The Hidden Man: A Phineas Starblower Adventure (Phineas Starblower Adventures) (53 page)

“Agreed Monsieur Wallace. I will deal with zis.” D'Arcey straightened his jacket and marched out the door and down the ramp. He prayed he looked calmer than he felt.

A few feet from the ramp stood Jeremy Landover, his arms were crossed over his chest and he was looking particularly menacing. Although to D'Arcey’s mind both of the twins nearly always had that look even when they smiled. His first thought upon meeting the pair was: predators. As he had come to know them a little better he had changed that word to ‘warriors’. The difference being that they would not eat you just because they could. D'Arcey drummed up a pleasant smile and nodded to Landover. “Thank you Sir. I will handle zis.”

Jeremy Landover nodded and took exactly two steps back. Go away! D'Arcey wanted to scream but didn’t instead he turned to study the other two men. He had been expecting Gaspe but not his ill fitting cheap suit and too large cap. He had to swallow hard to keep from laughing. The thin mustache that D'Arecy had always admired looked ludicrous with his commander’s disguise. D'Arcey had not met the other man but assumed this was Lieutenant Corbin. He was surprised that Corbin was taller than Gaspe but not surprised that he was not as handsome. In fact Monsieur Corbin somewhat resembled a blood hound with his droopy sad features and baggy clothes.

“Good evening I am Second Engineer Jules D'Arcey. What may I do for you?”

“We are here to inspect the cargo...bays.”

“I do not understand. Your people were here earlier and we presented our documents. What is ze problem?"

“Your documents were not in order. We have questions. Are you the superior officer on board?”

“No.”

“No?” Major Gaspe said looking quite surprised. “But I have asked to speak to the officer in charge, what is his name please?”

It was the first time that D'Arcey had seen an expression on the man’s face that was not a smirk or sneer. D'Arcey felt more than heard Landover shifting behind him. He had to get this conversation over with and still pass on the information.

“His name iz Captain Jerard Phillips and he iz
not
to be disturbed. He iz currently entertaining guests. The customs officials should know his guest, Rittmeister Moritz Von Ulric. I believe he iz a rather famous Prussian Captain, oui? I do not think he will be pleased to discover ze Danish Customs Service harassing Captain Phillips.” D'Arcey had to admire the Major, the only surprise he showed this time was a slight widening of the eyes.

“I understand.” Gaspe said slowly and then the smirk returned to his face. “But, Mister D'Arcey be advised that I will return tomorrow morning at dawn to carry out this inspection. I expect you to have the cargo bays open and ready for my return.”

D’Arcey had to clench his hand at his side to keep from saluting, he knew an order when he heard one. “As you wish.” He replied as urbanely as he could.

As he watched the two men walk away and disappear into the dark a very bad feeling came over Jules. He thought Gaspe would have been angry at having his plans foiled. But he wasn’t, in fact he seemed rather unconcerned. And what did he mean he would return at dawn? What was going on? All of the crew and passengers would be present at that time of the day. Had Gaspe lost his mind?

D'Arcey sighed out loud and turned to look at Landover; the man stood as impassive as ever. “I shall inform the Captain.” He announced but all he received in reply was the barest hint of a shrug. So D'Arcey turned on his heel and went back into the ship. He now had to face introductions to the Prussians; hopefully that would not take too long.

He hoped that they would not recognize him from the International Competition just as Phillips had not. D'Arcey’s habit had always been to keep to himself. Besides the crew at that time were discouraged from mingling with the other competitors.

D'Arcey’s head filled with the awful memories of the competition as he made his way back to the crew lounge. They had not been doing well under the harsh command of Captain Gaspe but D'Arcey did not totally blame the man. It was supposed to be an honor to fly in the competition and the crew had been pulled from different airships all over the corps. None of them had ever flown together and none of them were familiar with Gaspe. To expect strangers to suddenly work together as a well oiled team was ridiculous!

Tash leaned forward slightly to get a last look at the Discretion as the carriage rolled away. Carstares nearly chuckled out loud at the forlorn look on the woman’s face. He still did not understand why the Captain had to remain behind and he was a little frustrated by the curt, “I’ll explain later” he had received in answer to his inquiry.

