grip and took a pace back to observe him more closely. Etienne was attractive in a rugged way. His deep-set eyes had a hint of wildness, his movement an air of daring. His manliness commanded respect.
However, Novak knew he spoke with anger and hurt and it would be easy to take advantage of him. “Something is missing. It was wrenched out of your uncle’s hand in a fatal struggle. Do you have any idea what it could be?”
Etienne walked into the middle of the room and looked around. Benzel stood by the large window facing the street, winding his pocket watch.
“We’ll stay here till we have some idea what it might be,” said Novak with an air of exasperation. Everyone remained silent as he looked at each person in turn, and then continued with sudden confidence. “The answer lies in this room, I’m certain of it.”
Etienne’s gaze travelled the room slowly. “The camels and Bedouins Royal Doulton vase, it’s there – wait, something is missing.” Etienne was calm and deliberate in his assessment.
“Why do you repeat what I already said?” Novak sounded annoyed.
“I’m merely reaffirming that something is missing. It’s the clock.”
“What?” Novak snapped.
“He’s right; there’s not a time piece in this place,” confirmed the officer acting as notary.
“You see, Benzel. I knew it. It’s simple; if we work as a team we’ll solve it before the week is over.”
“It must be valuable,” said the lieutenant.
“I think so,” Etienne affirmed.
“That settles it. We’ll meet in my office, tomorrow, at midday.” With that Novak dismissed them.
Felix didn’t know what to think. His stomach felt like it had a stone in it. His throat was dry, while his mind was tortured by secret thoughts – the panel, the safe, its contents and the incredible story. Revealing it would solve nothing. He knew he had only to wait; the ace was in his hand.
As they walked toward the river, Etienne was deep in thought. “I can’t believe he went this way,” he said bitterly, pursing his lips. “You would think he knew something important.”
“Oh, what fantasy. But tell me, how did you know about the clock?”
“I didn’t. I made it up, to get rid of them. Isn’t that what they wanted to hear?”
Felix stopped and embraced him, “Etienne, you’re a marvel. I’m so glad you’re here. This is far, far from over.”
Only an hour earlier, such a tragic reunion was the last thing on Etienne’s carefree mind. Now he gave his cousin a sombre look.
“What is it?” Felix frowned.
“I just wonder how this will end.”
The next day they awoke early and had a simple breakfast. Again they went over the ground they had covered late into the night before. “Do you believe it was a simple burglary? No you don’t; I can tell. Why don’t you admit it?” Etienne demanded.
“Don’t set fire to our hopes. This is only the opening scene and we will win it.” Felix locked his eyes on him. “Yes, we will win it not by fighting at all, but by keeping our mouths shut.”
Etienne was not easily pliable, but he knew good advice when he heard it. “It’s just that nothing makes sense to me. What do you think of Novak?”
“Eti, be patient, he proves to be quite efficient. He knew about Reinhardt’s visit and intercepted him. He knew you were coming. Let’s see what he knows today.”
In sub-zero weather they made their way along narrow sunless streets. The icy cobblestone pavement received no measure of care as they hurried to their arranged meeting.
“This way,” snapped the duty sergeant. “Wait in there.” He pointed unceremoniously to an interview room. They expected to sit there for some time, but in a few minutes the sergeant returned. “Come with me,” he commanded, and led them to another office. “In there.” He pointed at the door. Benzel saw them through the glass panel and let them in. Novak ceased talking to two other officers.
“Come on in,” he encouraged them in his booming baritone. “We got him. He was a business associate.”
“I want to see him,” demanded Etienne.
“Now wait a minute.” Novak’s chest expanded as he took a deep breath, and he adjusted his tie. “We know he’s in the country. We will arrest him; the British are also looking for him. Scotland Yard has confirmed the serial numbers on the gun. It’s registered to this person and our description of the intruder fits him like a glove.”
“What’s his name?” asked Felix.
Novak flicked over a page on the desk. “It’s, ah… here, it’s James Beaufort,” he announced proudly.
Felix felt faint and cold as the blood drained to his feet and he stared straight ahead. Novak, imagining him impressed with his proficiency, continued: “It stems from an equation of what he owed, what he owned, and what he would risk. A partnership gone wrong. That is the total sum of the matter.”
The inspector was convinced he had the complete solution, and with this new development Felix dazedly thought it best left that way for the time being.
They headed down Karlova Street; the fog had not yet lifted and the feeble sun struggled to shine through it. “We can expect a swift result, he says, and still none of this makes one iota of sense to me. And you – you look ill.” Etienne’s breath condensed in vaporous puffs in the freezing air as he spoke.
“Let’s walk down to the river and I’ll explain. I didn’t tell you last night for our protection – you couldn’t reveal what you didn’t know.”
“What didn’t I know?”
“Why he was killed.”
“Do you know?”
“Yes I do.”
Etienne’s jaw dropped. “Why didn’t you tell Novak?”
“To keep us alive and one step ahead. Novak’s right about Beaufort and Reinhardt. We know about them. But do they know about us? If we tell him, you might as well print it in the newspapers. Victor was killed for a map. A map that shows the location of the lost treasure of Ramses, a find to rival Carter’s discovery. But why Beaufort? It was his map; he already knew the location.”
“This map, you have seen it?”
“Yes. It’s in a safe hidden in the apartment.”
“Then let’s go.”
“Steady on, we haven’t got a key.”
. 3 .
THE POLITICAL CENTRIFUGE created new countries from colapsing empires and gave rise to new frontiers; new objectives were pursued,
