Hard Bound, page 10
While Orsa glanced at Fiona and Gaili quizzically, she said nothing as she made her way to the settee and sat down. The warden uncuffed her hands and stood in the corner of the room.
Fiona moved her skirts, sitting down opposite Orsa, and said, “I’m Investigator Thorne and this is my partner, Gaili. We’re here on behalf of your sister.”
Orsa’s eyes widened slightly, but she looked down at her hands. “Is she well?”
“She is, although saddened by what’s happened here, of course. Can you tell us about it?”
Although there was no draft in the room, Orsa shivered slightly. “I don’t know what there is to say. I took the paperwork from the Order of Seven’s office.”
There was a small gasp from the warden in the corner. Fiona turned around just in time to see her holding her mouth in surprise. The warden composed herself. “Apologies.”
Tucking away her reaction for later examination, Fiona turned back to Orsa and continued, “You freely admit you took the paperwork?”
“Yes. I did it.”
“Why have you previously been saying you hadn’t?”
“I was simply trying to lie my way out of any punishments.”
Fiona tapped her finger on the table, thinking. She glanced at Gaili, whose brows were furrowed staring at Orsa. Something wasn’t adding up with the sudden confession.
“How much paperwork was there?”
Orsa’s head snapped up, her eyes finding Fiona’s. Where Fiona thought she’d find misery, she instead saw frustration. “Quite a bit of it. There were more than three journals’ worth.” That was in line with what Olea said earlier, but she could just be going off what she saw when they opened the chest.
“How did your bracelet get trapped in Olea’s office?”
Orsa pinched her lips together. “I snagged it on the corner of her desk. I didn’t realize I had lost it.”
This was contrary to everything she had been saying before, as far as Fiona knew. Fiona tested the waters. “You wear this bracelet all the time and yet you didn’t realize you had lost it before you left Olea’s office?”
“I was in the heat of the moment.”
“What was in the journals?”
“Private information that may be best left that way,” Orsa said, motioning her head to the guard in the corner.
Fiona frowned. There was cagey and then deliberately vague. “Where did you hide the journals?”
“I’m not ready to admit that information yet,” Orsa said through gritted teeth. Her fingers were wrapped around each other tightly. The golden skin stretched over her bones as if she hadn’t eaten in quite a while. In a place like this, Fiona doubted very highly food was being kept from her.
“But surely you would if it would get you out of here,” Gaili said pleadingly.
Orsa shook her head.
She might not admit it, because she didn’t know it. Fiona wondered what was at play here. She glanced back at the guard and then ventured another question quietly: “What about the other items? Did you take those as well?” The Seven went through quite a bit of trouble hiding the total extent of the theft, and she didn’t want to let it slip.
“I took it all.”
“What about the spyglass?” said Fiona, mentioning a display item not on the list. There was nothing she could ask about that Orsa couldn’t have an answer for unless it wasn’t part of the chest or the theft.
“Why won’t you stop asking me questions?” Orsa slapped her hand loudly against the table and jumped up as well as she could with her legs shackled together. “Tell Dorin I did it. I’ll give the location of the contents when I’m sure he and the Seven can meet my request. That’s all that needs to happen here.”
The warden bolted forward, but Fiona held up a hand. “I promise, I’m not trying to upset you. I just want to understand. So I can make sure I tell them properly.” Fiona moved toward Orsa, looking up at her. Closer, she could see the woman was stretched thin. She dropped her voice to a whisper. “We aren’t here for the items or the Seven. We’re here for you. We want to help you and your sister.”
“Please just tell us what is going on,” Gaili said.
Orsa looked down at her hands again and then at Gaili and Fiona. She jutted out her chin and said sharply, “I took everything that was in the chests and I want—I need exoneration. People like me need exoneration. We deserve it. Tell Dorin that. If he agrees and makes it happen, then he’ll get everything back.” She sighed heavily and then shook her head, swallowing words she was clearly holding back. She turned away from them and shuffled back to the iron door.
