Butterfly Palace (35 page)

The police are still investigating the murder of Mrs. Karr. Her body was found in the basement under a display of Mr. Marshall’s prized butterflies. Her throat had been slashed with a knife. Miss White pointed out the body herself, a case of the attacker returning to the scene of the crime, perhaps. The police say they released Miss White to see if she would lead them to more evidence. That hope was dashed when the monster stalking the city killed her.

If you have any evidence about this crime, contact the police.

Belle tossed the newspaper to the floor. “You would have let me go about my day without knowing such terrible things were being said? How dare they publish such rubbish. I’ll be the laughingstock of the entire city.” Her throat tightened and her eyes burned, but she would
not
cry. “What will my friends say? If they even speak to me at all.” She covered her face with her hands. “How could Jane do this to me?”

“Jane didn’t do anything,” Lily protested. “Lay the guilt at Stuart’s feet where it belongs. Jane was the victim here. And she’s
dead
.”

“But she didn’t have to speak of it!”

Lily took a step closer. “What would you have her do, Miss Belle? Keep silent about what a terrible woman this Karr creature was? We must fight to clear Jane’s name for Hannah’s sake.”

Belle dropped her hands and stared at her maid. “You knew of this. When you said you knew Stuart was an evil man, this is the incident you spoke of.”

“Yes. But the story wasn’t mine to tell.” Her eyes were wet. “There’s something else we need to talk about. I spoke with Drew
this morning. He suspects the stolen butterfly symbolizes something. Could you ask your uncle if he knows any special meaning for the butterfly?”

“That seems a little preposterous, but I’ll ask him.”

The doorbell rang. Moments later Stuart’s voice boomed out in the hall. “Where is Miss Belle? I must speak with her.”

“Don’t break the engagement,” Lily whispered. “Smile and tell him you believe him—that you’ll stand by him.”

Belle nodded and pasted a compassionate expression on her face before rising to face him. A big man with a big voice and an overbearing personality, Stuart’s presence always filled a room. It was something she was glad she wouldn’t have to live with.

He looked at the newspaper on the table, then back to Belle. “It’s all a lie.”

“I’m sure it is,” she said, her voice soothing.

Hannah cooed on the floor and smiled up at him. He scowled at the infant. “If you hadn’t taken in that brat, I’d be in a better position to counteract this story.”

“I had no idea there would be a story to counteract. We can’t do anything about that now. I can hardly turn her out into the streets now that she’s an orphan. That would warrant another ugly front-page article.”

He winced, then crossed the room to take her hands. “You do believe me, don’t you, Belle? I would never do something so evil. I don’t know why the chit was trying to discredit me, but I have friends in town. I can’t believe the paper printed that trash—especially now that she’s dead and can’t retract it.”

“Of course I believe you.” She forced herself to brush his whiskers with a kiss. “We’ll get through this, Stuart.”

“Of all things to happen on Election Day. I hope this doesn’t affect your uncle’s election.”

She stepped away from him when he started to grab her. “Why would it? He did nothing. He’s the victim here. If anything, he’ll win by an even bigger landslide.”

His hands dropped to his sides. “Voters can be fickle. A hint of scandal, and they’re gone.”

“This doesn’t implicate Uncle Everett at all. Are you voting today?”

“I already did. The turnout seemed strong already.”

“We’ll know tonight if he’s won.”

He turned toward the door. “I hope you’re right. I’ll pick you up to attend the post-election party when we’ll celebrate his win.” He was looking more cheerful by the minute. “The future is looking bright for all of us. This will pass. The election will push this news to the back page.”

“Of course it will.” She envisioned the front-page news when Stuart’s assassination plot was revealed. Then they’d have proof of the kind of man Stuart was.

THIRTY-SIX

B
elle had always found her uncle’s study intimidating, even as a child. The cavernous room had a domed ceiling, and the butterflies hanging in display glass seemed to be looking at her. Once Hannah was down for her nap, she steeled herself and went to find her uncle. She inhaled and knocked on the door.

