I nodded. I had heard as much the night before.
“And Zaki had come to depend on that money—it was quite lucrative for them,” he said.
“So why kill Samara?”
“Zaki didn’t realize that Charlie had no intention of working with Samara. And with Samara out of the way, he thought he could partner with Charlie, instead.”
“That makes sense.” I covered a yawn. I was interested, but dead tired.
Redvers eyed me and I motioned for him to go on.
“Zaki was also afraid of losing his job if Samara talked. He had a great deal of pride in the position, and he got nervous when Samara was interrogated by the police. He was afraid everything was going to come out. So Zaki arranged to meet Samara in the gaming room that night after everyone had gone, then killed him.”
“But Samara had only arrived a few days ago. How could they have worked out such an elaborate scheme so quickly?”
Redvers poured me another cup of coffee. “Amon was a regular here. He did a circuit of fine hotels and this was one of his stops. He would move on to the next if it seemed like management or other players were catching on, but then return after a month or so. Between the cards and the older ladies, Amon was quite the crook.”
I shook my head and thought about Zaki. Despite everything he had done, my heart went out to his family—especially Nenet. “I met his fiancée—she was so lovely. I’m very sorry for her.”
Redvers’ brows drew together. “As far as I know, Zaki wasn’t engaged. I’ll ask the inspector, but I feel fairly certain.”
“Why would he have lied about that?” I was genuinely confused. What purpose would such a story have served?
Redvers shrugged. “Who can say?”
I paused for a moment. “Did you learn anything else?”
“Well, Zaki had the blackmail papers. They were Anna’s.”
“So it was Anna all along.” At least I had guessed correctly about that.
“She was the mastermind. Apparently, she was quite fond of spending money, and when her father could no longer afford her expensive tastes, she began looking for an income stream elsewhere.” Redvers’ lip curled. “Zaki admitted to stealing her blackmail materials—he was hoping she would pay to get them back. And then he hid them in Samara’s room for you to find.”
It made sense. Anna had been fond of beautiful things. And those things cost quite a bit of money.
“I suppose it was easy for Zaki—he had access to all the keys.”
“Precisely. And no one suspected him because he was so helpful and managed to blend into the background at the same time.”
I sighed, suddenly remembering the weapon used to assault Aunt Millie. “Did he take the cricket bat from my room as well?”
Redvers nodded. “Apparently, he took it a couple days ago. He was looking for something to incriminate you with and found the bat in your bedroom. He thought it might be useful.”
It made me sad that he had been trying to cast guilt my way. I had genuinely liked the man and he seemed so earnest. But I also felt uneasy that someone had been in my rooms and I hadn’t noticed.
“Do you think he’s the one who planted the scorpion?” Thoughts of the little black insect sent a violent shudder through me.
“Most likely. He saw you talking with all the major players that day. He was probably trying to warn you off. I should mention it to Hamadi and have him ask about that as well.”
“I’m lucky he didn’t try again and plant one in my room. I stopped searching after a few nights.”
“I think he was merely trying to scare you with the first one. Putting a scorpion in your bed would have meant a bite for certain. And alone in your room, you wouldn’t have been able to call for help.”
I let my good fortune sink in for a moment.
“Last night . . .” I paused. I was apprehensive about bringing up last night’s attack, but I needed a few answers. “How did you get there so fast?”
“I was worried about you, so I had my things moved into the empty room across from yours.”
“When was this?”
“Two days ago.”
Redvers’ concern was touching, but it had worked against him. Because he was on the scene so quickly, I assumed he was guilty of the attack.
Then I wondered whose door I had been listening at when I had been searching for him.
“I was going to retrieve a note from the front desk, and I heard your aunt and Zaki arguing. I wasn’t in time to stop him from hitting her. And then he managed to slip into the adjacent hall just as I came through my door.”
I had been across the room when I heard the voices and stopped for my robe, so I had missed Zaki’s escape and found the aftermath, instead. “I’m so sorry.” I wasn’t sure I could ever apologize enough. I reached out and grasped his hand on the table.
He shook his head and covered our clasped hands with his other strong hand. “Nothing to apologize for. It looked terrible, and I should have been more truthful with you all along. I also should have let you know that I relocated.”
We shared a warm smile.
Colonel Stainton chose that moment to approach our table, and we pulled our hands apart.
“Good morning, Miss Wunderly.” He sounded more like his cheerful self. He acknowledged Redvers with a cool nod, but it seemed not even Redvers’ presence could dampen his spirits.
“How are you, Colonel Stainton?” My tingling hands were back in my lap. Redvers was like lightning for my nerve endings.
“I hear that things are all wrapped up with that waiter’s arrest. It’s capital news. It means my poor Anna will be released and I can take her home.”
“When will you leave?” I asked.
“First thing tomorrow.” He tapped his cane against the ground. “I must say, when things finally do get rolling around here, they really do get rolling.”
“Well, that must certainly be a relief for you.”
“Yes, thank you, dear.” He cleared his throat. “I must go now. I just wanted to say good-bye in case I didn’t see you again. I have much to do before tomorrow. Lots of arrangements to make.”
