The Autumn Republic

Taniel climbed into the storm drain, his hands slipping on the rusted ladder bolted to the walls of the drain. He lowered himself down until his feet touched water and then let himself drop the last foot to the drain floor.

“Come on!” he called back up to Vlora.

Vlora stood above the storm drain, her head tilted as if listening for something. “Wait,” she said quietly. “There’s something…”

Her words were cut off by a sudden trembling. Taniel threw his hand above his head, his heart leaping into his throat as he heard the foundation of the building give a deafening crack. There was a strangled scream above him. He choked on dust, wiping water from his face.

“Quick!” he yelled.

His voice no longer echoed. Peering up through the gloom, he saw nothing but stone above him.

The building had collapsed on Vlora.

CHAPTER 44

Adamat accompanied Police Commissioner Hewi and six officers to arrest Lady Cheris.

Hers was a beautiful manor on the outskirts of the Routs in Adopest, not far from Ondraus the Reeve’s home. It stood three stories tall and overlooked one of the largest private gardens in the city. Adamat waited in the foyer, allowing the cool autumn air to blow over him from the open door while a pair of constables spoke with the butler.

“This is most unusual,” the butler said, raising his voice. “Lady Cheris is an upstanding member of society and will not be treated like a common criminal.”

Commissioner Hewi cleared her throat, interrupting a response from one of her constables. “My good man, I am the commissioner of the Adran police force. My presence here clearly indicates that Lady Cheris is a most uncommon criminal. Now, tell me where she is, or you’ll spend the next six months in Sablethorn.”

The butler looked as if he would protest further, but a glance at the stone-faced constables seemed to convince him otherwise. He appeared to deflate. “She’s in the sitting room. But Commissioner, she has guests. Surely this could wait for another time.”

Hewi moved the man to one side with her cane and strode past him. Adamat followed.

A constable opened the door to the sitting room and Hewi walked in as if she owned the home. Two men sat in armchairs by the windows, while the two sofas were occupied by four women, one of whom was Lady Cheris. Their conversation stopped midstride and they all looked in surprise at Commissioner Hewi, while Adamat stood in the corner with his hat in one hand.

This particular arrest was one that he had no interest in doing himself. Everything, including Ricard’s own word, indicated that Lady Cheris would be as hard to pin down as an eel.

“Commissioner Hewi!” Lady Cheris said, standing. “I wasn’t expecting you today. May I introduce Lord Elmore of the Novi National Bank? I believe you know everyone else in the room.”

“Charmed, Lord Elmore. Lady Cheris. Would you like to do this here, or see your guests out first?”

Cheris’s face clouded and she blinked rapidly. “Whatever could you mean?”

Adamat cleared his throat and glanced significantly at the constables guarding the door, though he knew Cheris was only playing the fool.

“Ah.” Cheris swallowed hard. “Lord Elmore. My friends. Would you be willing to resume this conversation tomorrow?”

The gentlemen and ladies all stood and Lord Elmore shook Cheris’s hand while casting dark glances at the commissioner. “Of course. Please let us know if there’s anything we can do for you.” They filed out the door and Adamat listened to be sure they had left the house. Once they were gone, Lady Cheris dropped onto one of the sofas.

“What is this all about, Hewi?” she asked.

“That’s ‘Commissioner,’ my lady. And please remain standing. You are under arrest for the attempted murder of Ricard Tumblar. We can dispense with the wrist irons, I think, as long as you’ll come along willingly.”

Cheris’s nostrils flared. “Attempted murder? I nearly died in that bombing! What are you talking about?”

“We have strong reason to believe you masterminded the bombing of the headquarters of the Holy Warriors of Labor.”

Stronger reason than even Hewi would let on, Adamat reflected. Denni of Rhodigas had confessed in front of Commissioner Hewi’s Knacked-the one who could determine a liar upon hearing. Lady Cheris had personally hired him for the job.

“Me? My arm was broken by a falling beam!” Cheris waggled the elbow of the arm she still held in a sling. “You have a damned lot of gall to accuse me of such things.”

Hewi sighed. “We have ample evidence, my lady.”

“Evidence? What evidence? There’s nothing at all to tie me to such a crime! I was about to have dinner with Ricard tonight. Do you think I’d dine with a man I tried to kill? You, sir. Inspector Adamat, wasn’t it? You’re friends with Ricard. Does he think I’ve done such a thing?”

Adamat glanced at Hewi, who gave him the most imperceptible of nods. “He does, madam. As do I.”

Cheris stood up straight. “I demand that you tell me the evidence you claim you hold against me.”

Adamat scoffed. Surely she didn’t think they would?