“Let’s move her to her rooms.” Dr. Williams gestured for Redvers to assist him.
“No,” I said loudly. I grabbed the stranger’s arm next to me, giving him a little push toward the doctor and my aunt. He did as he was told, and Redvers turned on his heel and left. I felt a twist in my gut. If he had hurt her, would he have stayed to make sure she was taken care of? I shook my head. The police could sort that out.
But the cricket bat could not stay in the hallway. I pulled the sleeve of my robe over my hand and gingerly picked it up, bringing it into Millie’s room and setting it gently on the desk.
The men settled Millie in her room and my heart continued to flutter as I paced near her bedroom door. Dr. Williams came over after a moment.
“Do you know what happened?”
“No. I heard people arguing outside my room—it must have been Millie and Mr. Redvers—and then I heard a thump, and that must have been him hitting her or maybe her hitting the floor. When I opened the door, he was standing over her and she was lying there . . .”
The words were coming too fast, and I hoped the doctor was able to make sense of them. My brain was still trying to make sense of the scene, and my fear for Millie warred with the crushing pain of Redvers’ apparent betrayal.
“Will she be okay?” I held my breath for the answer.
“We’ll have to see. She’s suffered a serious blow to the head. But we’ll do our best for her.”
He gave me a look of compassion, and yet again I felt guilty for my earlier suspicions against him. He was a good doctor.
“You might as well go back to bed,” he continued. “There’s nothing you can do here, and I’ll take care of her overnight. Come back in the morning.”
I began to argue, but he gave me a pat on the shoulder and a firm shake of the head. The stranger I pressed into service was already gone.
I gazed around the room and flapped my hands uselessly against my side. “What if she wakes up and I’m not here?”
“Mrs. Wunderly, I hate to put it to you like this, but she’s not likely to wake up tonight.”
My watery eyes gave way to fat tears.
“You’ll do her more good if you rest now.”
“Will you show the police the weapon?” I pointed to the cricket bat, lying innocently on the desk.
He assured me that he would. Without touching it.
I finally gave in and left the room. I realized I would be in his way, and my anxiety wasn’t of any service. The doctor needed to concentrate on Millie, not me.
Returning to my rooms, I remembered the cricket bat Redvers had given me for bug hunting, and realized that I hadn’t seen the wooden bat in days. After several nights of diligent searches, I had become lax in my evening patrols. I checked around my room now, and nervously pulled at my ear. The bat was nowhere to be found. It looked as though someone had taken the bat from my room and attacked my aunt with it. The thought horrified me.
There was no way I was going to sleep, so I changed into flowing linen trousers and a matching blouse. I was going to look for some answers.
* * *
I slipped through the mostly empty halls. It seemed the saloon had emptied early—not even the usual late-night partygoers were out and about. I stopped at the front desk, where a concerned clerk assured me that the police had been rung. I thanked him, then pondered my next move.
I decided to head to Redvers’ quarters. He had a head start, but with a little luck, I could catch up with him. If he was planning to make an escape, I would stop him.
I crept down the hallway where his room was located, but all was still. I moved to his door and pressed my ear against the wood, hoping to hear something—snoring or the sounds of packing, but the room was silent. I pursed my lips and pushed off in the direction of the common areas instead.
As I neared the dining room, I heard heated whispers again. I wasn’t able to make out what they were saying, but I could tell it was two men, and both voices struck me as familiar. I looked down at my heeled shoes and realized I wouldn’t be able to come much closer without being detected. I reached down and began slipping my shoes off, but then the voices began to fade. As quietly as I could, I crept to the doorway and peeked my head around the corner.
I was too late. The voices’ owners were gone.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
“Damn,” I whispered. I waited a moment before moving into the darkened room myself. The electric lights had been turned off, and the sliver of moon in the sky cast weak light through the tall windows. It wasn’t enough to see by. I cursed a variety of people and places as I banged my right shin on a chair, and then the left—I could barely make out the shapes of furniture in my path. I put my hands out in front of me and moved a little more slowly, managing to avoid all but a few more thumps.
I was going to be black-and-blue in the morning.
I finally reached the French doors leading to the terrace, and approaching cautiously, I peered through the glass. Squinting, I could make out two figures moving across the grass. I immediately recognized the easy, loping walk of the taller man.
Redvers.
The other figure wore flowing robes and was also familiar, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on who it was.
I had a moment’s panic when I reached for the knob, but the doors were not yet locked for the night. I moved onto the terrace, where I was now able to see the obstacles in my way—the moonlight was dim, but brighter in the open. I was also able to follow more quickly, and I kept to the dark tree line to avoid being seen.
Following these two out into the night—unarmed—was not my brightest idea, but each time I paused, I remembered my aunt and fresh rage propelled me forward.
Before long, I realized the men were heading toward the stables. The building was deserted this time of night, since the stable hands had retired back to Mena Village. From a distance, I saw the robed figure unlock the doors and gesture for Redvers to enter before him. He turned his face, and in a brief moonlit moment, I realized it was Zaki.