The warden, somewhat slow to realize that the visit was over, stared before jumping in to unlock the door for her.
Fiona called out, “And what should we say to Elinor?”
After a pause, her voice was thick as Orsa said, “That I thank her for the care in sending you two. And I’m sorry I didn’t listen to her.”
The iron door finally opened, and Orsa ducked, making her way back inside her cell. The warden locked the door slowly and then hung the keys back on her belt, not really looking at what she was doing.
Fiona ushered Gaili out the door and down the ramp, her slippers slapping against the rough stone. The guard jingled close behind them. Once descended, the warden continued toward the outer door, anxious.
Fiona stopped just before exiting, watching the warden, and said, “You seemed surprised by her confession.”
“She’s been so adamant against it before. And I believed her.” The warden shook her head sadly. “The few that have visited her certainly said as much. People who’ve worked with Orsa day in and day out. Just a bit shocking, that’s all.”
“Perhaps it’s best to give her time before I mention this to the Seven. She could be overwrought.” Curious, Fiona asked, “What happened earlier today with her? You said you weren’t sure she’d be up for a visit.”
“A visitor this morning. When I came back in the room, poor Orsa was as far as she could be from that woman. She’s been dainty ever since she got here. I didn’t have any concerns leaving her alone with such an important guest. I should’ve had concerns about that vile woman though. She was yelling fierce at Orsa, but I couldn’t understand it. I have to imagine there’s something there,” the warden ended, more to herself than the ladies. She shook her head and took a breath. “Ignore what I said. I shouldn’t speak of other people’s business.”
“Who was she?” Fiona asked. There were only a couple of people Fiona could think of who even knew Orsa was here, yet alone cause a scene with her.
“Oh no. No, I can’t answer any more questions. I’ve already said more than I should.” She busied herself tidying up the desk area.
“Would you mind giving us her name?” Fiona asked. “I’d like to know what she had to yell at Orsa about and do something about it.”
The warden shook her head again, adamant. “I think it’s best you two leave.”
“We could give a donation…” Fiona started.
The warden raised her chin and crossed her arms. “You think I’d throw away my job, my calling here, for a bit of paper? You aren’t the first person to come here and bribe me, and you won’t be the last,” the guard said. She waved her hands. “Leave before I charge you on interference of Copper business.”
Fiona threw up her hands, stalling for time. It had been the wrong thing to say, clearly. She assessed the guard, remembering what Gaili had said earlier about her. Perhaps if she came at it from a softer angle, she could convince her. “Wait, I didn’t mean any ill intent. I simply hate to watch someone suffer in confinement like this. We know you do your best here. We’re just trying to pull at any string to unravel the mystery and find the real criminal. Please believe us.”
The warden hesitated.
Fiona, feeling a tinge of guilt, pressed, “For Orsa?”
There was a moment where she felt like she may need to be more duplicitous before the warden’s shoulders drooped and she nodded. “If it will help Orsa. But you didn’t get anything from me, and if anyone asks—”
“I stole your sign-in book. People would believe you without a doubt.” It had been her backup plan, after all.
Nodding, the warden opened up the notebook and showed it to them while looking away. Listed were several names, including Dorin, but the last one was of Keeper Clara.
Gaili started, “But why would Keeper Clara—”
“Thank you for your time,” Fiona said, cutting Gaili off. “We appreciate your willingness to help our investigation, and we won’t stay a moment longer.” She tugged on Gaili’s arm. “Shall we?”
Gaili nodded, confused, but let Fiona lead her out and away from the guard back into the square.
When they got farther away, Fiona said, “Sorry, I didn’t want to cause any more worry or give information to that warden.”
“Oh, I’m sorry, Fi. I almost ruined it.”
