A Despicable Crime Read online

  “That is correct.”

  “Any chance you still remember what the fellow looked like?”

  “Sorry, no.”

  Vic sighed in disappointment. “That’s a shame...given your perfect memory and all.”

  Barns glared at Vic. “I will assess the matter.”

  “Excellent! Did you actually look at the fellow being interrogated downstairs?”

  “Not really. But he was well-dressed,” Barns pointed out.

  “He is well-dressed now. In fact, he is quite the dandy. None of us dress up so fancy. And it turns out, he lives in a building owned by Seth Sojourn. Which is odd, since Seth only lets his employees rent space in his buildings.”

  “That’s true,” Tubs stated. “At first, I thought the fellow was just lying about living there, but then it turned out that he does live there, which means he works for Seth Sojourn.”

  Barns frowned. “How did you even know to go there?”

  Xavier spoke up. “A minister I trusted gave me his address.”

  “Well, I must say, having so many brilliant minds in a single room, is clarifying matters very well. However, I need all of you to give me your word that you will not speak of this matter outside of this office. Otherwise, they will close-up shop and disappear, and I will not be able to prosecute them.”

  “My people know how to keep a secret,” Xavier stated.

  Vic sighed. “I swear to you, Barns, I will keep my mouth shut.”

  “I know you will.” He gave Vic a faint smile. “I think we’ve made fabulous progress today working as a team.”

  Vic decided to test Barn’s new open-mindedness. “Why don’t you come down with us and take a peak in the interrogation room. Mr. Roberts will probably be worse for the wear by now. You might even recognize him this time.”

  “Vic, no one could turn the guy I saw taking the diamonds away into Mr. Roberts.”

  “You should have seen me after I went through an interrogation. Just take a peek,” she suggested. “If nothing else, you will stop believing the saying that a fine suit makes a man.”

  Xavier was surprised when Vic headed straight out to the carriage. He ran to catch up. “Are you not going to hang about and see if you are right about Mr. Roberts?”

  “No, I’m not,” Vic stated. “He either sees I’m right or he won’t. I’m ready to call it a night.”

  “You are both growing up very well. I am most pleased!”

  Once they entered the carriage, she gripped the lapels of his collar. “Do not attempt to be my parent, Xavier Thorn. I already have a butler/parent. You are my true love, as I am yours. Thus, we are equal partners.”

  Xavier lowered the shades and pulled her into his arms. “Indeed, we are. But allow me to say, you outdid yourself today. I have never seen such fine sleuthing pulled from a pile of bullshit before.”

  Vic pushed him back. “Are you insulting or praising me?”

  Xavier laughed. “The latter to be sure. You have honed your skill so well, that even when they send in a persuasive fellow feeding us lie after lie, you still can extract the truth from the nonsense.”

  “Don’t be too proud of me. I still don’t understand why he came at all.”

  Xavier pulled back and his brow furrowed. “That is a very good point. Why the bloody hell did Seth Sojourn send the man to us?”

  “Hold on! We swore we wouldn’t discuss the matter without Barns being present. So, let’s set it aside and do something fun.”

  “Such as?”

  “What do you think?”

  “I think it sounds delightful, but before we do, I need to check on my mother and great-grandmother and make certain they have settled in and like their new staff.”

  “Yes! Let us do that first.”

  Xavier had Davy drive around to the front gate of Vivian’s new home. Since the gate was closed, he rang the bell quite loudly. Jonas opened the door, carried a light out to the gate and unlocked it. He then hurried them inside the gate and quickly locked it again.

  “Thank God you’ve returned. Several men arrived soon after you both left in your carriage this afternoon.”

  “I imagine they were the security guards. Did you refuse them entrance?”

  “These were not the security guards. These men were clearly brigands attempting to break in. Thus, I began lockdown procedures.”

  “So, the guards had not arrived yet?”

  “No, sir, but they did show up soon afterwards and carried the intruders away.”

  “How are Vivian and Charlotte?”

  “They are fine, well... better than fine. They are celebrating their ability to stave off armed-villains.”