I didn’t have time to wonder why the men were in the horse stable together. Instead, I waited for Zaki to follow Redvers into the building, and then I slipped up and hid behind the open door, grateful he hadn’t closed it behind him.
It occurred to me that the entire time the men had been walking across the grounds, I hadn’t heard so much as a whisper. But once in the white stucco building, the argument I overheard earlier resumed.
“Why are you doing this?” Redvers asked.
For a moment, I was confused. What was Zaki doing?
“I cannot let you go. You saw what happened tonight.” Zaki’s voice had a ring of desperation.
The sound of restless hooves and snorting noses drifted out on the night air—the arrival of two strangers had agitated the animals. I tried to peer through the crack in the door, but it revealed nothing. I needed to get a glimpse of what was happening.
I crouched down, away from eye level, and risked a quick peek around the corner. Zaki had his back to me and was holding a small black revolver.
A revolver aimed at Redvers.
It appeared I had interpreted the events of the evening incorrectly.
“I don’t understand why you attacked Mrs. Stanley.” Redvers’ voice was growing ever so slightly fainter and I risked another look. He was backing slowly down the center path, drawing Zaki farther away from me.
I assumed it was unintentional—he hadn’t seen me yet. I slipped off my shoes, and praying fervently Zaki wouldn’t turn around, I crept quietly around the door. I could not afford one false step.
Despite the tremble shaking my entire body, I went slowly, gravel piercing the bottoms of my feet, twisting my mouth into a grimace. To my right was a tack area that shared a wall with the first stall, and I pressed myself against the rough wood. I scanned my body to make sure I was out of their sight line and practiced my controlled-breathing exercises as quietly as I was able. The pulse of my blood pounded in my ears.
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“That old woman is much too clever,” Zaki said. “And far too nosy. She saw me enter the changing room where I hid Dr. Williams’s gun. And she saw me with Samara too many times—she was always watching. It was only a matter of time before she put things together.”
I hadn’t realized that Millie saw anything, but she and I hadn’t exactly been on speaking terms lately. If Zaki had hidden the gun, it could only mean one thing.
“You think she was going to put together that you killed Samara,” Redvers said slowly. He was working out the pieces just as I was.
“Samara and I had a good arrangement. When I brought drinks to the gambling room, I would signal to him what cards the others had, and he would give me a cut of the winnings.”
“And no one noticed you cheating?”
“No one notices the staff.” Years of mounting anger set each of Zaki’s words ablaze. “We are servants to you, peasants. You say hello, good morning, but you never really see us. I bring the drinks, and all you see are the drinks. You never see me, Zaki the man.”
I felt a spark of shame as his words struck home. As much as I liked Zaki, how much did I ever really notice him? Had I ever seen him as a person?
It sounded like Zaki and Samara had a good system worked out for themselves. They probably made a fair bit of money—until Charlie Parks came along.
I was letting the story distract me. Right now, I needed a plan to keep Zaki from shooting Redvers. I peered around the corner, and my eyes fell on the latch of the stall adjacent to the wall where I stood. It was nearly within reach. I gave the wood next to me a small kick, and the horse on the other side startled. Fortunately, the noise was lost in the restless horse sounds around us.
“Samara got greedy when he realized how good the American man was at card tricks. He said he did not need me anymore.” Zaki’s voice now shook with rage. “I thought if I planted the blackmail papers in his room, your lady friend would turn him in to the police. But no.”
That explained where Zaki had disappeared to after I saw him in the dining room. It also explained why he was so happy to give me Amon’s room number, and why the door was left unlocked. But he hadn’t counted on the papers incriminating my aunt and my stealing one of them—I could hardly call the police after that. He must not have read the papers very carefully.
The time for action was running out. I popped my head around the corner one last time. Redvers snuck a fast glance my way, and this time, I knew he had seen me. I held my breath, waiting to see if Zaki noticed.
Zaki never turned around.
Redvers maintained eye contact with Zaki after that, shuffling side to side to keep Zaki’s attention trained solely on him. I went to work on the latch, slowly easing the metal clasp apart. I couldn’t afford for it to make noise. The horse behind the stall door bumped against the wall and moved his feet restlessly.
“So you killed him.” Redvers was trying to draw the story out and focus Zaki’s attention.
“He threatened me. He said I would lose not only the money we made, but also my job if I turned him in.” The gun started to shake in Zaki’s hand.
The latch came apart and I swung the door toward me, ducking down behind it. The horse bolted from the stall, and Zaki turned in surprise, a shot ringing out and knocking wood splinters from the wall above me. As Zaki turned toward the massive black horse rearing on its hind legs, Redvers leapt forward and grabbed the gun, wrenching it from Zaki’s hand. Just as quickly, Redvers hit Zaki squarely upside the head with the black metal weapon, and Zaki crumpled to the ground. The horse, to its credit, spied the open door behind us, and once all four hooves found the ground again, it bolted for freedom. For its own safety, I hoped it wouldn’t go far.
Redvers was bent over, hands on knees, gun still clutched in his right hand. He looked up at me. “Thanks for that.”
I came out from behind the door and brushed down the front of my pants as nonchalantly as I was able.
