Double Take - Catherine Coulter [96]
Ancilla, a huff in every step, left the room, her mules slapping on the tiles.
“I don’t suppose you had anything to do with Kathryn’s abduction? ” Cheney asked him.
Soldan said nothing, merely frowned after Ancilla. “I told her to wear soft-soled shoes. I dislike the noise, but she said her footwear was none of my business. Can you imagine that?”
“Why don’t you zap her with a single bloody thought?” Cheney asked.
“When I become God perhaps I will be more inclined to smite down those who deserve it,” Soldan said, and even gave Cheney a full-bodied smile, showing a gold molar. “I am thinking that when this occurs, Agent Stone, your torments will begin.”
Julia said, “Soldan, when did you last see Kathryn Golden? You’ve known her for a long time, haven’t you?”
“Certainly, but it’s been some time since we’ve seen each other. The three of them—since August was killed, they formed this precious little clique—Bevlin, Wallace, and Kathryn. Too good for me, the frauds. The report on the television said she was possibly abducted by this man, Makepeace, the man who wants to kill you, my dear Julia. I can’t imagine why he’d want that lovely albatross around his neck. What on earth good would Kathryn Golden be to anyone?”
“Maybe Makepeace wants his own psychic,” Cheney said.
“Ha, Agent Stone.”
Julia said, “Do you know, Soldan, it seems that all four of you, even the three you seem to dislike so much, you all adored August. Why is that?”
“How can you ask that, Julia? You knew his powers firsthand. You saw how he brought comfort and enlightenment to so many disillusioned souls floundering in pain. He simply radiated goodness and peace.”
Cheney asked, “Did you ever see or read Dr. Ransom’s journals?”
“Oh no, that wouldn’t ever do,” Soldan said, and puffed.
“Kathryn also mentioned August’s journals,” Julia said, frowning, “but I never saw them, never even knew about them. I certainly never found them when I was going through August’s things.”
“Such a pity. Ah, my oolong. I trust it has only one Splenda in it?”
“Of course, Sol.”
“Thank you, Ancilla.”
He carefully set his hookah pipe on a small dish and sipped his tea. Then he took two more sips and sighed in pleasure. He looked at them. “I have told you as much as I can. I have been as honest with you as I can. I will ask you to leave now. I must have my rest.”
Ancilla was standing in the doorway, tapping one mule.
Cheney said as he rose, “Thank you for seeing us. Would you be willing to tell me your real name?”
“My name is only the slightest modification of the actual name my beloved parents bestowed on me at my birth.”
“What was that name, sir?”
But Soldan Meissen only waved his hookah at them. Cheney gave him a small salute, took Julia’s arm and followed Ancilla out of the pasha’s chamber.
CHAPTER 46
Tuesday night
Today has been one of the strangest days in my life,” Julia said. She yawned, stretched, and leaned against the wall of the Sherlocks’ upstairs hallway, her head resting just below a painting of a young girl repairing a fishing net.
“And one of the longest,” Cheney said, resting his hand against the wall beside her head.
Her eyes suddenly brightened, and she leaned close, whispered against his ear, “You want to know what would actually have been more fun, if I hadn’t been so terrified—car racing on the beach.”
He laughed. “Don’t forget that, it’s even better in a dune buggy.”
“You got him away from us, Cheney, that was a really good plan you had.” She sighed. “I only wish I’d been a better shot.”
“No, I was the one who should have nailed him.” He lightly trailed his fingers down her cheek. “Anyone else I know would have been scared stupid, but you were enjoying yourself.”
“Are you seeing me as some kind of maniac like you?”
“I’m thinking a maniac is a good thing in some settings. Actually, though, what I’m seeing right now, right in front of me, is a very beautiful woman.”
She gave him a brilliant smile, both exhaustion and excitement clear