The Mask of Night by Tracy Grant Read Free Book Online Page B

you to investigate?”
    "Yes, though that was almost the only thing they were able to agree on. One of these days those two are going to come to blows."
    “I'd put my money on Carfax if it comes to that," Mélanie said. "People in intelligence are always more willing to bend the rules. I’m glad you agreed to investigate, darling. I'm far too curious to leave such an intriguing crime alone.” She gave a smile designed to deflect more than illuminate.
    Roth’s gaze skimmed between them. Charles had known from the first that the runner was a master at picking up on undercurrents. He had learned that Roth was also adept at pretending to turn a blind eye to them when he deemed it appropriate. Which made him all the more dangerous.
    Mélanie moved to the table. “We did make one discovery, though I'm not sure what it has to do with Julien St. Juste.” She held up a narrow graceful earring of diamonds set in antique gold.
    Charles studied the rich gleam of the gold and the depth of the fire in diamonds. Like her, he could recognize craftsmanship and expense. Though given the pedigree of the guests at the ball that did not limit the field very much. “Where did you find it?”
    “By the far side of the fountain. It's possible whoever lost it saw something. It's even possible the earring belonged to the killer."
    “The knife he was killed with is definitely designed to be a weapon,” Roth said. “So either the killer is in the habit of going about armed or he—or she—brought it to the ball with the intention of killing St. Juste.”
    “Or to protect him or herself against St. Juste,” Charles said.
    “It could have been the dead man—St. Juste's—weapon.” Mélanie blew on her hands against the cold. “They could have grappled for it or the killer could have got it away from him by deceit. The killer got within a handsbreadth of St. Juste with no sign of a struggle. It almost has to be someone he knew.”
    "Which could apply to any number of people present tonight, given St. Juste's history and the sort of guests at the ball.” Charles looked at Roth. "The guests are departing?"
    Roth nodded. "The Regent left with his party as soon as word got out that something had happened. The other guests are leaving now. Mr. Lydgate made a brief speech explaining there'd been an accident. Dawkins, the patrol I brought with me, is taking down their names and directions as they leave, with the assistance of Mr. Lydgate's secretary. Lady Isobel is supplying me with a guest list."
    "Sensible," Charles said.
    Roth grimaced. "Mrs. Fraser tells me there are two royal dukes inside as well as a handful of Cabinet ministers and God knows how many MPs and ambassadors. A number of them would have refused to remain and we couldn't have stopped them from leaving. Better to acquiesce gracefully than to be over-ruled."
    Charles nodded. "There’s little more to see here tonight and it’s damned cold. I suggest we go inside and discover what’s to be learned of the guests.”
    They moved to the terrace. "I must say," Roth added in a lighter voice as they climbed the steps, between the glittering flambeaux and beneath the crimson Japanese lanterns, "I never thought I'd find myself investigating a murder with Romeo and Juliet."
    Mélanie smoothed her full skirt. “Please, Mr. Roth, Charles and I are far too experienced to succumb to tragic twists of fate like the star-crossed lovers. We’re supposed to be Beatrice and Benedick. After they’re pretending that Hero has died.”
    Roth opened the nearest French window. “Of course. I should have known not to assume the obvious with either of you.”
    "So you should.” Charles stepped aside to allow his wife and Roth to precede him into the ballroom, wondering how long it would be before he could speak with Mélanie in private. And if there was the remotest chance he could get her to tell him the whole truth.
     
     

Chapter 5
    Do come and dine with us next week, Mr. Roth. Though I warn