A Sacrificial Matter

by Ilona Fridl

  He took it out of her hands and closed it. “We’re off hours now.”

  She attempted to grab it back. “But I have to study.”

  He tossed it on a table. “No. You have to dance, woman.” He cranked the gramophone and plopped a record on it. Through the horn came the tinny sound of Strauss’ “Tales of the Vienna Woods.” He grabbed her arm and pulled her up. At first she resisted but then started swaying to the music. At the end of the record, they were breathless and laughing.

  She snuggled his shoulder. “That was fun, but―”

  “No buts!” he admonished her. “I know you love to work, but you have a family that needs you. I was thinking, when I was cleaning Nat up, how my father didn’t take an interest in me, and both my parents were dead by the time I was sixteen. I had one sister, who died in childbirth, and then I had no one. I don’t mean to waste this new family I have.”

  Sarah pulled back. “I guess with the family I have around me, I didn’t think how it would be if I were totally alone. I’m sorry, Amos. I love you.” She gently stroked his cheek. “But you have to understand that being a Tlingit woman, I have to try harder.”

  “You don’t have to prove anything to Sam or me.” Then he noticed the tear coursing down her cheek. He wiped it with his thumb. “What’s this all about?”

  She lowered her eyes and turned away. “It’s nothing.”

  He snagged her arm, sat her down in her chair, and pulled another close to it. Sitting, he grasped her hand. “Tell me.”

  She paused. “It’s been unsettling for me to do this undercover job.”

  He nodded. “Strange circumstances and people.”

  “No, Amos, you don’t understand.” She sighed. “For the first time, I’ve been treated like an American and not a native. Deep down, I feel like a cheat. As Roma, I get to walk into places and see people without them staring or glaring at me. As soon as I go back to Sarah, I won’t be accepted again. I’ve even been praying that Nat will look more like you, so he could pass.”

  Amos stood and pulled Sarah into an embrace. “I wish I could change all the jackasses in Juneau and show them what a swell woman you really are. And don’t worry about Nat. I’ll teach him to take care of himself, no matter what.”

  She looked up at him. “Thank you.” In an instant, his lips met hers, and all the passion and love he felt for her radiated to every nerve. He gently lifted her and carried her to their bedroom as the gramophone’s scratches became slower.

  Chapter 7

  Sarah greeted Mary as she hurried into the office. “I’m sorry we’re a little late this morning. Thank you for opening up. We had to drop Nat at my mother’s.”

  “Think nothin’ of it, Mrs. Darcy. Happy to do it.” Mary was shuffling through the morning mail. She handed Sarah an envelope. “This is from Mr. Taylor at the hotel.”

  Sarah took the large brown envelope into her office as Amos came in the front door. Mary spoke to him, and he came into Sarah’s office and closed the door. “What did Taylor send?”

  She opened the white envelope inside the brown one. “It’s from Hiram.” She pulled out the stationery and opened it.

  “Well?” Amos gestured at the paper while she was reading it.

  She pursed her lips. “He wants to go over the instructions for the rite after lunch tomorrow. He says to come to his office at the Institute, early afternoon.” She gave the sheet to Amos. “Maybe I could have a casual look around his office, without so many people there.”

  Amos frowned. “Be on your guard. I don’t trust the man.”

  “Maybe I can get him to exit for a few minutes. Otherwise, I’ll ask about things that seem interesting.”

  ****

  With her detective kit and arsenal secured in her pocketbook, Sarah, as Roma, drove to the Institute. Hiram’s secretary greeted her as Sarah entered the office. “Miss Spiros, Mr. Bates has been expecting you. Go on in.”

  Hiram stood as she entered the cluttered space. “Welcome, Roma. Please have a seat.” As she did so, Hiram sat behind his desk again. “Did you manage to procure the items I listed?”

  “Yes, I did. But I felt bad stealing from a church.”

  He shrugged. “They’ll never miss it. Now, do you have any questions about the rite?”

  “What am I to wear?”

  “Since you’re not used to naturalism, I will supply thin robes. No shoes and no undergarments.”

