The Chase for the White Mist - Chapter Seven
Undefined Conclusions
The investigators left the dining hall and went down the hallway leading to the northside of the mansion. Mev was studying all the art pieces on the wall, the broken almost too realistic statues. Mev stopped in front of a particular statue that looked like someone had been glueing it together one small piece at the time. The statue was of a female wearing heavy armor, with a grimace of determination and fear on her slender face.
“That was Claribell, one of mother’s party members from way back when.” Alex informed, when he had noticed Mev had stopped to look. “She was turned to stone by a basilisk, but unfortunately she broke into pieces before they turned her back safely.”
“Having her turn back now, after reassembling her, could lead to her death.” Alex continued, a stern look on his face. “So, mother is waiting until she can get it done safely.”
“The world is a dangerous place.” Mev said, it came out in a somber whisper.
They moved down the hall until they came to a study. The study looked like a comfortable place to sit and read, if it wasn’t for the giant bear in the corner looking down at anyone who would enter the room.
“First of all, I want to apologize for keeping this secret from you.” Alex said with as much sincerity, he could muster. He didn’t like having to hold on to the truth and especially not a fan of keeping secrets. “I’m truly sorry, but I did it for a reason.”
Mev stared intently at Alex. her sharp eyes noticing everything on his face.
“I have to get in contact with some old friends of mine.” Alex continued. “ the sorts, who deal in information and not in a legit matter.”
“You mean you know members of the Hatters?” Mev replied with a raised eyebrow.
“Yes, and I believe it would be best not to get you involved with them.” Alex said. “They don’t trust easily and it is better not to give them any reasons to dig after dirt.”
“Let’s get to the point, Alex.” Mev replied, definitely not pleased with the secret keeping.
“Of course, I wanted to get more information on Amir and Evelyn.” Alex started after thinking for a second. Something didn’t sit right with me, why would Evelyn go out of her way to use an up and comer for such an important deal?”
“She said she enjoys helping newcomers build their business.” Mev interject.
“Yes, and that was the second topic we needed more information on.” Alex continued, he could feel the excitement of the case rising in him. “So, I went to gather information about our three subjects and their pasts.”
Alex took a second to breathe. “Amir Basiri used to be a con artist in Aros, that’s why Harldor has to be a part of every deal. Amir doesn’t know anything about jewelry!”
“What? Wait, that actually makes sense! His acting and behavior.” Mev’s mouth was open in wonder.
“There is more to it, hear me out.” Alex danced excitedly. “You have no idea how long I have waited for this.”
“Evelyn Whitecroft, maiden name is Copperwine!” Alex exclaimed.
“I don’t know what that means.” Mev shook her head.
“Really?” Alex looked at her with disappointment. “Alright, that’s fine. The Copperwines were only a part of one of the biggest scandals ever.”
“Copperwine was an Arosian winery, ran for decades. Very important family, very expensive wine.” Alex continued, somewhat muted by Mev’s lack of knowledge. “They shut down 17 years ago, and no one knows why.”
Alex paused and looked at Mev.
“You’re just pausing for dramatic effect, aren’t you?” Mev remarked.
“Until now! It turns out, Evelyn’s father was conned by Amir. Amir had tricked them out of their entire collection of wines.” Alex smiled. “How it happened I do not know. But Amir got away with wines worth over 200.000 gold coins.”
“WHAT!? 200.000 gold coins!” Mev’s eyes went wide. “With that kind of coin, why would you open a Jewelry Boutique 15 years later?”
“Think about it, he couldn’t sell the wines or he couldn’t sell it legally. So it would take time.” Alex continued. “Anyway, not the point. But Evelyn must have recognized him and wanted to get her revenge. Believing no one from the Frostguards would investigate the case.”
“That leaves us with two questions, where is the White Mist and what happened with Ray Reed?” Mev smiled at Alex.
“To that I can say…” Alex took a deep breath and on the exhale. “... I don’t know.”
“What do you mean you don’t know?” Mev inquired.
“I don’t know who has the diamond or where Ray Reed is.” Alex confessed. “Amir, Evelyn or Ray could all have it. Ray is probably on the run and might have it, Amir could have lied and kept it or Evelyn could have Ray steal it for her and wanted to frame Amir.”
“What I am hearing you say, is we need to get a confession out of everyone?” Mev was smiling from ear to ear.