Redvers and I both stood up from the table. I gave the colonel my hand and we shook good-bye as I wished him the best of luck.
He turned and stiffly shook Redvers’ hand next.
“Good-bye, Colonel. Safe travels.” Redvers’ voice was polite, but lacked any warmth.
“Thank you, Mr. Redvers.”
The colonel nodded once more at me and then hurried away.
I watched him leave. “He said things have been wrapped up and they are releasing Anna’s body. Hamadi must be convinced that Zaki also killed Anna.”
“It looks that way, although last I heard, Zaki was still insisting he had nothing to do with it. He claims he was home in bed when her murder happened. But the same caliber gun was used, and Zaki had easy access to it.”
“The keys,” I said.
“The keys,” Redvers agreed. “He was able to enter the doctor’s room undetected and steal the gun.”
“I feel like there’s something we’re missing. Why wouldn’t he just confess to Anna’s murder as well? He’s already admitted to killing Samara and trying to kill my aunt.”
Redvers shook his head; he didn’t have the answer to that.
“And what about the smuggling? Does this mean the smuggling had nothing to do with anything?” It felt like something still wasn’t fitting together. I just couldn’t put my finger on what it was.
“Well, we know who was doing the smuggling, just not the how.” Redvers nodded after the colonel. “And now it appears I have a very short deadline to find that answer.”
“Before he leaves tomorrow.”
Redvers nodded.
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
After breakfast, Redvers went on his way and I checked back in with Aunt Millie. She was awake, but just barely. She gave me a weak smile before closing her eyes again. Her head was still in a lot of pain
, and she was sleeping most hours of the day, but I was relieved to see her awake for even that short time. The doctor was continuing to monitor her progress, and Lillian barely left her side, making sure she was eating and drinking a little something during the times she was awake. I offered Lillian a break from her vigil, but she quietly shook her head.
With Millie taken care of, I was at loose ends and feeling restless. Redvers had gone in search of evidence to sew up his case against Colonel Stainton—alone. I tried to sit by the pool and read, but my mind wouldn’t stop tumbling over facts and faces, so I soon gave that up. I wandered aimlessly through the corridors until lunch, where I dined alone, picking at the delicious meal that held no appeal for me. I only managed to choke down a few bites.
After lunch, I decided to take a walk on the grounds. It was hot, but getting the blood circulating might help me think things through—or exhaust me enough that I could actually rest. I had not gone far when it struck me that I should find out where Mena Village was located. A chat with the lovely Nenet might answer some of my questions about Zaki’s lies, and my mind would have fewer things to worry at. I turned back toward the lobby.
I asked at the front desk where I could find the workers’ village, although it earned me a strange look. The young man assured me that the quickest path would be to set out across the golf course, but it would also put me in the way of fast-moving golf balls, even in the scorching afternoon sun. People’s devotion to the sport never ceased to amaze me. I decided to take the long road out around the edges of the property, but since it was quite a hike, I decided to save my feet and ride there, instead.
I walked leisurely to the stables, yet again going over the events of the night before. I couldn’t come up with a motive for Zaki to have killed Anna that fit with everything I knew. I wanted the case closed as much as the inspector did—even more so—but I wasn’t convinced we had all the answers.
Once the building came into view, I was reminded of last night’s episode. The white stucco building looked completely different in the daylight, cheerful and busy, with guests and stable hands scattered about. None of the menace remained and I found myself breathing out anxiety I wasn’t even aware of.
At my request for a horse, a quiet young man sized me up and headed into the depths of the stable. He returned with a small, docile-looking chestnut mare named Bibi. As he saddled her, I stroked her velvet nose and she snuffled at my hands, looking for a treat.
Bibi and I headed out slowly. I didn’t want to overtax the horse in the heat, even though she was doubtless more accustomed to it than I was. It didn’t take long for me to feel comfortable in the saddle once again, those long-ago riding lessons coming back as if they were yesterday.
As we neared the village, I could see low mud brick buildings scattered in a random pattern. Geese wandered about, occasionally splitting the quiet afternoon with a honk, while livestock sought refuge from the sun under low overhangs. I realized I would have to ask where Nenet lived, and hoped she would be home. It just occurred to me that she might be in town tending her dress shop—what most shopkeepers would be doing this time of day.
Small faces peered at me from open doorways as my horse plodded toward the main square. I spotted a well near the center of town and dismounted, grabbing the reins and leading Bibi toward the water. As I pumped at the handle, several of the children dared to come near, and one held the community bucket for me as I pumped. I gave Bibi the fresh water, then turned to the curious faces staring at me.
“Do you speak English?” I fully expected no response.
The children looked one to another, and finally one small boy with dark hair flopping over his forehead, stepped forward.
“Little.” His eyes were dark and serious as he regarded me.
I had no idea if these children were educated, and remembered what Zaki had said about wealthy tourists ignoring the locals, treating them as servants. I felt shame creep up my neck, and I promised myself to learn more about the people of the country I was visiting.
“What’s your name?” I asked him.
“Kadir.”
“Kadir, do you know Nenet?”
He nodded solemnly.