  Sarah felt decidedly uncomfortable. “How thin are they, and where do I get them?”

  “I have some in my supply room down the hall. If you would excuse me for a few minutes?”

  She nodded. “Surely.” As he left, she quickly rose and examined a sword that was hanging on the wall. Taking her measuring tape out of her pocketbook, she checked the sharp blade and wrote its measurements down in her notebook. Then she noticed some black granules where the blade fitted into the hilt. Taking her pocketknife, she scraped some into a handkerchief and wadded it into the corner slot inside the pocketbook. As she was about to secure the sword in its proper place, she heard the door open.

  Hiram pursed his lips. “What are you doing?”

  Sarah thought fast. “I was just admiring your handsome sword. Where did you get it?”

  He paused. “It was my father’s. He gave it to me before he passed on. We use it in our rites as a ceremonial sword.” He put his hand on her shoulder. “I mean no disrespect, but please don’t touch anything in here without my permission.”

  She replaced it on the wall. “I’m sorry. I love things like that. Please forgive me.”

  He gently turned her to face him. “I do forgive you, Miss Spiros.”

  She stepped to one side because she recognized that tone of voice. “Do you have the garment for me?”

  He frowned slightly, then pulled a tied brown paper package from under his arm. “This should fit you. Are there any other questions?”

  She took the package. “No. Thank you very much, Mr. Bates.”

  Sarah hurried out of the office, waving to his secretary as she closed the door. I’ve got to get this evidence to the coroner’s office and tell Sam what I found out. As she crossed the lobby, she heard Roma’s name called. She turned and found Dora, from the coven, standing behind her.

  The young girl looked like any other modern miss, with her short skirt and the cylinder-style bodice that made her figure seem boyish. Her glacier-blue eyes sparkled with good humor. “Would you like a coffee with me in the lounge? I should like to get to know you better.”

  Sarah smiled. “I think I can spare a few minutes. Where is the lounge?” She followed Dora to a parlor-like room with small tables scattered between chaises and overstuffed chairs. A few students were talking or reading by the light of the big bay window with its lace curtains.

  They helped themselves to the coffee in the urn and took their paper cups to one of the tables. Dora set the cup down to let it cool. “Roma, can you tell me where you’re from?”

  Sarah gave her the story she had told Hiram. “Have you lived in Juneau all your life?”

  Dora nodded. “My parents came up here during the gold rush.”

  “Are all the members of your group friends that you’ve known?”

  “Most.” She studied her hands. “We lost poor Abner. What a sad way to go.”

  Sarah’s ears immediately perked up. “Wasn’t he the one murdered in the graveyard?”

  She paused. “Yes. And it was after the Summer Solstice, too.”

  “Did it happen during the ceremony?”

  “Oh, no. He walked back to the camp with us.”

  Sarah tried to look casually interested, but questions were seething inside. Did he go back to the graveyard for some reason, then was killed? And who did he go back with? Or was he followed by the killer? Sarah finished her coffee and rose. “I should be getting back.” She offered her hand. “It was nice to talk to you, Dora.”

  Dora grinned. “I like you, Roma. I’m happy you’re joining us.” They parted,
and as Sarah walked to her car, a whole new scenario rolled through her head. Parking the auto in a small space in the alley, she sneaked in the back way to her office. After she put Roma away, Sarah went in to see Amos and told him what she’d found out.

  He stroked his mustache. “Abner wasn’t dead after the ceremony?”

  Sarah shook her head. “Dora says he walked back to the camp with them.”

  “Then his murder must have happened afterwards. Why, in all hell, would he go back to the graveyard buck naked again? This makes no sense at all.”

  Sarah glanced at her notes. “If it was Hiram’s sword that killed him, was it Hiram? And why?”

  “Hopefully Roma can get him to spill the beans.”

  “What would you suggest? Getting him drunk on the sacrificial wine?”

  He glanced at her. “That could work.”

  She hit him on the head with her notepad. “I’ve got to go see Elmer and Sam.” She hurried to the coroner’s office with the information and the sample in her handkerchief.

