* * *
We stepped back into the warmth of the day and decided we had enough time for a stroll along the Nile to go over what we had learned from Engelbach.
“So, our Miss Stainton had the statue and wanted to know its worth,” I said. “Do you think she was going to blackmail someone with the statue, or simply try to sell it for the money?”
“Given what we have learned about Miss Stainton, either scenario seems likely. It’s possible that she planned to use it to extort money from someone. Or perhaps she thought it would be a way for her to break into smuggling herself.” He sighed. “There’s certainly money in the business, dirty as it may be.”
“But we still don’t know who she was blackmailing,” I reminded him.
“That’s not altogether true.” Redvers gave a small puff of air, and stopped on the promenade, turning to face me. “There is a piece of the puzzle that I haven’t given you yet,” he said. “I’m here to keep an eye on Colonel Stainton. The British government has suspected for some time that he is smuggling antiquities out of Egypt. He’s been loosely connected with a variety of pieces found across Europe.”
A variety of emotions warred within me. Anger, certainly, but only a little. I already knew Redvers’ story about being a banker was a cover for something else. I also should have suspected Colonel Stainton was Redvers’ target all along, but my suspicions about their strange interactions had been pushed to the back of my mind by a variety of things. Like a few murders. And the fact that I had developed a soft spot for the jovial colonel.
The emotion I finally settled on was mild irritation.
“It certainly took you long enough to come clean.” I crossed my arms.
“I was under orders not to reveal it to anyone. Besides, you were a suspect.”
I rolled my eyes. I didn’t believe he had ever seriously considered me a suspect.
“And your aunt might still be,” he continued to protest.
I laughed harshly. I hadn’t forgiven my aunt for the night before quite yet, and I dreaded seeing her again. If she even remembered her terrible behavior—with the amount of whiskey she’d consumed, it was possible she wouldn’t recall what she’d said. “Millie may be many things, but I don’t think she’s a cold-blooded killer.” Even though I had been forced to consider that possibility.
Redvers’ revelation left me with more questions. “Does the colonel know you’re here to spy on him?”
“I think he suspects me of something. He’s been doing his damnedest to avoid me since I arrived.”
“I guess he hasn’t heard ‘to keep his enemies close.’”
A sudden image of Colonel Stainton arguing with a digger at the pyramids flashed before me—was that only a few days ago? It felt like weeks. But that interaction made a lot more sense now.
I considered the other players. “Why would Anna have brought that statue in to the museum if her own father was doing the smuggling? Wouldn’t she have known about it already? It seems as though it would be a difficult thing to hide from someone you’re traveling with.”
“It’s hard to say with Anna Stainton. Perhaps she only just discovered her father’s role. It’s not as though most young women are interested in their father’s business dealings.”
“I suppose that’s true.”
“But she was certainly interested in how much money an artifact could bring in.” Redvers sounded as disgusted as I felt on that matter.
“So, if the colonel is our smuggler, who’s our killer? And where are these artifacts the colonel is supposed to be smuggling?” I asked.
“I am afraid I haven’t gotten those parts sorted out yet.”
“Well,” I said airily, “please let me know once you do.” We started walking again, and as I enjoyed the slight breeze coming off the river, I thought about the colonel. I realized I was secretly hopeful Redvers was wrong about the man. Hadn’t he said the colonel was only loosely connected? Perhaps there was another explanation.
“Why would the colonel be involved in smuggling antiquities out of the country in the first place? It can’t be for money.”
“I’m afraid that is precisely the case. Colonel Stainton lost most of his fortune during the war. It appears he invested poorly with some . . . suspect companies overseas. And he has been using his knowledge of artifacts in an attempt to recoup his losses. He’s been dealing with some fairly shady characters.”
My hopes were dashed, after all. I felt a sinking sense of disappointment, which I knew was fairly ridiculous, since I had only just met the man. But our shared excitement about the country’s historical treasures now left a bitter taste in my mouth.
