The woman gave a bitter laugh. “Perhaps you help me, and I don’t turn this information over the Order, or the council. I think any one of them would pay me handsomely. If you don’t want to work with me, I am sure one of them will. You have made yourself many enemies.”
Hanoree wanted to throw something across the room or smash something. Taking several slow breaths. “I can get you new identity papers and travel documents. Where can I reach you?”
She laughed again. “Get the papers ready, and I will contact you in two days for a drop off place. Until then, try to at least call off your people.”
After he signed off, Hanoree signaled Varick and ordered that the investigation should slow, and they should, if possible, hinder others who were trying to find the killer. Because his heart was racing, and his head was banging, Hanoree took two sedatives and swallowed them with wine. He commanded that no one was to disturb him and locked himself within his chambers.
~ * ~
The League’s new ambassador on Bengar was interrupted at his dinner by an urgent message. He almost refused the request. What he saw when he turned on his view screen was an attractive woman in dark robes with dark red lips.
“Good evening, Ambassador. I believe you have been looking for me. I have information you want, and I will share it with you for safe passage off Bengar and funds for a new start. I am not picky, almost any League world will do.”
“We do not interfere in the politics of other worlds.”
The woman laughed. “Save the lies. You can help me get off Bengar and get what you want, or you can refuse, and I will either be killed, or I will destroy the evidence. Either way the truth will not come out.”
“How do I know you have the proof? I need more information.”
“Just call your people off and get me passage from Bengar. I promise you won’t be disappointed.”
The ambassador huffed again and said he would have to consult with his superiors.
“Just don’t try to double-cross me or the evidence disappears and so do I.”
The ambassador swore and hit the desk with his fist. “The League will not be blackmailed.”
She chuckled and broke the connection. The woman had nerve. The problem was the information was important enough to make his superiors in the League order him to cooperate with her.
~ * ~
Tegani listened to Arturon’s report, and then she received a message from the Nobles. She could not believe their plan; it was crazy. They wanted Hiroto and Ninallia to go on a tour throughout the Empire to introduce them to the people. This was, of course, before any official declaration or ordination of the child.
“How can they want Ninallia to do this? It will be exposing her child to danger, and they refuse to crown him emperor.”
Houston agreed with her. There should be some official recognition of the child before such a step was taken.
Sayeri touched Ninallia’s hand. “I don’t blame you if you refuse. The council is receiving letters of protest because they have not acknowledged the heir. This is just a way of pacifying the people and delaying until they see what people like Lady Orand dig up.”
At Lady Orand’s name, Tegani sighed. Was there a more objectionable woman at court? If there was, she did not want to meet her. She pried into everything and made snide comments, starting rumors where she could. Even Dowager Empress Miette was not exempt from criticism.
The latest rumor she spread was that the Dowager Empress was feeble and senile. In reality, Miette was in remarkable health for her age, and her mind was sharp. It would not be long until she had enough and squashed Lady Orand’s pretentions.
Tegani couldn’t wait to see Lady Orand’s defeat, and Sayeri must be happier than ever her son would not grow up in the toxic environment that was court life in the Imperial City.
“I think we should do it. My son will rule these people and they should see him,” said Ninallia.
“Both of you will be in danger. The palace is secure. There are surveillance devices everywhere,” Houston reminded her.
Ninallia shook her head. “We cannot hide here. The emperor and empress were not assassinated on tour. They were killed in their beds, here in the palace, amid all the security the Empire has to offer.”
Sayeri agreed, “Yes, my lady. I will talk with the council and arrange something.”
“Tell the council we will agree if my chief of security oversees protecting the heir,” Ninallia added.
“Chief of Security?”
She raised her cup to Houston and said, “Remember, I appointed you Chief of Security for His Royal Highness Hiroto, the heir apparent and future emperor.”
Everyone laughed then Arturon spoke. “Ninallia is correct. If we want the people to accept her son as emperor, we must present him as such.”
They agreed. Sayeri began offering suggestions at once. “A full tour of the Empire will last at least a month, so we will spend many days on the road. There will be lots of dinners and ceremonies. You will need several court dresses. The baby will need robes and a traveling nursery. Almost each stop will have accommodations, but he will sleep better and feel more secure with familiar things around him. I don’t see how we can be ready in less than three weeks.”
This was short notice for such an endeavor. Everyone agreed it was possible, and Sayeri was dispatched to meet with the council. Houston and Arturon sat talking over security issues.
Tegani and Ninallia got Hiroto up and dressed. He was full of energy this morning and ready for breakfast. Now that he was crawling and pulling up on things, it took a lot to keep him entertained and out of trouble. He wanted to hold the spoon but managed to get more food on himself than inside his stomach. After breakfast it was time for a bath.
Tegani and Sayeri made the need for these workers almost nonexistent. Tegani doted on Hiroto, and Sayeri almost as much. Arturon laughed and warned them that Hiroto would be a very spoiled emperor indeed with these women in his life.