  ****

  Amos was waiting for Sarah to return from her mother’s when Sam showed up the next morning. “Is Sarah here?”

  Amos waved him to one of the chairs. “She should be here any minute. What did you find out from Elmer?”

  Sarah came through the door just as Sam sat down. “I was a few doors down when I saw you come in.” She sat in one of the other chairs and leaned forward.

  Sam nodded. “Looks like we have our killer. The width of the wound is the same as the sword. Elmer reconstituted the blood sample, and it’s type O like Abner’s. I’m going to issue a warrant for Hiram Bates’ arrest.”

  Sarah frowned. “We don’t know if Hiram was the one who did it. There were several people in the coven.”

  Amos tapped his desk. “But Dora told you Abner walked back with the others. And the sword is in Hiram’s possession.”

  Sarah shook her head. “Sam, there are still too many unanswered questions. Give me a little more time on my masquerade. Maybe I can piece this together.”

  Sam studied her. “Have you met all the members of the coven?”

  “All except two. Hiram said their names were Fitz and Maxine.”

  Sam gave a start. “Fitz and Maxine? I wonder if that’s short for Fitzgerald?”

  Sarah paused. “I don’t know. That’s all I heard. Why?”

  Sam blew out a breath slowly. “Those are the first names of the head accountant and his secretary at the bank.”

  Amos sat back in his chair. “Curiouser and curiouser, said Alice. Do you think the accountant killed him?”

  Sam passed a hand across his mouth. “They think Abner was embezzling. They probably would just turn him in.”

  Sarah sighed. “Looks like Roma is going to stay around a little bit longer.”

  Sam gripped her shoulder. “Let me know when you get anything.” He tipped his hat. “Good day to you both.”

  After Sam left, Amos’ stomach knotted. We’re so close, but how long can Sarah keep up this charade before someone figures her out? He rose. “Sarah, let’s go to lunch at Millie’s. We can figure out our next moves this afternoon.”

  Sarah gave him a peck on the cheek. “Just let me go freshen up.”

  He strode to Mary’s desk as Sarah slipped into her office. “Mary, we’re going to lunch. Should be back within the hour, if anyone’s looking for us.”

  “I’ll take care of things. Have a good lunch.” She went back to noting in the ledger.

  Sarah joined him, and they walked down the alley and crossed the street to the cheery little restaurant. It was before the noontime crush, so they slipped into one of the booths. They ordered some ham and cheese sandwiches with coffee. While they were eating, the tables filled up with people.

  Amos glanced up and noticed Calvin Wells and Lidia Wells at a table across the room. He tapped Sarah. “Don’t look now, but Calvin and Lidia are having lunch together.”

  Sarah pursed her lips. “Didn’t you say Calvin was going to marry Lidia before Abner stepped in?”

  “Yep. Looks like they’ve sure cozied up since Abner died. Calvin told me he was estranged from his brother and believed he pilfered their parents’ estate. In light of the possibility Abner embezzled from the bank, that seems plausible.”

  “Do you think Calvin or Lidia have anything to do with the murder?”

  Amos sat back. “Possibly, but I can’t tie them in with the coven.” Using his napkin to clean the crumbs of the sandwich off his mustache, he stood. “We’d better get back to the office.”

  They walked silently back. The light summer breeze had brought with it a gray mist from the channel. Red, white, and blue bunting was being fixed to the downtown buildings, and flags waved from the lampposts. Independence Day was right around the corner, but Amos didn’t feel very festive.

  Mary was tipping a courier as they reached the office. The boy raised his cap to them as he passed by. Mary handed a white envelope to Sarah. “This just came for Roma from the hotel.”

  Sarah opened it and read the contents. “Hiram wants me to conduct a séance for the group on Saturday evening in his office.” She handed the note to Amos, then sat in one of the lobby chairs.

  He put the note on Mary’s desk. “Do you think you could do this?”

  A light shone in Sarah’s eyes. “Maybe this would give me an opportunity to find out more details. If I happen to summon Abner...”