The disappointment in myself for misjudging his character was even more piercing.
“I’m sorry you had to find out. It’s another reason I waited to tell you—I know you are fond of him.” Redvers cast me a sideways look.
I gave a small smile and touched his arm in thanks. But I could not excuse anyone stealing historical treasures. And despite my regrets about the man, we had to soldier ahead if we were to clear my name—and Millie’s—once and for all.
“I suppose this confirms that Anna is our blackmailer. So I can stop looking for samples of her handwriting.” I was pleased I could skip breaking into the colonel’s rooms, especially given what I now knew about the man. I planned to stay far from his path. “So, what’s our next step?”
“I would suggest we wait and see what comes to us, but I’m guessing that’s not something you’ll be able to do.”
“All signs point to no,” I admitted.
Redvers might be content to sit and wait, but I was restless with anticipation of the end. Whatever the end might be.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
Having missed lunch, we stopped for a late meal in a small café before heading back to the tram. My mind was still buzzing with possibilities, but the rest of my body was tired. As soon as we returned, I headed straight back to my rooms.
After a long day on my feet, a leisurely bath sounded like absolute heaven. I spent nearly an hour luxuriating in cool water scented with the jasmine bath salts. After my bath, I lay down on my bed for just a moment, enjoying the warm breeze drifting through my window.
I awoke an hour later, and realized that the sun had all but disappeared from the sky, and I was late for predinner cocktails.
I dressed for the evening in a hurry; after several minutes, I gave up on mashing my hair back into place, instead adding a wide silver headband. I hoped it would weigh down the whole mess. Or at least distract from it. Falling asleep with damp hair had not been a great strategic move.
I hurried along the halls, the retiring sun casting long shadows in my path. When I finally reached the lounge, I cast my eyes around the clusters of guests enjoying their drinks, looking for a friendly face. I spotted my aunt seated at a small round table with Lillian and Marie. But when our eyes met, Millie immediately found something fascinating on the table to inspect. I gave my head a little shake and headed for the bar. I wasn’t ready to wade into those waters just yet.
Redvers and the doctor were deeply engrossed in conversation, and I joined them once I secured a drink for myself. The doctor politely acknowledged me, and I could almost swear Redvers gave me a quick wink. I blinked back at him.
“I’m sorry to interrupt, gentlemen.” I wasn’t actually sorry, but my arrival had brought the conversation to an abrupt halt. Dr. Williams gave a polite smile and excused himself.
“Well.” I turned my head and watched him leave. “I really am sorry. Did I interrupt anything important?”
“No, we were just discussing horse racing.”
“Horse racing. Really.” I didn’t quite believe him.
“Really. The good doctor may not be using drugs, but he is certainly putting some money on the ponies. I think we’ll get to see that firsthand tomorrow.” He changed directions before I could ask what he meant. “Have you spoken with your aunt?”
“I’m afraid not. I
think she’s pretending not to know me.”
Redvers grinned. “She won’t be able to for long.”
I was surprised to realize that I wasn’t actually concerned with Millie at the moment, and I wasn’t terribly invested in whether or not she brought herself to apologize. She obviously remembered the events of the night before, but Millie was Millie, and there was very little changing her. Things would eventually get back to normal—or at least as normal as things ever were with my headstrong aunt. And after what I had learned about her forfeited daughter, I couldn’t find it in my heart to hold her outburst against her.
“Now, what do you mean we’ll find out firsthand? Find out about what?”
Redvers’ eyes turned mischievous. “I think we both could use a distraction, and tomorrow offers just the thing. Be sure to wear long sleeves and a sun hat again. We’ll head out directly after lunch.”
I was completely mystified, but I couldn’t get any more of an answer from the man.
* * *
The following afternoon found me standing awkwardly in the lobby. I was dressed in long sleeves, slacks, and my largest sun hat, feeling unsure about what the afternoon would bring.
I suffered a sneak attack from behind as Deanna wrapped her arms around me.
