The Ace of Clubs

by Patricia Loofbourrow

  Men untied golden lines. The yacht cast off, moving out of the marina. The day was cloudy yet calm. A perfect day for sailing.

  “I rather like boats,” I said.

  Tony gazed at me with a curious expression, then nodded. “I’m not so fond of them, but the company is diverting.”

  Did Tony just flirt? He rarely did so, usually when intoxicated. But he had nothing to drink today, so far as I’d seen.

  Jon laughed from behind us. “Indeed.”

  Tony’s face reddened. “You must come forth, sir, or begone.”

  Jon moved in front of us and bowed. “My apologies.”

  “You two are incorrigible,” I said. “We must have other conversation than upon my few virtues.”

  “Never mock yourself,” Jon said. “You are the most glorious lady present.”

  Music began from inside, to the aft.

  “Would you like some drinks?” Jon said. He gave a quick glance over my shoulder: Gardena stood some six paces back.

  “Nothing for me,” I said, “unless you wish to bring something when you return.”

  Tony followed our glances. “I’ll accompany you.” The two disappeared below.

  Gardena came to meet me, suddenly pensive. “I wanted to thank you for your kind welcome. I fear your husband wishes me gone.” She paused, her head downcast. “I don’t blame him: it was wrong to strike him, to say what I did that night. I regret it all.”

  I took her white-gloved hands. “It would help, I think, if you told him these things. He has high regard for you, and your disagreements wound him.”

  She turned to lean upon the rails. “I know. I wish things had occurred differently.” A glossy black curl fell beside her dark brown cheek. “I think we all feel that way at times.”

  Well, I certainly did. I wasn’t sure how to make things right between these two, but a plan was forming in my mind as far as my situation. “There are always things which can be done, Dena. It just takes the strength and courage to act.”

  “If I act, people are hurt. They may die. If I don’t act, people are hurt, but different ones. All people I care for. No matter what I do, I feel as if I am betraying someone.” She shook her head. “You of all people deserve better.”

  I had no idea what she meant, but she seemed in such distress that I dared not ask. “Is there a way I can help?”

  Gardena smiled a fake smile, then her eyes reddened. “Just be my friend, Jacqui, for as long as you can.”

  The navy blue dress Gardena wore was the same one I borrowed the day we met to catch her blackmailer. “You and Lance dressed alike. Was that coincidence?”

  Gardena smiled fondly. “His mother. She wishes the city to become accustomed to the idea of us together, before —”

  I recalled Marja’s note: They plan to kill your Ma too.

  “Jacqui,” Gardena said, “what is it?”

  “A sudden fear came upon me.” I told her about Marja: who she was, what she meant to me. I told her about Marja’s note warning me of a plot to kill my mother. “That was how I knew I must get my mother out of the city.”

  Gardena’s eyes filled with tears. “We sent her to her doom! Oh, Jacqui, I’m so sorry.” She pulled me into a tight embrace.

  I’d added more sorrow to Gardena’s hand, yet I couldn’t reveal that my mother lived without also revealing her mother’s part in it. “You helped me when I had nowhere else to turn. For that I’m grateful.”

  She nodded, wiping her eyes.

  “Marja sent the message from a produce distribution center in Spadros quadrant owned by the Clubbs.”

  Gardena peered at me with a slight frown.

  “I believe she overheard someone there. It stands to reason that they — or someone who worked for them — killed her.”

  Gardena’s face went from confusion to disbelief. “You think the Clubbs killed her? That they killed your mother? Why?”

  I shook my head. “I have no idea. My husband won’t let me out of his sight, or the sight of his men,” several of whom stood on deck watching me, “so it’s been difficult to learn more.” No one was in earshot. “Have you gained their confidence?”

  “You want me to spy on the man who courts me?”

  “I don’t want you to do anything you feel is wrong. But if the Clubbs plotted against them ...”

  Gardena took my hands. “I understand. If someone hurt Mama ... I don’t know what I might do.” She stood motionless, then gasped. “Surely they — no. I can’t believe they would ruin their own building and kill hundreds of people just to target one woman.” She shook her head. “Why not shoot her? Even if your mother were in a rival Family, this is beyond monstrous.”