“Phineas, why is your Captain not joining us? I would have thought that his strong right arm would be needed tonight.”

“Indeed Bodil, indeed.” Carstares replied. “But he was needed on the ship and I believe you will find Mr. Nichols an able replacement.”

The LensBaron frowned and offered a curt nod, he was obviously not content with the answer. He cleared his throat into the awkward silence. “As we discussed I have my men already in place at the
Det Kongelige Teater.
Before I left my home I had not received word yet on whether or not they had found Dr. Nordstrom. If the description you gave me of the Doctor is accurate my men
will
find him. Once he is safe in our hands I will confront my nephew. Are you still certain that we do not call the local police?”

“Yes.” Carstares said emphatically.

The LensBaron narrowed his eyes and looked hard at Starblower/Carstares before bursting out in laughter. “Ah! I see now!” He chortled.

Neither Tash nor Carstares had to fake their startelement. It was Carstares who recovered first. “I say, what is it you see Sir?”

“That you are, how do you say...pulling wool over someone’s eyes. I am wondering if your government even knows that Dr. Nordstrom is missing? Could it be that the great industrialist is taking the law into his own hands? Oh, ho, ho,” the LensBaron laughed again. “This is
lækker
!”

“
Lækker
?” Carstares said popping in his monocle and looking at the LensBaron.

“Yes,
lækker,
it means delicious or delightful to one’s palate and I assure you this is completely to my taste. It is unfortunate that sometimes those of us in our station must step in and take care of things. Things that would otherwise find our governments drowning in paperwork, thus rendering them powerless to act.”

“Yes well...” Carstares began a trifle acidly.

“Oh! My Lord!” Tash exclaimed quickly; she had to take control of this situation. “You cut to the heart of the matter. We are here because Dr. Nordstrom is a dear friend to
my
family, his daughter and I were practically raised together. The authorities are aware that he is “missing” but have not admitted that he has been kidnapped. I begged Mr. Starblower to get involved and I am afraid he is here as a personal favor to me.” Tash bowed her head and called up a few tears and then raised her face to Carstares. “I’m so sorry Sir, I never thought it would go this far!”

Carstares was taken aback when Tash put her head on his shoulder and sobbed into his jacket. He put an awkward arm around her and then began patting her shoulder. “There, there.” He muttered. The Colonel did not have to fake the fact that he had no idea what to do next; he never could deal with women crying. And damned if she were not crying real tears!

It seemed the LensBaron was having the same reaction; he shifted in his seat and looked as distressed as Tash did. The man leaned forward and awkwardly patted Tash’s knee. “Please madam, I did not mean to upset you. I promise you, we will get your friend back tonight.”

Tash sat up and raised her tear stained face to the LensBaron, she gave him such a look of hope that Carstares found himself making the same vow. Tash bowed her head again and rummaged around in her reticule; bringing forth a delicate lace handkerchief. She dabbed at her eyes and managed a quite pretty blush. “Please, please forgive me. I am not prone to this type of behavior and I am quite embarrassed.”

The LensBaron cleared his throat and adopted a formal tone. “I wish to apologize madam and sincerely ask your forgiveness. You should not be embarrassed to reveal the truth of any matter nor should you be embarrassed to display passion and emotion. I find myself uniquely honored to have made your acquaintance.” The LensBaron paused as if making a decision.

“The past week has proven to be one the most interesting weeks of my life. I have made several grave errors through ignorance but I have also met two people who have shown me that honor and loyalty are not dead in our modern world. Phineas, Miss Smythe-Harris, please accept my hand of friendship.”

Tash smiled and took the LensBaron’s offered hand. “I will Sir but only if you call me Tash. And only if I might visit you after this affair is sorted.”

Gyldenfeldt’s somber look dissolved into a rather boyish grin. Tash was certain it was the first real smile she had seen from the man. He gave her hand a vigorous pump and then released it to offer it to Carstares/Starblower. The Colonel hesitated for the briefest moment before taking the offered hand and shaking it with equal vigor.