“Come in.” Her uncle’s voice was muffled.

He looked up over the glasses perched on his nose. His speech papers were spread out on the enormous desk. “Ah, it’s you, Belle.”

She tried not to see the red butterfly staring at her from the wall to her left. “You look very handsome this morning, uncle.” At least the aroma of her uncle’s pipe tobacco was comforting.

His intent expression cleared. “You’ll do me proud today, niece. It’s a big day for the Marshall household.” His gaze examined her. “I assume you read this morning’s paper?”

“Yes, I did. It’s quite ugly.”

“What will you do?”

“Nothing until the election is over and we see the extent of Stuart’s involvement.”

His eyes smiled with approval. “You’re a good girl, Belle. Wish me luck. Even as we speak, the state is turning out to cast its vote for
the next senator. I plan to be giving my acceptance speech in about twelve hours.”

His good humor made her smile until she remembered how serious the day truly was. “Aren’t you even a little apprehensive about tonight’s possible assassination attempt?”

“Not at all. You youngsters worry too much.” A frown gathered between his brows, and he glanced at the butterfly display on his desk. “I’d be more comfortable if I could find my butterfly though.”

“That’s what I wanted to ask you about. What’s so special about this Blue Morpho butterfly? Why would anyone steal it?”

He laid down his pen. “It’s rare, so it’s very valuable, of course. Camille was quite upset with me when she found out how much I paid for it, but I bought her a diamond necklace to soothe her.”

Her aunt was easily placated by jewelry. “Beyond the rarity and monetary value. You seem more upset about losing this specimen than I would have expected. After all, you can always buy another. We’re not paupers.”

He stepped to his floor-to-ceiling bookshelf and selected a book. After opening it, he flipped through the pages, then handed it to her. “It has mystical powers. It’s the only known specimen with that red key shape on one wing. It’s quite small. You have to look at the picture with a magnifying glass to see it. It’s evident on the real specimen though. I made sure I had the real one.”

“Oh, Uncle Everett, surely you don’t believe in magic.” She knew her levity had offended him when he started to take the book back. “No, no, let me read it. I’m sorry I mocked you. You always seem so cut and dried, rooted in the present.”

“It’s an article about this particular Blue Morpho. To be succinct, possession of this butterfly has put kings in power and has healed those dying. It’s even been reported to have brought back a
king’s son from the dead.” He stabbed a stubby finger at the pertinent paragraph.

She skimmed the article, and it was very convincing with names and dates detailed. “It seems to be about change. Possessing it brings about the change you wish.” She took the magnifying glass he handed her and studied the watercolor drawing. “I see the red key.”

“I know it’s a bit silly and superstitious, but I hoped possessing it would ensure my win in the election so I could bring about the necessary change for Texas. My motives were pure. I don’t seek power for myself. We have many challenges facing us. My job will be substantial, and I could use all the help I can get.”

“Would someone want to steal it for its supposed power?”

“It’s possible, though its magical abilities aren’t well known.”

She knew of one other butterfly fanatic in the city. “What about Mr. Karr? Would he know about this butterfly?”

“Oh yes, he and I spoke about it after I’d purchased it. And let me assure you, it was much more costly than the usual Blue Morpho.”

“Did he know its value?”

“I didn’t tell him, if that’s what you’re asking. Karr might be an opponent politically, but I hardly think he’d steal my butterfly.”

“People do strange things for power.”

Her uncle nodded. “True enough. Why are you asking so many questions about it? I thought you were most worried about tonight.”

She closed the book and put it back. “I wondered if they might be connected. Someone could have stolen the butterfly for the same reasons you bought it. I’m trying to uncover what those reasons might be.”

He stroked his beard. “Interesting hypothesis, Belle. You’re a smart girl.”