“Anytime,” I said lightly. My face grew serious. “Redvers, I’m sorry I thought—”
He cut me off. “You don’t have to say anything. I understand.” He gave me a crooked smile. “Besides, you just saved my life. We’re probably even.”
We shared a long look, and I hoped he would be able to forgive me for thinking he was behind Millie’s attack.
Hands on hips, I looked down at Zaki’s unmoving body. “Did you kill him?”
“I think he’ll be fine.” Redvers came to stand beside me and gave Zaki’s leg a little push with his foot. He didn’t stir.
Looking closely, I could now see Zaki’s chest moving slightly up and down.
“Do you think he killed Anna also?” I asked.
“I’m sure Inspector Hamadi will be happy to find out.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
I hurried back to the hotel and called the police while Redvers watched over our prisoner. I also let the desk clerk know that someone needed to retrieve a stray horse—I didn’t want it getting lost in the desert.
By the time the police arrived, Zaki was starting to wake up. The inspector was thrilled to have a suspect in hand, but he was not shy about sharing his feelings over my involvement. Frankly, he seemed disappointed that I was in the clear. He still snarled a few threats in my direction, then offered his condolences about my aunt and his hope for her recovery. He clearly enjoyed keeping me off balance.
Redvers seemed inclined to stay with the police and accompany the inspector back to the station, so I offered an awkward wave and a good night before heading back to the quiet hotel alone. It was an uncomfortable way to leave things, but I wasn’t about to make any sort of apology in front of Inspector Hamadi.
I checked on Millie—no change—before crawling into bed fully clothed and falling into an exhausted and dreamless sleep.
* * *
I awoke in the morning with a heavy weight in my chest. Zaki’s arrest had officially cleared my name of the murders, but thoughts of Millie still plagued me. I was also uneasy about where I stood with Redvers. I put on fresh clothes in a hurry, not noticing until I was nearly out the door that my skirt was on backward.
When I knocked at Millie’s door, Dr. Williams answered. His eyes were shot through with red, but his face looked hopeful.
“Is she . . . ?” was all I could manage.
“She’s doing well.” Dr. Williams gave me an encouraging smile. “She came around for a bit, but is asleep again now. She had a whopper of a headache, so I gave her something for that. You can stay for a bit if you like, but try not to wake her. She needs the rest. I’m going to bed, but I’ll be back again this afternoon to check on her.”
I nodded and went in to see her. Her round face was pale against the pillow, but her breathing seemed steady and sure. I decided to sit with her for a while.
I wasn’t there ten minutes before Lillian came knocking at the door.
“I heard what happened last night.” Lillian’s face was pale and worried. “When she didn’t come down to breakfast, I started asking around. Oh, Jane. Will she be okay?” Lillian had moved to Millie’s bedside and was fluttering, trying to decide if she should take one of Millie’s hands.
I moved to Lillian’s side and squeezed her trembling hand with mine. “She’s going to be fine. She’s awfully tough. The doctor said we should let her rest now, but she did come around for him this morning.”
A great gust escaped from Lillian’s lungs, and she gave me a wobbly smile.
“Could I have some time alone with her?” Lillian asked.
I was surprised, but nodded.
“I only just found her,” she added.
I wondered if perhaps Lillian knew more than we thought. But rather than ask unwanted questions, I quietly exited the room. I stood in the hallway for a moment, feeling relieved that Millie would recover. I decided to check in on her later in the afternoon.
I no longer had a clear direction for my morning. After a few moments, I decided to fuel up on caffeine and headed
to the breakfast room.
I paused at the doorway of the dining room, expecting Zaki’s cheerful greeting before I remembered his arrest. It felt strange to miss Zaki’s smiling face, especially since he was the reason for so much suffering. His post was empty for the moment, and I moved into the room.
Redvers was at a table near the windows, reading the paper. I hesitated, feeling awkward about the fact that I had recently accused him of attempted murder. But he looked up and smiled at me warmly, so I headed toward him.
“Good morning,” I said softly.
“Good morning. Coffee?”
I realized that he had already ordered a full pot especially for me. I smiled gratefully, inhaling the fragrant steam as he poured me a cup.
His smile fell away. “How is Millie?”
“She’s doing well. The doctor said she’ll recover.”
“That’s excellent news.” Redvers seemed genuinely relieved and I felt another stab of guilt for suspecting him.
“Lillian is with her now. She asked for some time alone with her.”
Redvers cocked an eyebrow.
“I agree. Maybe she knows more than we give her credit for,” I said.
“It’s entirely possible. Hopefully you’ll be able to talk with Millie soon.”
I pulled a face. “She’s going to be in quite the mood when she wakes up. I can’t imagine the headache.”
Redvers grimaced and then we shared a smile.
“I spoke to Inspector Hamadi this morning,” Redvers said.
“That was fast.”
“I couldn’t sleep.”
I looked for signs of a sleepless night on his face and found none. I came close to rolling my eyes. I could feel how puffy my own face was and it felt as though someone had rubbed grit beneath my eyelids.
“Apparently, Zaki told the inspector quite a lot. He and Samara had a whole system worked out for communicating about the cards.”
Murder at the Mena House Page 21