“Thank you.” The LensBaron Gyldenfeldt of Denmark said humbly before taking on a very business like tone. “Now, I have six men searching and watching the Teater. Three are inside as workmen and three are watching the public areas and the outside. My two footmen along with the drivers, Marius and your serving man should have no troubles questioning and mixing with the other servitors to get information. Our Teater always provides refreshment and waiting areas for the staff of the attending Teater patrons. It will be up to the three of us and your men Starblower to do what we can ‘above stairs’, as they say.”

“Excellent!” Carstares exclaimed. “This is a bit more than I expected Bodil.”

A slightly pained expression crossed the LensBaron’s face before it resumed its normal bland mein. It was so fast that Tash almost missed it.

“Well the truth is I may have made a mistake. On my way to my residence I stopped at the Teater. I made it quite plain that I would be attending tonight and that you would be my guest. In fact I insisted that our names be added to the official published guest list.”

“Why would that be a mistake LensBaron?” Tash inquired softly.

“Because that villain Reinhardt may not show up. I fear we were lured here to the opera as a possible distraction.”

“Hm...” Tash tapped her lips with a finger. “So you no longer believe that Dr. Nordstrom will be smuggled out of Denmark in the opera troop?”

“Oh, I do madam. It is the only thing that makes sense. Our borders with the Prussian intruders are closely watched and the timing of this ridiculous cultural exchange is just too convenient. I sincerely doubt the opera troop will be searched at all. Except by us. I do believe we will find your friend.” Gyldenfeldt paused and sighed. “I don’t think Reinhardt will show up because like all members of his kind he is a coward and better suited to slinking in dark corners.”

Carstares opened his mouth to say something but closed it and executed a curt nod instead. Tash was betting that he was thinking the same thing she was, that ‘members of his kind’ was a curious way to refer to one’s nephew.

The rest of the ride was carried out in thoughtful silence as Tash looked out of the carriage windows at the beautiful city of Copenhagen. She thought about Mac’s warning and wondered again what it could possibly mean. No, she told herself, I cannot worry about this. If Mac believes it is Phillips’ job to deal with whatever it is then I must trust him. I will not think about it. I must focus on here and now. I will not think about it. I must focus on here and now. She repeated the mantra over and over and looked out of the window hoping for a distraction.

It came when the carriage turned onto the
Kongens Nytorv
Tash clapped her hands in delight. The entire square was lit up like a village festival. She spotted jugglers, fools, musicians and food sellers among the strolling crowds. Apparently the opera was just the pinnacle of this cultural exchange of entertainment. Whether you liked the Prussians or not this was certainly well done on their part. “Oh LensBaron! I was not expecting this! It’s marvelous!”

“I suppose.” Gyldenfeldt agreed sourly.

To Tash’s surprise their carriage moved to the front of the queue. It seemed as if the door was flung open before they had come to a complete stop. She was handed out of the carriage amidst a flurry of attention. She had forgotten that she was accompanying nobility this evening and was abashed at all of the onlookers smiling and bowing. Out of habit she began a curtsy before a firm hand on her elbow stopped her. Carstares winked at her and squeezed her elbow again. She knew from his silly smirk that he quite enjoyed catching her out for a change. She returned his wink and smiled playfully, she knew there would be plenty of occasions for retaliation this evening and she was quite looking forward to them. Perhaps this will make up for the disappointing turn of events that kept her charming Captain from being here. Damn Mac, she swore to herself, why was it that his little flashes of insight were always so inconvenient, not to mention cryptic?

Tash was about to comment on the festivities when she noticed that she no longer had the Colonel’s attention. Following his gaze she saw a man leaning against the side of the theater building; he seemed to be motioning to something that was just out of her sight. “Colonel?” She asked softly, pitching her voice low as they entered the theater a couple of steps behind the LensBaron. Carstares did not answer but patted her hand to let her know he had heard her inquiry.

The interior of the theater was ablaze with light and sound. There were so many people dressed so brightly that Tash had the impression that she was standing inside of a whirling soap bubble. Before she could react or truly get her bearings she found her hand being lifted. Turning she realized she was being introduced to a man with startling grey eyes. He bowed over her gloved hand and kissed it lightly before releasing her. The smile the man gave her was far too familiar which made Tash quite uncomfortable. She looked away, coolly ignoring the man.