“Are you ready, Jane?” Her voice was bubbling with excitement, and Charlie grinned at me, hands stuffed in the pockets of his white linen pants.
“I suppose so. I’m just not sure for what.” But a laugh bubbled out of me. Deanna was infectious.
Redvers chose that moment to join us, and Deanna pulled me by the hand out the front entrance of the hotel. We climbed into their rented convertible and Redvers and I settled ourselves into the backseat. Charlie did a bit of a spin out from the parking lot, but was soon driving sedately in the direction of the pyramids. Redvers and I still kept one hand on our hats.
“It’s easier to drive this time,” Redvers told me.
“Well, I still don’t know where we’re going.” He answered me with a smirk, and I poked his arm.
Streams of people were heading in our direction, tourists and hotel employees alike, many of whom were on horseback or camel. I wondered if anyone would be left in the hotel. It was only minutes before we pulled into a parking lot near the Great Pyramid and walked toward where a large grandstand had been set up.
“Should we sit?” Charlie asked.
“I think it’s more exciting to stand along the track.” Deanna led us a little farther past the stands, and positioned our small group so we would have an open view. I could now see the crowd forming two walls of people along what appeared to be a track of sand in the center.
“Now will you tell me what this is?”
“It’s a gymkhana.”
I blinked several times at Redvers. “I hate to tell you this, but I have no earthly idea what that is.”
Deanna laughed. “I didn’t, either. Apparently, it’s a British-Hindi term for what are essentially horse races.” She bounced a bit on her feet.
“Camel races as well. And don’t forget the donkey races—both men and women are allowed to participate in those.” Redvers turned to me, a teasing smile playing across his mouth. “Would you like to enter? There might still be time.”
I laughed and shook my head. The excitement of the crowd around me was palpable and soon I could feel my own blood begin to thrill. Redvers was correct—this was the perfect distraction from my troubles. He reached down and briefly squeezed my hand, sending an entirely different type of rush through my system.
Trying to ignore my response, I cast my eyes over the throng around us. It seemed I would be able to keep an eye on most of the hotel staff and residents—nearly everyone I knew was visible somewhere in the crowd. The doctor was across the track from us, and Zaki and several members of the kitchen staff stood a short distance down from our position. I spotted Aunt Millie seated near the front of the stands with Lillian and Marie. Her eyes met mine and this time didn’t flinch away. Instead, she cocked her head slightly and raised an eyebrow. I paused, then gave a single nod and a small smile. Her face relaxed and her lips tipped up in return, before turning back to the chattering girls beside her.
Redvers watched the entire exchange. He cocked an eyebrow.
“Have you spoken to your aunt?”
“No.”
“So . . .”
“So that was the apology.”
Redvers looked incredulous, and I merely shook my head with a smile. “That’s more than most would get from Aunt Millie.” Things would soon return to normal between us. A tightness between my shoulders eased at the thought.
A military band began to play, interrupting any further conversation. Deanna clapped her hands in delight, and with a smile, Charlie watched her instead of the band.
The first several races were on horseback, nearly exclusively ridden by locals. I worried that the men were pushing the animals so hard in the heat, but Redvers assured me that the Arabian horses were bred for the weather and their endurance. The crowds clapped and cheered—everyone had a favorite, it seemed.
Behind the crowd on either side, I could see groups of men gathered in a circle, and I nudged Redvers’ arm and nodded in that direction. Zaki now stood among them near the center.
He read my unspoken question. “That is where the good doctor is losing his money today. And, apparently, our friend Zaki as well.”
Betting circles. Last night’s conversation made sense to me now.
I enjoyed the horse races, but I was not prepared for the sheer joy the camel races brought me. The ungainly animals seemed nearly graceful at high speeds, and I had no idea they could move so quickly. This was the race that more tourists participated in, and it seemed not quite as serious as the earlier horse races. I laughed out loud as one camel stood stubbornly at the starting line long past when all the rest had raced off, the hapless tourist bobbing in his seat trying to convince the animal to go. No luck. The camel then decided it was a delightful time to lie down, and the man nearly fell out of the saddle as the camel collapsed itself to the ground.
