On a Raven's Wing: New Tales in Honor of Edgar Allan Poe by Stuart M. Kaminsky

Author:Stuart M. Kaminsky [Kaminsky, Stuart M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

He was there a good ten minutes early, carrying a slender black attaché case. I directed him to my back office and he opened the case, carefully removing the letter in its clear plastic envelope. “Here it is.”

I examined it carefully, making certain it was the Poe letter he’d shown me at his apartment. A letter from the previous owner accompanied it, vouching for its authenticity. “And the agreement from you?”

“Right here.” I read it through and it was exactly what he’d promised. He signed it Evan A. Petrick with a flourish.

“I should have guessed your initials were EAP.”

He grinned. “I suppose that’s what got me started as a collector.”

“Is your middle name Allan?”

“Ambrose. I never use it, but it seemed only right that I include it here.”

“Certainly.” I opened my desk drawer and took out the bank draft for ten thousand dollars. “I’ll expect to see you next week with the money so I can return your letter.”

“Don’t worry. I’m already anxious to have it back.”

Cheryl showed up as I was closing the shop that evening. It was unusual for her to turn up three nights in a row because of her work schedule, but I certainly wasn’t one to complain. She was wearing her maroon suede jacket that usually signaled a night out, but the first thing she asked about was the Poe letter.

“Let me see it.”

I took out the plastic envelope. “Be very careful. It’s nearly a hundred and sixty years old.”

She studied it for only a moment and then handed it back. “This man who is selling him the Poe story—Quentin Oakes?”

“That’s right.”

“You said Petrick had to have the money today because Oakes is flying to his home in Aruba tomorrow?”

“That’s what he told me.” I turned out the lights and headed for the front door. “You coming over to my place?”

She smiled. “Not tonight.”

“I’ve got good Scotch.”

“I know you do. Save it for tomorrow.”

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