  I hadn’t examined that aspect of it. “Someone must be using the Clubbs, then. I don’t have any other ideas.”

  Gardena stood in thought, then her face changed, as if she had come to some decision. “I’ll see what I can learn. They don’t talk much around me, but Jon is Keeper of the Court. Perhaps they’ve spoken to him.”

  And his twin, Jack, was allied with Frank Pagliacci. Fear gripped me. “You mustn’t breathe a word of this to Jack.”

  Gardena seemed confused. “Why not?”

  How much could I tell her? At the doorway to the cabin, Jon and Tony were emerging. “It’s all too complex and there’s no time. Please, trust me. Your life may be in danger if Jack learns you know of this.”

  She frowned. “You and Jack have your differences, but —”

  “Dena, Jack’s threatened to kill me and destroy my family.”

  Gardena’s hands flew to her mouth, eyes wide. “Surely you don’t believe this? I won’t believe it.” She shook her head. “I’m sorry, Jacqui, but you’re wrong.”

  Tony and Jon threaded through the crowd towards us. I grabbed her arms. “Promise me, Dena.”

  She glanced away. “Very well.”

  “I don’t want anything to happen to you. Jack might not harm you, but his companions are dangerous beyond measure.”

  She peered at me. Then she nodded. “I promise.”

  Jon handed a wine glass to Gardena. “We come bearing gifts.”

  Tony offered me a glass of bourbon, neat, and I smiled at him. “My favorite.”

  “So I recall.”

  “Excuse me,” Gardena said, disappearing into the crowd.

  Tony smiled at me. “Did you have a nice chat?”

  My eyes met Jon’s. Why didn’t he do something about Jack? “Yes, it was lovely.”

  “Excuse me.” Jon moved in Gardena’s direction.

  Tony and I sipped our drinks as we sailed upstream towards the Rim, the yacht tacking back and forth as we went.

  I recalled my speculation that Gardena’s blackmailer was allied with Frank Pagliacci. Indeed, the timing made me certain of it. “I believe Gardena’s in danger from the men who target us.”

  Tony said nothing for several seconds. “A police official once came to me with an astonishing story.”

  “Did you not hear me?”

  “A woman named Zia Cashout claimed you knifed her in the streets of Market Center dressed as a scullery maid. But you were at Dame Anastasia’s house helping her pack. Were you at Dame Anastasia’s house?”

  I gazed over the water. “Of course.” For about an hour, then I went many places that day. Including Market Center, dressed as a scullery maid. “Why would this woman make such a report?”

  “I don’t know. She disappeared soon after.”

  “So why did the police go to you?”

  “They were concerned about your safety and reputation, and thought I should know.” The water reflected in Tony’s eyes made them as pale as Roy’s.

  “That was kind of them.”

  “Indeed.” Tony clearly questioned my story.

  I wished I didn’t have to keep lying to him, but if I told him where I was, he would ask why. And on that day, I visited Thrace Pike and his grandfather, and then Mr. Jake Bower. I didn’t think Tony would be happy about either v
isit.

  That I had anything to do with Thrace Pike — a man who made public statements against my character — would upset him. That I went to an investigator’s home (even though it was also his office) unescorted would alarm him no end.

  I didn’t want Tony to learn of my visits to Mr. Pike until I found out what Mr. Bower’s financial documents contained.

  “Tony, you must listen. That letter ... I — you don’t want to know what it contains. But they know too much —”

  Alarm flashed through his eyes. What was he so afraid I might learn?

  “— and I fear for our friends. They wish to destroy us, Tony. Not just kill, or make afraid. Destroy.”

  Jon approached us. “May I speak to Mrs. Spadros?”

  Tony blinked. “Why, of course.” He moved a few feet away, clearly curious as to what Jon might have to say.

  Jon didn’t meet my eye. “Do you carry your weapon?”

  “Of course.” Jon gave me the pistol years before.

  He relaxed. “Good.” He paused, head down, hands on his hips. Then he straightened. “May I ask a question?”

  I grinned. “You just did.”

  He let out a short laugh. “Well. I suppose so!” Then he sobered. “This is a serious matter, Jacqui. Did you have your weapon on your person at the Grand Ball?”