“There will be time enough for rules and proper court etiquette when he is older. Now I want my son to feel loved and safe,” Ninallia said.
They received a message from the Dowager Empress Miette She had learned of the tour and was pleased and wanted to lend her approval to the plans. Also, she would send some of the late emperor’s baby clothes. They would be brought out of storage and cleaned and serve her grandson.
Tegani thought that was most appropriate.
When the servants arrived with the clothes from the Dowager Empress, Ninallia was almost brought to tears. Miette herself arrived, and the afternoon took on the festive air of a party. Tegani, along with the others sorted the clothes and tried a few on a wiggling Hiroto.
“I remember sitting with my ladies and hand stitching some of these. Not the fancy ones; I never was much of a seamstress. Hanoree’s mother was the daughter of my first marriage, a very unhappy time. My son was different. I loved his father so. They will be suitable for appearances.”
Hiroto soon became fussy, and Ninallia rocked him until he quieted, and then Tegani put him down for a nap.
Miette said, “I want to give you a formal send off with my approval. It can be shown on the news nets. I will join you at a few stops, but I am afraid the entire trip would be too much for me.”
Ninallia murmured words of sympathy and agreement.
Miette was not finished. “Sayeri is perfect to act as chaperone and to take charge of the day-to-day affairs. You will need ladies-in-waiting as traveling companions.” Her head tilted slightly as she studied Tegani. “Since this one is to be included in your group, she will need adequate clothing for her status, as will Ninallia.”
Tegani protested. She had sufficient garments and didn’t need anything fancier. Miette would hear none of that.
When Ninallia also protested, Miette looked at Ninallia. “You are the mother of the royal heir. You need to dress and act for that role. It is what people expect.”
Seeing Miette was not to be persuaded,
Tegani and Ninallia conceded. She and Ninallia would go and meet with her personal seamstress.
~ * ~
Hanoree heard the plans and insisted Lady Hanoree offer to join the heir’s court. He was affronted that Sayeri was selected to act as chaperone and leader of the ladies-in-waiting. It was common for the most senior or highly connected lady be chosen, and his wife should have the honor.
When he learned that Miette had presented the imposter with his uncle’s baby clothes he was furious. He was the rightful heir; his own mother was Miette’s first born.
Lady Hanoree calmed her husband. She assured him Lady Orand was finding suspicious ancestors in Ninallia’s background. She reluctantly agreed to spend a month traveling around the Empire but assured him she would prefer her own estate.
Hanoree thought for some excuse to join the tour. He decided his presence would only lend support for the child’s claim to his throne. He did not want to appear supportive or too opposed to Hiroto’s claim. When the child was discredited or eliminated some other way, he would step up and accept the throne. Hanoree was the most qualified to be emperor, and he had already produced and raised an heir. He was capable of producing another heir should something happen to his wife.
A pleasant though occurred to him. While Lady Hanoree was on tour with the imposter, he could see his mistress. That prospect cheered him. If he was discrete his wife need never know.
He voiced no objections when his wife announced that she needed to purchase at least three new gowns for the tour. He almost put the killer out of his mind. What information can the blackmailer have anyway? I am always careful and never met the assassin in person. There isn’t anything that can be traced back to me.
He decided not to cooperate and act as an innocent blackmail victim. The composite sketch and descriptions of this woman could be published. It would be easy to create a link to the assassination of his uncle, and it would be her word against his. He sent the info to the news links and laughed. He could prove she was blackmailing him. Even that worry-wort, Varick, could not find any fault in his plan.
Forty-Three
Houston stared in disbelief at the group of Nobles. He extended his hands in entreaty. “I have to have something to work with. Our entire party will be a sitting duck if our itinerary is made public. The transport can be attacked at any stop on the tour. You are putting the lives of the heir and his mother in danger along with several of your own.”
Arturon gave Houston an encouraging smile, but no amount of reasoning changed the minds of the Nobles.
Arturon placed a hand on Houston’s shoulder and whispered in his ear, “I can have the eyes and ears of the Order watching and reporting anything suspicious.”
Houston turned on the images of the transport the royal tour would be using. His mind was churning with ideas. Guards would need to be stationed at each door. Snipers, perhaps provided by the League, could ride on top of the transport.
The others could not wear body armor all the time, but the heir should be kept in a protected enclosure for the majority. He had been around Tegani and Arturon long enough to believe in their ability and those of the Order. Their help in keeping Ninallia and the baby safe would be very valuable, but the logistics would be a nightmare
The transport loaded, and the royal procession began. Despite Houston’s objections it was a very public departure. Crowds lined the sides of the tracks and sidewalks. Guards were stationed at every window in the transport and on top of the transport. They were on rooftops along the route. The latest in surveillance equipment was hidden throughout the area, recording everything.
Sure that the killer was out there, he peered out over the crowd. Perhaps as an ordinary looking worker or just one of those gathered to see the heir. His neck itched with concern.
