Winter has this part of Canada firmly in its grasp. This week, the authors from Tuesday Tales are writing their scenes based on the word prompt COLD. I’m continuing with The Case of the Missing Prince.
Minister Novak nodded. “Now, since I’m certain that you haven’t come simply to share my tea, am I to assume you’ve decided to take the case?”
“I’m considering it,” I admitted.
He narrowed his eyes. “But…”
“I have some questions I need answered first.”I wasn’t going to beat around the bush. “I was doing some online research last night, and I was surprised to find absolutely nothing anywhere about a missing prince. So my first question to you is: is someone really missing? And if so, who is it?” I put up my hand to stop him from interrupting me. “More to the point. I have the official list of names from everyone who was on the mountain that day climbing, and there is no Viktor Opole nor a Stanislav Drulivic on it. So would you be so kind as to explain what’s really going on here? Unless you’re completely honest with me, I’m walking out of here, and you can find someone else to do whatever the hell it is you want. As you said yesterday, I am a business woman, but I’m nobody’s fool.”
The man hung his head. When he looked up, he seemed to have aged ten years.
“My apologies, Ms. Chambers. I was going to remedy that situation when you agreed to take the case. The crown prince is indeed missing. The reason his name doesn’t appear on the list is that the entire party used aliases. From your online research, you would’ve realized that the prince keeps a very low profile. He has always been shy, and eschews publicity, although that is changing. Viktor alluded to some of the political issues threatening our country at the moment. What he didn’t mention was that much of it is being funded by another nation intent on getting its hands on our mineral wealth.” He sighed, making me wonder about his health again. “Prince Stanislav has very definite opinions on Zobora’s future, and he’s not prepared to compromise them. He can’t be bought, blackmailed, or bullied into submission, but until he is king, he can’t make any changes.”
I leaned back. “I see. Where does the king stand on his son’s proposed changes?”
Emile sipped his tea, emptying the small glass before refilling it. He offered me more.
“No, thank you.”
If that had been icy cold water, I would’ve been all over it.
Don’t forget to check out the other Tuesday Tales.
Living the Dream 