  “Are you saying the ladies assisted in battling the brigands?” Xavier asked softly.

  Vic gripped his hand, knowing he was far more upset than he appeared.

  “No, sir. I’m saying Lady Charlotte spotted them from her upstairs window and yelled down to first floor that brigands were at the gate. At first, I thought she was teasing, for she seemed so happy. Still, I could not take a chance, so I ensured all the windows were locked and gated on the bottom floor. Suddenly I heard three gunshots in rapid succession. I rushed upstairs to ensure both ladies were unharmed, only to discover Lady Charlotte had shot all three men as they attempted to use grappling hooks to get over the fence.”

  “So, no servants, nor yourself, assisted them?” Xavier bellowed.

  “There was no time for any of us to assist. Before I could assure all windows were secured, the men were dead. The servants and I are willing to die to protect our mistresses, but the manual you provided me, clearly states that my first action is to verify all windows on the first floor are locked and gated.”

  “That is true. You did everything correctly. I apologize for my unfair outburst. Are the security guards here now?”

  “Two of the security have carried away the dead bodies. And the other man is constantly circling the premises. I did however, go upstairs and let Lady Charlotte know the fellow circling the house was one of her security guards, so she wouldn’t shoot him.”

  “And where is the security guard now?”

  “I’m right here, sir,” an older fellow spoke behind him. “And may I say your mother has an impressive aim. Three shots, three kills. All very tidy.”

  Xavier turned to the fellow. It was the older army captain he had hired as the one in charge of the two younger soldiers. “And what did you do with them?”

  “They’re gone for good, sir.”

  “It is very likely that someone heard the shots,” Xavier warned.

  “Yes, but once we arrived, I stayed and set off fireworks to celebrate our brave and competent ladies. We did have to shut down the fireworks early though. Some of the neighbors didn’t appreciate the noise.”

  Xavier smiled at the fellow’s solution. “A very clever ploy to disguise the gun shots. You are also surprisingly light-footed, for I never heard you approach at all. Well done. Carry on!”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  Once inside the house, Vic ran to the library, certain the ladies would be inside. When she entered the room and hugged the women, both ladies proved to be considerably intoxicated.

  Xavier entered as well and kissed his mother on her cheek. “I had no idea you could shoot so well.”

  “In Kentucky, even girls are taught to shoot. And while I never thought I’d shoot another human, when I realized these men were climbing the fifteen-foot spiked gate, so they could kidnap me, thus forcing you to do their bidding, I had no trouble shooting the vermin.”

  Xavier hugged his mother. “It gives me great comfort to know you can protect yourself and Vivian.”

  “Indeed, it does,” Vivian declared. “Once we sober up, I plan to learn to shoot as well.”

  “If you wish, I will take you to a very fine shooting range and teach you all I know.”

  Vivian clapped and smiled. “That sounds delightful.”

  “It does. Would you mind if I come as well?”
Charlotte asked.

  “I’ll want to go too,” Vic insisted. “The shooting range has a fabulous assortment of screens to help you learn to only shoot bad people.”

  “Can we go tomorrow?” Charlotte asked.

  Xavier frowned at the four empty bottles of scotch on the desk. “Tomorrow you will be suffering from the worst hangover you have ever encountered. We will set this up two weeks from now.”

  “Men!” Vivian declared, clearly annoyed at Xavier.

  “I’m not the one who chose to drink four bottles of scotch. However, I am very pleased you have taken this problem with grace and humor. And now that you are being protected, I want your word you will allow the guards to attempt their job before you take the helm. Otherwise, they will feel unneeded and leave.”

  “We both give you our words,” Vivian declared with a slurred voice.

  “Excellent. Then Vic and I will return home, so we can get some rest.”

  Chapter 19

  Vic and Xavier exited Vivian and Charlotte’s back door and walked to their back door without any gate or fence between.

  “We have a gated community of two,” Vic laughed.

  “Indeed, we do.”

  As they approached the back door, Gregory opened it. “Is everything all right, sir?”

