shrugged and then laughed.
The Great Bear snorted. “I guess a few friends of Idi may be hanging around back home waiting for the Ambassador to return. They may even be part of the government. Ah well! It’s a shame this case never took place. Thank you, Frau. Is there any mead available?”
The End of Volume Six of
The Casebooks of Octavius Bear
The Attaché Case
About the Author
Harry DeMaio is a nom de plume of Harry B. DeMaio, successful author of several books on Information Security and Business Networks as well as the six volume Casebooks of Octavius Bear. A retired business executive, consultant, information security specialist, former pilot and graduate school adjunct professor, he whiles away his time traveling and writing preposterous articles and stories.
He has appeared on many radio and TV shows and is an accomplished, frequent public speaker.
Former New York City natives, he and his extremely patient and helpful wife, Virginia, and their Bichon Frisé, Woof, live in Cincinnati (and several other parallel universes.) They have two sons, living in Scottsdale, Arizona and Cortlandt Manor, New York, both of whom are quite successful and quite normal, thus putting the lie to the theory that insanity is hereditary.
His e-mail is [email protected]
/>
You can also find him on Facebook.
His website is www.octaviusbearslair.com
His books are available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, directly from MX Publishing and at other fine bookstores.
Also available
The Attaché Case Page 7