~ * ~
Hanoree received the photo of his wife. It was from the tour and there was a red x between her eyes. The message was clear. It was another threat to force him to pay. If this killer thought he was some weak fool to be blackmailed, she was wrong. He would warn security of the threat against his wife. That would make him seem a victim instead of one of the guilty parties. There must be some way to stop this person without exposing the evidence against himself. Perhaps he could make it appear the killer was framing him for the murder and blackmailing him.
He spun scenarios in his mind. None of them quite worked. It depended on what proof the assassin had hid in the bank box and what this killer knew.
He contacted the tour and was pleased to be put through to Houston. Hanoree reported the photo and sent a copy to him.
“Can you think of any reason someone would want to blackmail you? Has there been any request for payment?” Houston asked.
Hanoree hesitated. He couldn’t admit he was being blackmailed about his involvement in the assassination of his uncle. “Not yet, Colonel. I believe they are trying to frighten me before making demands.”
“You think there is more than one person working together?”
Hanoree coughed. “I am sorry. I don’t know if this is a lone person or a group. A man in my position sometimes acquires enemies. My wife on the other hand—I can think of no one who would want to harm her.”
~ * ~
Houston looked at the image Hanoree provided on his view screen. Hanoree’s words sounded reasonable, and he had done the right thing by contacting him. Houston was also sure of a few things: Hanoree was lying, he knew something, and he was afraid. His eyes were bright, and there was a shakiness to his manner only an expert would detect.
Houston thanked him and signed off. Houston studied the photo of Lady Hanoree which was obviously taken at the transport station in the Imperial City. He decided to see what the computer experts here could do with the image. He would also interview Lady Hanoree and assign her extra guards for the rest of the tour.
Tegani entered the car carrying a tray of food. She sat the tray down near the large desk set up as a security command center. “You missed breakfast.”
He smiled. The food smelled delicious, and he was hungry. He often forgot to eat when he was in the middle of a mission. After taking the lid off the tray, he picked up a meat pastry. As he bit into it he glanced at her. She was beautiful. The gown became her much more than the robes she usually wore. The dressers had done something special to her hair. The lush brown fell in curls around her shoulders instead of braids or being pulled back. He wished he could take her in his arms and kiss her. Perhaps when this was over they could be together.
No, when this was over she would return to the Order. What did he have to offer her? Why would she want a washed-up colonel who didn’t know where his home was? She deserved a palace.
“Houston?” By her tone, Tegani had repeated his name.
He blushed, so caught up in his thoughts he hadn’t realized he was staring at her. Get hold of yourself, man. He smiled and told her what was happening then asked, “How well have you gotten to know Lady Hanoree? Has she said anything that might indicate she is being blackmailed?”
“No, I would have told you.” Sister Tegani gasped when she saw the photo.
“We will use the computer to analyze this and project the angle and possible location the picture was taken from. We can search the images from the transport station and see if we can identify the person who took the photo. It is a long shot, but maybe it will work.”
After a few minutes of silence, they said goodbye, and he went to the passenger car to tell the others about the threat. He did not want to frighten Lady Hanoree. Who could blame her if she decided to return home?
“No blackmailer will dictate to me,” Lady Hanoree answered. “I am impressed with the security you have set up, and I think I will be safer here than traveling home with an escort.”
~*~
Sayeri was of a more pragmatic nature. She knew there was no future with Arturon. She loved him, but she could not ask him to give up his life with the Order. That did not mean that she could not steal happiness while
she could. She waited until everyone had gone to their compartments for the night. She slipped a silk robe over her nightgown and knocked on his door.
Arturon answered the door. He had taken off his official robes and stood there in loose night garments. Sayeri gave him a mischievous grin and he took her in his arms drawing her inside. The door slid shut. They laughed like teenagers when they overslept, and Sayeri hid in his closet when a servant arrived to bring his breakfast tray.
When she slipped back into her room, she dressed quickly and joined Ninallia and Tegani. They greeted her, and she fixed a small plate of breakfast rolls. She noticed Ninallia was watching her with a small smile. She blushed. If either of her friends were aware of her late-night absence, they were too polite to mention it.
~ * ~
Imperial footage was uploaded to League computers, which possessed the ability to locate and track the assassin. The break came the second day of the trip. The picture of Lady Hanoree led to video footage of the killer taking a photo. Surveillance cameras followed the progress of the killer while Houston reported the results.
“Hours after the photo, she boarded a direct transport heading toward the second stop on our tour. There was a quick response, and security was sent to meet that transport. I have issued orders that no one is to be allowed off the transport until she is apprehended.”
He wanted to be in on the take down, but he could not leave his post guarding Ninallia and Hiroto even for this. Brothers and Sisters of the Order were with the security soldiers. It was one of the Sisters who identified the woman who was disguised as an old woman. She spotted security at once and ran back through the transport waving a blaster.
The weapon was shot from her hand. Two security agents grabbed her arms. She fought like a lioness before finally being subdued by four men. As she was being handcuffed, she screamed out, “I am an innocent woman! Lord Hanoree paid to have the emperor killed. The proof will be released today!”
The Reluctant Empress Page 23