  “All is good. Turns out my mother is a fine shot.”

  “Yes, she is most impressive,” Gregory stated. “Would you care for a drink or food?”

  “No, we’re going to go to bed,” Vic assured him.

  Once they climbed the stairs, Xavier spoke.

  “Are we going to sleep or to bed?”

  “Oh, bed for sure. Sleep? No.”

  Xavier laughed and helped her out of her clothes as she worked on his. “You do realize if we each undressed ourselves this would go much faster.”

  “True, but this is far more fun.”

  Once they were naked, Xavier attempted to settle on top, only Vic suddenly sat up and smacked her head against his.

  “Bloody hell!” Xavier snapped.

  “Sorry, but I just realized Mr. Roberts actions do make sense.”

  Xavier rolled to his side of the bed. “Not that I can tell.”

  “Mr. Roberts wasn’t sent here by the murdering minister. He was here for Seth Sojourn. His job was to keep us all in the library trying to figure who was stealing what, while Sojourn sent three men to kidnap your mother, and possibly Vivian as well.”

  Xavier sat up and stared at her. “But why would he do that. We have finally reached a détente.”

  “True, but if I’m right, and the guy who took the diamond was Mr. Roberts, it would mean that Seth had wanted the diamonds from the very beginning. In fact, it’s possible that he even blames us for the loss of the diamonds, since it was Claire who created the Rupert’s Drops that made them toxic and unsalvageable.”

  “But if Mr. Roberts worked for Seth, why would he have given the diamonds to the foreign Crime Lord?” Xavier asked.

  “Maybe Seth’s plan was always to have someone kill the foreign Crime Lord. Only he didn’t understand the potency of these Rupert’s Drops being shot from a gun.” Vic tilted her head in thought. “Or...perhaps the red-hair minister who shot the Foreign Crime Lord works for Seth.”

  “That seems a stretch.” Xavier challenged.

  “Not to me. All three ministers were near bankruptcy and desperate to regain their wealth. They would have done anything to preserve their lifestyle. They shot Barringbarn without a care, just so they could have a larger piece of the take. It would not be beyond their despicable characters to make a deal with Seth Sojourn. And as far as the attempted abduction of your mother, there is no Crime Lord who would be able to extract more value from owning Charlotte than Seth.”

  Xavier’s eyes narrowed upon her conclusion. “That is true.”

  “And he hates the muzzle you’ve placed on him.”

  “I will talk to the Minister of External Affairs about this, once we have the complete facts provided by Inspector Leaks. If there is any proven connection between the bank theft and Seth Sojourn, we may have to get rid of him for good.”

  Vic stroked his bare chest. “That doesn’t seem to cheer you up.”

  “Honestly, not at all. I’ve no idea who to replace him with.”

  “What about Samson’s brothers? That way Samson could teach them the ropes and ensure they toe the line.”

  “Your confidence in Samson is far greater than mine.”

  “But is that due to actual problems in the way he runs his businesses or because I am good friends with him?”

  “Probably the latter,” he admitted.

  “I wish you trusted me as much as I trust you,” Vic muttered before turning on her side with her back facing him.

  Xavier reached over and rolled her back to him. “Let me be perfectly clear on this matter. I trust you completely. It is solely Samson I do not trust, so I am loath to strengthen his power by allowing his brothers to become crime lords.”

  Vic climbed upon his body. “So, you would prefer to keep Seth Sojourn, who wishes to kidnap your mother?”

  “We don’t know that for sure.”

  “Well, we do know for certain that Mr. Roberts, who lives in one of Seth Sojourn’s buildings, assisted the kidnappers by distracting us, and had your mother not been such a fine shot, you would be in the worst hell imaginable presently.”

  Vic sighed in exasperation. “From my perspective, allowing Samson’s brothers to take over Seth’s territory seems much better. They are good men, and they respect you. Even Samson respects you.”

  Xavier grimaced. “He has always been respectful.”

  “We need more good Crime Lords, not less. Just consider the matter. However, right now, I wish to make love to you.”