  It was ten minutes from my entrance time. I went into the toilet-room, Amelia helping me with my dress. When Amelia saw my calf holster, she drew back in alarm. “You’re not to have that here!”

  I smiled, amused. “Don’t worry, Amelia; I won’t shoot anyone.”

  I nodded. “Of course.”

  “When Jack advanced upon me, why didn’t you draw your weapon? Or move away? Why’d you come to my side instead?”

  I gaped at him. “My only thought was for your safety.”

  Jon spoke fiercely. “This will be your undoing, Jacqui! You must not forget your own safety! Certainly not over mine.”

  His demeanor startled me. “What did Gardena say, Jon? Something’s upset you.”

  Jon appeared surprised. “Gardena said nothing.” But then he put his hand to his forehead, shook his head. “I have no proof. It could’ve been said in jest. But I overheard something just now ...” he dropped his hand to his side, “and it made me fear for you. Promise me that if you find yourself in danger, you’ll care for yourself, rather than rush to the defense of me or anyone else.”

  I touched his cheek. He was such a dear man. “I promise.” I dropped my hand to take his. “And you must promise to protect yourself and Gardena. You may both be in danger.”

  Jon grinned. “We’re Diamonds. We’re always in some sort of danger.” He kissed my hand. “Be at peace. My sister’s well cared-for, never fear.”

  * * *

  Jon and Tony went off on some adventure, and I gazed over the water, considering Jon’s words. What would it be like to grow up in a Family, constantly in danger?

  Mrs. Clubb approached with a brown-haired woman wearing forest green. “Inventor Cuarenta, may I present Mrs. Spadros.”

  I curtsied low. “It’s an honor to meet you, Inventor.”

  The Inventor held out her hand. “Please call me Lori.”

  She was perhaps twenty-five. I gave her my hand. “Jacqui.”

  “There!” Mrs. Clubb said. “I wish you to be friends.” Mrs. Clubb moved into the crowd without so much as a fare-you-well.

  I chuckled. “That was rather abrupt.”

  “I believe she has other guests to attend,” the Inventor said.

  “I meant no offense.”

  She smiled, her tone light. “None taken.”

  I’d never spoken with another quadrant’s Inventor before. In fact, I thought doing so was forbidden. “Was there some topic you wished me to bring to my husband?”

  “No,” the Inventor said. “But you might help nonetheless.”

  This surprised me. “Oh? In what way?”

  “Mrs. Clubb tells me you grew up in the Pot.”

  The sail creaked overhead. “I did.”

  “More to the point, in the Cathedral.”

  “However did she know that?”

  Lori Cuarenta smiled. “She knows just about everything. Was there a place in your Cathedral more revered than others? Where you weren’t allowed to play? A special door, or a secret room?”

  That also seemed abrupt, and I felt wary. What did she want to know this for? “Surely the women there could answer your questions far better than I.”

  “I’m told the Clubb Inventor may not visit the Spadros Pot.”

  That had to be Roy’s doing. “Well, other than the altar, which is revered for obvious reason, I don’t know of any such place.”

  The Inventor shook her head slightly. “What obvious reason?”

  I stared at her. “Do you not know? The Dealers used to cast the Holy Cards upon that very spot.”

  Kitty Clubb spoke behind me. “It’s true. Since the downfall of the Cathedral, the Dealers no longer cast the Cards as we did.”

  Her voice startled me. “Kitty! I mean, Blessed Apprentice.” I curtsied, as did the Inventor. “How good to see you!”

  Kitty gave me a wry smile. “I grow tired of people calling me that.” She took our hands. “It’s good to see you both.”

  They must know each other well, I thought, given the similarity of ages. What would friendship with an Inventor be like? “You’ve been reading.” Last time we met, Kitty didn’t even know the Cathedral still stood.

  Kitty blushed. “I have.” She turned to Lori Cuarenta. “Mrs. Spadros has been most patient with my unschooled questioning.”

  “I wish I could help further,” I said, not wanting the questioning to resume. I caught Tony’s eye and smiled: our signal for conversations we wished to be extricated from.

  He nodded, picking his way towards us.