“It wasn’t me. Lily thought of it.” She went toward the door. “Good luck, Uncle Everett. I hope you win by a landslide.”

“From your lips to God’s ears.”

She closed the door behind her and found Lily lurking in the hall. “Did you overhear what he said?”

“I wasn’t trying to listen, but I was eager to know what he said.”

“This particular butterfly is special.” She told Lily what Uncle Everett had said. “So maybe Mr. Karr took it. He might have thought it would help my uncle win the election, and he sought to prevent it.”

Lily shook her head. “If he took it, Mr. Karr wouldn’t be willing to sell it. So maybe the woman who is coming today to sell one doesn’t have the same butterfly. How will we know if it’s the same?”

Belle tipped up her chin. “I’ll know it. I should go with Mr. Hawkes to examine the specimen.”

“He’s already left. He said if we had information to send it with Nathan.”

Belle turned and walked toward the door. “I’d rather deliver it myself. I will know this particular butterfly anywhere. I have to get there before anything is done.”

The only distraction Drew had had was Belle’s arrival. She’d wanted to watch with him, but he’d sent her away, much to her chagrin. This was something he needed to handle alone.

A buggy stopped in front of the neat little house Drew had been watching for hours. He straightened when a woman stepped down, but when he squinted, he realized it wasn’t anyone he recognized. He made a quick decision to follow her into the house. Fred would be unhappy, but he’d save the fellow money if the woman didn’t have the butterfly he sought.

He was on her heels when Fred opened the door. Fred’s
welcoming smile vanished when he saw Drew over the woman’s shoulder. “I told you I’d contact you when I had the butterfly in hand.”

“I thought to save you the trouble.”

The woman turned to face him. She was in her thirties with blond hair surrounding a fair complexion. Her plain clothing indicated she might be a servant. One of the Karr servants?

Her knuckles were white from her grip on the box in her hands. “What’s this about?”

“This man is interested in your butterfly.” Fred’s voice held displeasure, but he stepped aside to allow them to enter.

Her expression still wary, she turned and stepped into the house. Drew followed before Fred could shut the door in his face. The interior of the home was cool and quiet except for the clock ticking on the mantel.

“I’d like to see the butterfly.” Drew took out the magnifying glass he’d brought. “There’s no need for you to spend the money on the butterfly if it’s not what I want. I won’t try to cut you out of the sale, Fred.”

Fred’s scowl eased, and he held out his hands. “May I? I want to confirm it’s a Blue Morpho first.”

The woman glanced from him to Drew, then handed it over. “It’s genuine.”

“Where did you get it?” Drew asked.

She watched Fred set the box on the table and remove the lid. “My late husband was a collector, and I’m forced to sell his specimens to support myself and my daughter. He traveled to other countries to collect the butterflies himself.”

“It’s exquisite,” Fred said. “In perfect condition. See for yourself, Mr. Hawkes.”

Drew stepped to the table and inhaled. The butterfly seemed almost iridescent. There was no damage to the wings. He focused
his lens over it and studied the delicate wings. His heart sank when he realized this wasn’t the specimen he sought.

He straightened. “It’s quite beautiful. I’ll take it.” Even though the cost would deplete his savings, the desperation in the woman’s demeanor tugged at his heart.

Fred beamed. “Excellent. If you’ll step outside, I’ll finish my negotiations with the lady.”

Drew beckoned Fred to follow him into the hall. “I’ll only buy it if you pay the lady the price you and I agreed on minus a hundred dollars.”

Fred’s grin twisted into a scowl. “That is very little profit.”

“You’re still making a decent profit, and you have no risk. She needs the money, Fred. That’s the only way I’ll buy it. And I’ll ask her how much you gave her.”

Fred sighed. “I’m too soft for my own good. Very well.” He extended his hand. “You’re a good man, Mr. Hawkes.”

Drew handed over the money he’d brought. “Just doing the right thing. Thank you for doing the same.”