Chapter 726
The chief of Sanctis police, Zachary, was brought to the parlor. Maxwell asked, “Zachary, what brings you in person?”
“Minister, last night a villa near the bay caught fire. The blaze is contained, but firefighters discovered two charred bodies inside. Given the sensitivity of the victims‘ identities, I came to consult you directly.”
“What identities?” Maxwell’s stomach sank.
He went with Zachary to the scene. The private villa was a blackened ruin. Within the cordon, officers moved through their routine. Two charred bodies lay on stretchers at the entrance, covered with white sheets.
People bowed as Maxwell approached. He gestured, and the sheets were lifted. A stench of burnt flesh hit hard. The bodies were locked together in an embrace, naked and fused by flame.
Maxwell’s scalp prickled. He thought of his sister and the young man he had sent to her. The manner of death was vile, obscene. He pinched his nose through a glove and forced himself to inspect several items of evidence. They confirmed the presence of Heather’s belongings. There was no doubt who one of the dead
was.
For a moment he could not find his voice.
Staring at the tangled corpses, he lowered his brows and issued orders. “This case will not be made public. Destroy all evidence from the scene. Dispose of the bodies. No autopsy. My sister is the queen of A Country. She could not have died in a fire with another man. You know how to handle this.”
With the matter suppressed and hurried along, he turned to the next problem: how to get Caitlin.
He set out again for the royal hospital under the pretext of paying respects.
Outside the ward, Shane barred the attendants. “Minister Maxwell may enter. The rest must remain here.”
“You all wait,” Maxwell told his men, then nodded to Shane. “Announce me.”
“Please.” Shane opened the door.
Maxwell entered. His gaze swept over Leif VI on the bed, then to Caitlin in a maid’s uniform. He stepped to the bedside. “Your Majesty, are you feeling any better today?”
“My wound is of no great concern,” Leif VI replied.
“I am glad to hear it. Your health is the good fortune of our nation.” Maxwell’s tone was smooth. Then it shifted. “However, Your Majesty, though we have apprehended the shooter, there are accomplices.”
“Oh? There are accomplices?”
“Yes, and we must root them out without delay.”
“Then go and see to it,” Leif VI said. For original chapters go to.net
“With respect, Your Majesty, the accomplices are adept at disguise and are hiding where no one would expect. For example, the culprit may have slipped into the palace posing as one of your maids.”
A thin smile curved Maxwell’s lips. He suddenly pointed at Caitlin. “This one, Agnes. She is with them.”