Welcome to the first Tuesday Tales post in December. Has the Holiday Bug bit you yet? It bit me this weekend, and I hope to have the house decorated by the end of the week. This week, the Tuesday Tales authors are writing to the word prompt ANGRY. I’m continuing with my cozy mystery, The Case of the Missing Prince. Enjoy!
“I am Emile Novak, Foreign Minister of Zobora and Duke Leopold the fifth’s representative in Canada. On my right is Mr. Jacob Horvath, the Canadian CEO for Zobora Copper and Fine Metals. Across from him is Baron Petrov Bukowski, and the man by the door is Viktor Opole, one of our security guards. The Duke has requested that Viktor and Petrov be part of your team as you search for his son. You will be well compensated for your work and cooperation—let’s say three times your usual fee?”
I swallowed a gasp. Was he serious? Three times my fee would keep the company in the black and allow me to hire a new investigator without adding a financial burden to the company’s bottom line. But the catch? That was a game changer. The Duke was insisting I include a couple of babysitters on my team? Who did he think he was? The fact that my team currently consisted only of me was irrelevant. I didn’t need shadows, least of all, a popinjay and a thick-headed misogynist.
“In that case, I’m afraid I can’t help you.” I was probably cutting off my nose to spite my face, but damn it, I wouldn’t work with two men whose motives I didn’t trust. The company was doing okay, and while we could use that money, I wouldn’t sell my soul or compromise my ethics for it. “My staff is highly trained and licensed to work as private investigators in this country. If I took your men with me and anything were to happen to them, my liability insurance wouldn’t pay out. I know nothing of the baron’s abilities, and while I suspect Viktor has had some training, it may not be on par with what I expect from my operatives.” His attitude toward women certainly wasn’t one I appreciated. “I’m sure you understand. I have no doubt, that given the time, I could discover what has happened to Crown Prince Stanislav, but I won’t violate my own rules. May I suggest that you find another agency that might be willing to accept your conditions? I can suggest a few in the Ottawa area.”
Emile scowled, his anger visible in the narrowing of his eyes. “That won’t be necessary. I applaud your standards, Ms. Chambers, and your faith in your staff, but I can assure you that both Petrov and Viktor are highly trained.”
Don’t forget to check out the other Tuesday Tales.
Living the Dream 
Hoo boy–a stand off! I can’t wait to see if he convinces her of their abilities. I admire the way she sticks to the principles she has set out for the company, even though the money would help it flourish. They could even be moles out to deter her goals. Brilliant line about a popinjay and misogynist!
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Thanks, Flossie. You never know, LOL, and sometimes, I don’t either!
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I love that she decided to forego the money for her principles. And now she’s facing off with the big guns, the guy with the money. She’s an admirable character, but why do I think she’s going to end up taking on the two incompetents anyway? I hope so. The story is sure to be amusing with them on the team and I’d be thrilled to see her rake in all that dough! Great job!
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Evie’s greatest weakness is her curioisty, and it’s gotten her into more than one jam. At least, she’ll have other help on what may be an interesting case.
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I love that she sticks up for herself. Even though she knows she could use the money, she holds her ground. I can’t wait to see what happens. Great job!
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She sticks up for herself, but in the end, she’ll do what’s right.
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