“No, never you mind. Without you, we wouldn’t have gotten the name anyways. You read her much better than I did,” Fiona said, consoling her friend, “and we learned quite a bit. Clara visited Orsa, riling her up. No wonder the guard look troubled about saying too much.”
“But Clara isn’t a blotter. Yelling at Orsa seems foolish,” Gaili said, frowning. “Why cause a scene?”
Fiona noted that Gaili didn’t say it seemed out of character for the Keeper. “I don’t know. But without pleading, we never would’ve gotten the name. Perhaps she didn’t think anyone would find out.” Fiona was certain that was the case but sprinkled doubt for Gaili’s feelings. “I wonder what she said to upset Orsa enough she was willing to admit to the crime.”
“There was something off about Orsa. Not just what she was saying to you. But her appearance as well.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, typically, faun siblings all look quite alike. We have a defining trait that carries through each of us from our parents. For example, all my cousins have bright white ears. Elinor and Orsa look nothing alike.”
“Hmm, and I suppose it’s not often you have non-kinship family. People you call family along the way?”
“It’s not abnormal, but we’re fairly clear on family delineation, especially among the upper sets.”
“What makes you think Orsa and Elinor are among the upper set?” Fiona asked.
“Well, the expensive accommodations for one thing. Elinor said she was good for the paper and would cover all expenses no questions asked.”
“And the tower Orsa is in is paid for by the prisoners. Conceivably, whoever owns that tower prefers less prisoners who have more money.”
Gaili nodded. “There’s also light faekin tattoos on both their faces.”
“I didn’t see a thing. Are you sure?”
Gaili hesitated. “I think so, at least. I should’ve pointed that out to you earlier I suppose. I thought you noticed.”
“Hmm, if Orsa could afford better treatment and nice accommodations, why work as an administrator to the Seven? Or steal from them for that matter? Money is clearly not the reason, so I suppose she isn’t selling the information.”
“No, no it is not.” Gaili sighed. “I know we learned a little, but I feel like it’s not much at all. We don’t know why Clara would come and publicly accost Orsa. She’s already in jail for the crime. And we don’t know why that would make Orsa have the sudden change of heart.”
“True,” Fiona said slowly. She was worried about saying too much to Gaili with how she felt about Clara. It would take a little work managing, but she suspected she could at least talk to Clara. And save Gaili from having to deal with the woman at the same time. “Do you think we should stop by Spine before we go to stay at the inn? Gather some supplies and such?”
“Oh, that makes sense. I didn’t even think of that.” Gaili perked up at the change of subject.
“Perhaps you can go on ahead and I’ll meet you there. I want to pop back to the Pavilion and see if Dragomir or Bardo have arrived.”
“Oh, okay.” Gaili’s brow furrowed. “I suppose that will give me time to pick up items from my shop as well.”
“Perfect!” Fiona said, a little too jubilantly. She didn’t want Gaili to suspect her true intentions and felt a little guilty for pushing her off. But it was for her own good. “I’ll meet you at our office, and then we’ll turn back here where we can hold analysis over a nice served supper paid for by the tight-fisted Seven.” She winked.
Gaili laughed, pulled into the moment Fiona created, and they hugged and parted ways.
Fiona knocked on the flower-etched door with Clara’s name and waited, checking her pocket watch. It was well after noon, when Dorin said Clara would be back. She glanced around and realized it was quite empty on the floor. Perhaps they made themselves scarce on purpose when skimmers came through.
Fiona knocked one more time, listened for any sounds of movement within the room, then jiggled the handle, but the door was locked.
While she hadn’t intended on breaking into the woman’s office, she wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to look. People didn’t often lead with their secrets during an interview. There might be something to give Fiona an upper hand when dealing with her. Hearing the familiar deep voice of the tour guide, Fiona slipped down to the administrative hall. Distant voices told her this area wasn’t completely empty but they were opposite Clara’s office.
