Murder Most Foul by unknow

Author:unknow
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Mystery Writers of America
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Selena Robs the White House

Patricia McGerr

In the White House Blue Room Selena sipped champagne and listened to a senator explain his views on taxes. They had just finished dinner and would shortly move on to the East Ballroom for a musical program. The guest of honor was the Premier of one of the newest African republics.

Over the senator’s shoulder, Selena’s eyes kept straying to the antique table on which rested a teak and ivory box the Premier had brought as a gift to the President’s wife. It was a center of attraction for the gathering since, when the lid was lifted, a sparkling melody tinkled forth. Person after person approached the box to raise the lid and play the tune. And each time Selena tensed, found herself expectantly waiting, remembering her conversation with Hugh Pierce earlier that day.

“It may be just a crazy hunch,” he had conceded. “A bad habit we have at Section Q of seeing Red in everything the least out of the ordinary. All we have to go on is the mix-up about the Premier’s luggage. The case containing the music box was misplaced at the airport, and turned up an hour later in the public baggage room. There’s always a certain amount of confusion at a VIP arrival, so the explanation could be quite innocent. But when the life of the President is involved, we’re extra nervous.”

“Naturally,” Selena agreed. “What do you think happened to it?”

“The fact that he was bringing this gift was well publicized. Pictures of it and a full description appeared in the papers long enough ago that an exact duplicate could be made. And the duplicate could be a murder weapon.”

“But why?”

“The Premier has enemies in his own country and outside. He’s firmly allied with the West. But he was a hero of the struggle for independence and the people are solidly behind him. It would take a real blockbuster to discredit him with them. But if his gift had blown up in the President’s face this morning, that would have done it. Not to mention its effect in the United States. It would mean an end to him and his pro-Western party, to friendly relations with the U.S. and a quick cutoff of foreign aid. Anybody who wanted to force his country into the Communist bloc couldn’t find a better way of doing it.”

“But according to the stories I read, the music box was intended for the First Lady.”

“That’s true. If she hadn’t delayed her return from Florida an extra day, the presentation would have been to her. But the same explanation applies. An attack on the President’s wife would bring as strong a reaction as on himself—maybe even stronger.”

“That’s all part of history now,” Selena said. “In her absence, the Premier made the presentation to the President, and nothing happened. What I don’t understand is, if you thought there was danger, how could you risk letting him take it to the White House?”

“Unfortunately, Section Q isn’t all powerful, especially in the delicate area of diplomacy.

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