  Xavier breathed out softly. “I do as well.”

  By the time Xavier had satiated his love for Vic, he had come to terms with what he must do. Vic was correct. They needed better Crime Lords. Seth Sojourn had always been a serious problem and the time has come for him to go. While Xavier hated Samson, those feelings were personal, not professional. He would go with Vic’s instincts on this one. By taking out Seth, he could split the Crime Lords territory into two and give each of the brothers their own piece. He wasn’t thrilled with the solution, but it was far better than Seth continuing attempts to abduct his mother.

  Xavier fell into a restless sleep, dreaming of the many ways Seth could have kidnapped and abused his mother.

  Chapter 20

  Gregory knocked on their door early in the morning. “I am sorry to wake you, but Director Barns is downstairs and says he must speak to you at once.”

  Xavier and Vic weren’t happy with the early wake-up. “Gads,” Vic growled. “I feel like I just went to sleep an hour ago.”

  “You had more sleep than me, then. I kept having nightmares about Seth kidnapping my mother,” Xavier complained.

  Vic opened her mouth, then shut it without saying anything and continued to dress for the day.

  “What? No observation that instead of a dangerous Crime Lord destroying our lives, I could give the positions to two fine young men who would actually want to help me if my mother were ever abducted?”

  She smiled tenderly. “That is true. But perhaps you like being shot and then addicted to morphine.”

  “I certainly do not. And that was a low blow!”

  She wrapped her arms around him. “It was, and I apologize. I don’t want to fight with you. I just want us all to be safe as possible.”

  He kissed her head. “Then allow me to apologize as well. When assessing the matter with logic, I’ve concluded that placing Samson’s brothers into the positions is our best option.”

  “You’re going to split Seth’s territory into two equal parts, aren’t you?”

  “Yes, that is my plan.”

  “Good. According to Tubs, Seth’s territory is slightly larger than Samson’s and instead of improving matters, if the two brothers had a larger
territory than Samson, he might resent them. Jealousy could destroy the strong love the three men have for each other. And those two will require help from Samson to establish themselves as the new leaders. Tubs thinks Seth’s businesses on Samson’s side of the Thames should go to Samson. That will give him a slight edge over his brothers.”

  Xavier kissed her with heated passion.

  When Xavier finally released her, Vic stumbled back and sat on the bed. “Was that a reward?”

  “It was. Bringing Tubs into our crew was the best move you have ever made, and that is grand praise, given the great many brilliant decisions you’ve made along the way.”

  Vic couldn’t remember ever being as happy as she currently was. “Let’s hurry downstairs, so Barns isn’t too angry for being neglected. I don’t want my ray of sunshine to diminish yet.”

  ***

  When they arrived downstairs, Barns was having breakfast with Tubs and Jacko. “Where’s David?” Vic asked as she and Xavier sat at the table and waited for their plates.

  “He should be at his place of business by now,” Gregory replied as he brought them their plates from the warmer.

  In short order, Xavier and Vic had not only devoured everything on their plates, but had somehow managed to do so before Barns, Jacko, and Tubs could finish their meals.

  Gregory returned from the kitchen. His eyes rounded in shock. “Victor, when was the last time you ate?”

  “I ate breakfast yesterday, but then Mr. Roberts showed up and the day became most exciting. I don’t recall eating lunch or dinner.”

  Gregory glared at Xavier, clearly holding him responsible.

  Xavier held out his hands. “It is part of the profession. You eat when you can, but much of the time you are searching for the truth, and that particular commodity is rare indeed.” He then smiled at Vic. “Fortunately, Victor now has the ability to pull the truth out of nonsense and lies.”

  Barns, Tubs, and Jacko all raised their glasses and declared, “Here, here!”

  Thus, Vic remained in a fine mood as they all moved to the library. Once they all settled in the chairs, Barns spoke.

  “Inspector Leaks has identified twenty-six people receiving a portion of the stolen monies from the false banking fees charged to almost all of the accounts.”