She stopped at the administrator door to Clara’s office and listened in. Silence. She tried the handle slowly, but it was also locked. Looking around once more to make sure she was alone, she reached into her multipocketed scarf, feeling for the leather pocket where her lock picking tools lived. In one motion she slipped them out and inserted a pick into the lock. Working quickly, she heard the click she desired and smoothly opened the door, then shut it tight behind her.
It was dark in the room. She moved gingerly, noted a small skylight curtain that could shine some light in the room, and drew the long rope pulling the curtain up. The office was much more ordinary than Cascade or Olea’s had been. It was lushly carpeted with a large oaken desk and matching chair. Tables sat on either side of the room holding scant materials. A large clock ticked away on the wall. There was practically nothing here. Clara must have been fastidious about cleaning.
Darting to the clock, she took it off the wall to glance behind it and on it, but there was nothing. Fiona opened the drawers of the desk gently. The bottom ones held small, unopened crates with the Order of Seven symbol, and within them, paper with the same insignia, envelopes, and quill pens; the top, stacks of papers arranged neatly inside. Glancing through them quickly, lists of shopping items greeted her. It seemed Clara was planning a trip to the Depths soon. She had receipts for rented gear and letters to some of the academies in the Garden region asking for old maps and records to study. It was all so benign.
Tucking the papers back in, Fiona sighed. Perhaps she just wanted something to be here. Something she could use to show Gaili and the others that Clara wasn’t such a genius. It oddly made her annoyed at the nothingness. She didn’t believe anyone with that terrible of a personality had nothing to hide. She moved the chair and looked under the desk, feeling around for a secret compartment.
“I’m still doing drop-offs,” Jacopo’s voice came from beyond the door.
Fiona resisted the urge to freeze and looked for a hiding spot. She could fit under the tables, but they were short skirted. She ducked under the desk and pulled the chair close to her, knocking it into her shin. Pressing her lips to keep from yelping at the pain, she made herself as small as she could. Thank Larrakane that fauns were tall creatures.
The door opened just as she pulled her legs toward her. Huffing and puffing came into the room as if Jacopo was carrying something large. She heard a thud of a crate hitting the desk and then sliding onto top.
“Thank you for the help, good man. Almost done?” Jacopo asked.
“Last tour’s finishing up now. Drink after?” the centaur guide said.
“On the Seven, of course.” Jacopo laughed.
“Of course,” the guide replied. “Wait, does she always leave the skylight open?”
“Daft woman,” Jacopo muttered under his breath. “What’s the cord stuck on?”
Fiona watched helplessly as the chair pulled. She frantically tugged it free on her end and pressed herself against the inside wall of the desk, holding her breath. She would be extra nice to Jacopo if he stayed focused on leaving the office.
“Oh. If it had been a snake, it would’ve bit me,” Jacopo said. The light cut out and the room returned to darkness.
“Maybe you need that drink now.”
“Dealing with that firecracker, always.”
There was a sound like a slap on the back, and then the door shut. Once the lock clicked, Fiona let out her breath. If the Seven were worried about spies, there would be few avenues to explain herself in this predicament. She pushed the chair and crawled from under the desk. Her slipper caught, and she yanked up a fold of the lush carpet as she pulled it free. She smiled as it uncovered a small door in the floor. Running her fingers around the edge, she found no wires or any indication of a trap. Opening it up revealed several bound books stacked neatly on top of each other.
At first delighted to think they were the missing journals, she scanned them looking for the information that Olea had given her earlier. But it was clear these were published books and all in the Copper language she could only somewhat read. Not wanting to take too much more time, she opened them up and turned them over to empty them out, but nothing came. She jotted down the names, authors, and any unique descriptions she could make out while quickly squinting in the darkness. She would head to the library and find what could be so noteworthy in these books to hide them. Placing them back gently in the box, she closed it up and replaced the carpet. While not the telling sign of a thief she had been looking for, it was something. She slipped out of the office and away from the Pavilion to hurry home to Spine.