  Amos shook his head. “You’ll have to be very careful you don’t give yourself away.” He thought for a moment. “You should have Sam send one of his deputies with you. You could introduce him as one of your friends.”

  Sarah pursed her lips. “Maybe Luke could come with me. Hiram saw him at the carnival, so there shouldn’t be any questions.”

  Sarah gave Amos a quick kiss and was off to talk to Sam and to purchase a heavy candle, a holder for it, and a black silk tablecovering from the mercantile.

  Chapter 8

  Sarah opened the door of the Darcy’s home to Luke after supper on Saturday. “Come in. I’m almost ready.” She wrapped herself in a fringed shawl over her dark caftan and picked up a handled tote.

  Amos shook Luke’s hand. “Sam gave you the instructions, I’m guessing.”

  Luke nodded. “Don’t worry. I know what to do. I hope Sarah can loosen some tongues around there.”

  Sarah gave Amos a peck on the cheek. “Keep the home fires burning.” Then she walked out with Luke and slid into his auto.

  Luke glanced at Sarah as he started the engine. “Midsummer is a strange time for a séance. It doesn’t get dark here until eleven or so.”

  She shrugged. “I guess you can pull drapes to shut out the light. Spirits probably don’t care.”

  He snorted. “People really believe that nonsense?”

  “There are a lot of spiritualists around. The Tlingit believe in many natural spirits. Even Christians believe in an afterlife. You can’t prove anything either way.”

  The Institute looked deserted except for a couple of autos in the dirt lot. Luke turned off the engine and glanced at her. “Ready?”

  Sarah blew out a breath slowly. “I guess. I hope this works.” Butterflies were doing the Charleston in her stomach, and she agonized over being convincing.

  Hiram met them at the door. “Miss Spiros, since our people are the only ones here, we set up in the lounge. It has a large round table, and we’ve pulled the drapes over the windows.” He glanced at Luke. “And who is this?”

  Sarah inclined her head. “This is my friend, Luke. You must have seen him at the carnival. Luke, this is Hiram.” The men shook hands, but Hiram had an unreadable expression.

  As they entered the lounge, Sarah noticed they had placed the round table in the center of the room. The other members were talking in groups but stopped as the three stepped inside. Hiram waved over a man and woman. “Roma, Luke, I want you to meet Fitz and Maxine. Maxine serves as the priestess of our group.” As she greeted them, Sarah wished
Sam had provided pictures, so she could identify them as the accountant and secretary of the bank.

  Sarah turned to Hiram. “May I set up now?” He nodded. “Luke, will you help me?” She took the black-fringed tablecloth out of her tote, and she and Luke spread it out on the table. Carefully placing the heavy candle on the spike of the holder, she set it in front of her. She raised her hands to the group. “Are you ready?”

  Hiram pointed to the side of the lounge. “Bring over a folding chair for yourself.” Luke brought over two folding wooden chairs and handed one to Sarah.

  Sarah set the chair behind her and faced the coven. “Please be seated. Now, I want to ask before we begin, does anyone have any questions they want answered?”

  Dora spoke up. “Is there anyone watching over this group from behind the veil?”

  Sarah made a hand gesture to the four directions; north, east, south, and west. Lighting the candle, she sat on her chair. “Let us join hands and close our eyes. There will be no speaking unless I ask a question.”

  Everyone obeyed. Luke and Hiram were on either side of her.

  Sarah closed her eyes and concentrated. “We, the gathered here, ask if anyone is watching this group from the other side. If someone is here, please make yourself known.” Amazingly, there were a few squeaks heard from the lobby, and Sarah capitalized on that. “Someone has entered the room. Please tell me who you are.”

  In an ethereal voice, she said, “I was with them. Now I am gone.”

  “Do you know all gathered?”

  “All but two.”

  “Why do you watch over this group?”

  “To find out the answer.”

  “The answer to what question?”

  “Why I was betrayed.”

  “Who betrayed you?”

  “Ones whom I trusted.”

  There was a mighty bang under the table and it tipped up toward Sarah, upsetting the candle. It flipped to the tablecloth in front of her, and the material caught fire.