Shouts and laughter accompanied the racers to the finish line. I was not surprised to see a local man had won the race—the tourists seemed mostly unable to keep the camels moving, regardless of their experience in a saddle.
When the donkey racers lined up, I was shocked to see both Marie and the doctor astride a long-eared animal. Marie’s face looked grim as she glanced at the doctor, and he grinned at her in return.
At the starting pistol, Marie leaned forward and her donkey took off. My mouth hung open as she maintained her slight lead, the doctor close behind. If anything, the donkeys were even more difficult to control than the camels, but Marie held hers in steady check. I clasped my hands together when it seemed she would be overtaken near the end of the line, but with a final quick burst, Marie pulled ahead and finished first. I found myself grinning widely for her. I could see her face was triumphant, and I thought the look suited her. So did the knickers-style sport pants she was wearing; she had obviously come to Egypt prepared. I continued watching as Lillian met her at the finish line and gave her a hard hug. Marie looked fiercely proud, even as Lillian gave the doctor a polite handshake with a smile and a shake of the head at his loss.
Redvers looked at Marie in appreciation. “I had no idea she was such an accomplished rider.”
“I’m shocked myself.” I hadn’t thought Marie had any hobbies of her own, but it appeared I was wrong. The girl had hidden depths.
* * *
It was well after five when we returned to the hotel, caked in sand but in high spirits. After a wash-up, we regrouped in the lobby and headed in to dinner together. Charlie and Deanna regaled us with tales from the stage, and my frequent glances at Redvers showed a man enjoying himself. Warmth pooled in my stomach.
Yet after such a long day in the heat and the sun, I excused myself after only one drink in the lounge. Despite the protests from both Deanna and Charlie, and even Redvers
himself, I was done in. Egypt’s heat was never truly going to agree with me, it seemed, and after having spent the day awash in sound and color, I needed some quiet time to unwind.
I had just pulled back the covers to crawl into bed when I heard heated words being exchanged in the hallway outside. I couldn’t tell who the speakers were, but I turned and started toward the door, grabbing my silk robe along the way. A sudden thump just outside hurried my footsteps.
I opened my door to find Aunt Millie unconscious on the floor with Redvers standing over her, a cricket bat at his feet.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
I rushed to Millie’s side, immediately putting my face near her own to see if she was still breathing. She was.
“Aunt Millie . . . Millie, can you hear me?”
Millie gave a slight moan but she didn’t wake.
“What did you do to her?” I shouted the words at Redvers, who looked shocked at the accusation. He bent down to check Millie’s pulse, but I pushed at him, and he straightened and took a step back, face grim. Several doors nearby opened, and another robed guest entered the hall. One look at the scene before him sent the middle-aged gentleman hurrying quickly toward the front desk.
“Call the doctor!” I called after him.
“I would never hurt your aunt,” Redvers said quietly. His voice had a dangerous edge to it, which didn’t help his case.
I refused to answer. All the lies Redvers had told and all the times I couldn’t explain what he was up to flooded back to me the moment I saw him standing over my aunt’s crumpled body. I had trusted this man with everything, and now I may have paid for that foolish trust with my aunt’s life. Rage bubbled up and held my tears at bay. I pushed the cricket bat behind my aunt, putting myself between it and Redvers. I touched it as little as I could for fear of leaving my own fingerprints. Or smudging those of my aunt’s attacker.
Redvers didn’t come any closer, but I kept one eye on him. I tried to move my aunt as little as possible, but I monitored the pulse in her wrist. It was threaded, but distinct. Minutes that felt like years passed before the doctor appeared at a full-out sprint, fell to his knees, and immediately began appraising Millie’s condition. I stepped to the other side of the hall to give him space. The stranger who had fetched the doctor returned, breathing heavily, and stood beside me.
Murder at the Mena House Page 20