  “I was astonished to see you,” I said. “I thought you were cloistered for your first year.”

  Kitty grinned. “What Mommy wants, Mommy gets.” She gestured at a woman wearing an emerald green robe and scarf, then laughed. “I’m allowed out, with a minder.”

  Tony approached us and bowed. “Ladies, please excuse my interruption, but I have need to speak with my wife.”

  I took Tony arm and went the other direction. “Thanks.”

  “Who was the woman with Kitty Clubb?”

  “Their Inventor, with an inordinate interest in the Cathedral.”

  Tony’s eyes narrowed. “As I recall, Miss Clubb had quite an interest in it at the dinner.”

  She did, upsetting the entire table when Tony forced me to give answer to her questions. “As did you, if I recall.”

  Tony stopped. “I should never have pressed you that night; I regret doing so.”

  I smiled at him. “All is forgiven.” I drained my drink. “I’ve found that not all questions should be answered.” Yet there were still too many unanswered questions for my liking.

  Why were the Clubbs so interested in the Cathedral?

  What did Marja overhear in their warehouse?

  Was she killed to keep her silent? Was it a random shooting? Or was it simply another of Frank Pagliacci’s distractions?

  Gardena was right, of course. The Clubbs would never waste time killing a brothel owner in the Spadros Pot. And to do so using a zeppelin explosion?

  I examined the glass in my hand, put it on a passing waiter’s tray. “I should stop drinking so much.”

  Tony gave a slight smile. “That’s a good idea.”

  The Documents

  The next morning, I received a letter from Mr. Paul Blackberry, the current editor of the Bridges Daily:

  About your inquiry, madam — these are known merchants for the quadrant in question:

  The Ladies’ Emporium

  Blind Button Dealers, Inc.

  Mississippi Paper Co.

  Big Bet Mining Supply

  Open Stakes Trainers

  The Dealer’s blessings upon you. If you require
anything more, you have only to ask. — PB

  What a list! I rewrote it, removing Mr. Blackberry’s information, and passed it to Tony at breakfast. “These are the shops which claimed Mr. Hart didn’t pay them,” I said. “I believe our enemies used false invoices to steal from them as well.”

  Tony shook his head. “I should have asked Mr. Hart about this at the racetrack! Perhaps he’ll allow us to speak with his merchants, or at the very least, share what the scoundrels stole.”

  Oh. I’d forgotten these were in Hart quadrant. “That would be helpful, I’m sure.” But I chuckled as I pictured Mr. Hart’s reaction to our having such a detailed list. We’d be lucky if we got information from the Harts anytime soon.

  * * *

  I told Tony I wished to go to the river for luncheon, so his men cleared a wide section of the beach, with guards stationed to keep onlookers away. The men brought a changing cabana, and Tony put on his swimming suit. While Jane and Mary set up a picnic for us on the rocky shore, I slipped on some bathing-shoes to wade the gentle surf.

  The promenade remained open, and many strolled past. Fortunately, the reporters hadn’t found us yet.

  After luncheon, Tony and several of his men returned to the water. I had Amelia put my boots back on. “I might promenade,” I told Sawbuck. “If you think it safe.”

  Sawbuck grinned. “I let it slip we’d be bathing at Straight-Draw,” an exclusive beach on the other side of the quadrant, “so it’ll take a while for them to find us here.” He gestured for four of Tony’s men to follow.

  I strolled the promenade, parasol in hand, guards flanking me. Under a tree, a thin young man with straw-colored hair wearing a dark brown suit sat at the far end of a bench reading a newspaper. He wore brass-rimmed spectacles tinted brown.

  I sat at the other end of the bench, fanning myself. My guards stood more than far enough away not to overhear.

  “Good day, madam,” Thrace Pike said. “I feel quite the spy.”

  I held my fan up to hide my amusement. “I could think of no other way to meet.”

  “My grandfather is furious.”

  “Why?”

  “He believes you planned to defraud him.”

  I went to Doyle Pike — or rather, to Thrace Pike, who turned the matter to his grandfather — about collecting debts for Dame Anastasia Louis. Doyle Pike agreed to receiving one percent of the take. “It’s not my fault you didn’t get the money.”