“Where does Nenet live?”
The children conferred in chattering Arabic, and I waited for the results of their conference from their spokesperson.
“We show you,” Kadir said.
One small girl took Bibi’s reins from me and walked next to me as I led a small parade of children to Nenet’s house. We wound through a number of dusty alleys before coming to a stop before a small, tidy mud brick house. It didn’t look as if anyone was home.
The children looked at me expectantly, and I realized it would have been wise to bring some sort of gift with me. I checked my pockets and pulled out a few Egyptian coins. I wasn’t sure how best to distribute the funds, so I looked to Kadir and told him to share. He nodded his understanding, and though he kept the largest amount for himself, he seemed to disburse the rest of the money fairly amongst his compatriots. We shared a nod, and I stifled a laugh at his solemn little face. Within moments, all the children scampered off, their entertainment for the afternoon over.
At the darkened doorway, I called out for Nenet, but there was no response. I didn’t feel comfortable entering her home with no one there—which was frankly surprising, given how many hotel rooms I had broken into lately. Instead, I walked my horse around back, looking for some shade where the both of us could rest. There was a large overhang at the back of the house, most likely used as a small porch, and I led Bibi into its shade.
I tied her reins to one of the supports, hoping she wouldn’t get any ideas about pulling the whole thing down. It took several moments of struggle with the hardware, but I finally figured out how to remove her saddle. I pulled away the colorful pads underneath, soaked with sweat from the ride, and used one to wipe down her back. I rubbed her soft nose for a moment before stepping away, and she soon closed her eyes, tail twitching periodically to swat away flies. One of the children had carried a bucket of water with us, and I set it within Bibi’s reach.
I was beginning to think that my plan to turn up unannounced had been a foolish one. There was no telling how long I would have to wait for Nenet to return home, if this was even where she lived. The children could have simply parked me at the nearest vacant house, although the front stoop was well swept and the yard neatly tended. I felt hopeful I was in the right place.
I looked around for a place in the shade to sit. Bibi was taking up most of the space under the overhang, and I didn’t think taking a seat near her large hooves was the best of plans. She was a sweet girl, but if something spooked her, I would be crushed. Avoiding the sun wasn’t worth the risk.
A large tree beckoned me from the corner of the yard, and I sank down against its trunk. I adjusted my large-brimmed hat and tucked my limbs in, out of the sun. I must have fallen asleep, because when I next opened my eyes, I could hear someone moving around at the front of the house. I stood stiffly and brushed myself off. I checked on the peaceful horse before walking around the side of the house.
“Hello, Nenet.” The sound of my voice startled her and she whirled around.
“Mrs. Wunderly!” Nenet put a hand to her heart. “You surprised me. What are you doing here?”
“I just wanted to talk with you a bit. I have some questions about Zaki, I’m afraid.” She nodded, somewhat sadly, and motioned me into her house.
It was simple but clean. The centerpiece of the room was a beautiful fabric wall hanging and I found myself glancing at it frequently. The woven design was intricate and the light from the window caught flashes of gold thread intertwined with the bold reds and oranges. It was stunning and I wondered if it was a family heirloom, or something she had made herself. A wooden chair sat opposite a worn bench with upholstered cushions that had been recently re-covered. Despite the sparse furnishing, the room felt cozy and lived-in.
“I heard about Zaki. We all hea
rd. It is very sad.” Nenet gestured for me to sit down.
“It is sad,” I agreed. “I liked him very much.”
Nenet nodded.
“But he told me that you were to be married.”
Nenet rolled her eyes. “I was very fond of Zaki, but I was not going to marry him. I was married to a man called Aswan, but he died during the war. It is how I came to own the shop.”
I nodded. I knew plenty about losing a husband during the war.
“Zaki decided that he was going to marry me, and asked me about it frequently. But I have no intention of marrying again. And if I do, it will be for love.” Nenet shrugged. “It was very annoying, his constant courtship. He would not take no for an answer. But it’s hard to believe he killed a man.”
“Yes.” I sighed. “But he did confess to Mr. Samara’s murder.”
“What about that young woman? Did he kill her as well?”
I shook my head. “He claims he did not. But he does not have an alibi.”
Nenet nodded. “I see her father—he is a military man? He is here in the village quite often.”
I went very still. “Do you know why he is in the village so often?”
“No, but he meets with a man who lives several houses down.” Her face darkened. “He is called Radwa.”
“You look as though you don’t care for him very much.”
Nenet shook her head. “We all work very hard here in Mena Village, but this man, he does not work at all. Radwa has been in much trouble, ever since he was a young man.”
That sounded like someone who would be involved in a smuggling racket. I couldn’t believe my extraordinary luck. Of course, Mena Village was small enough that everyone probably knew everyone else—and everyone else’s business. But I was excited to be so close to the answers Redvers was looking for.
Not, of course, that I wanted to see the colonel locked up. But if he was involved in stealing artifacts and selling them to wealthy collectors, I had no problem turning him in. As much as I liked him, I truly felt that antiquities smuggling should be stopped.
“Can you show me which house he lives in?” I asked.
Murder at the Mena House Page 22