The Crystal's Curse by Jane Alden

Author:Jane Alden [Alden, Jane]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Mystery & Detective, Women Sleuths
ISBN: 9781948327947
Google: x6YczgEACAAJ
Amazon: B08Q3QXQ1W
Goodreads: 56229891
Publisher: Desert Palm Press
Published: 2020-12-06T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

WHEN WE GOT BACK to the dining room, Dr. Tarek was gathering up her papers to follow the uniformed policeman. Dysart was still standing at the window.

“Let’s see what Lord Dysart has to say for himself.”

Cass walked over to him, and they exchanged a few words. The two of them headed toward the lobby. Behind his back, Cass beckoned me to follow them.

We found two stone benches across from each other in the garden, hidden from view behind a hedge. Dysart sat on one, crossing his legs at the knees. Cass and I sat opposite him. “Lord Dysart, this is a terrible ordeal for all of us, but especially for you. I understand what her death means for your expedition.”

“Excuse my appearance.” He smoothed the lapels of his linen suit and gingerly touched a bruise on his right cheekbone. He must have gotten it when Helena slugged him in the garden. “Yes, this is all bloody inconvenient.”

Inconvenient? That sounded cold for someone whose colleague—maybe more than a colleague—had been murdered.

“My role with the expedition was to come along and help with obtaining our dig permit. For my influence with the Minister of Antiquities. Totally aboveboard, of course. And I’m financing the entire expedition. With this development, I’ll have to reevaluate. I assume Columbia or the Metropolitan Museum of Art is funding your work this summer?”

“No, I’m working independently for now.”

“Ah, so you’re funding your Hatshepsut dig yourself.”

Cass nodded.

He stroked his mustache. “Do you have any idea when we may be released?”

“I’m afraid we’re the primary suspects in Helena’s murder right now. The Detective Inspector isn’t likely to let any of us go ahead with our plans. Ari has been questioned already, and I suspect he may call her in again. He’s with Dr. Tarek now. You, Mr. Timms, Mr. Hassan, and I will follow.”

“Bloody inconvenient.”

“May I ask how you came to be working with Dr. Bendix?”

“About a year ago, she read a description of our collection of New Kingdom antiquities and wrote to me asking permission to study it.” He looked down at his lapels and tried to smooth the wrinkles again. “We often get these requests, of course. I think Helena mentioned to you we’ve managed to amass a collection that rivals any in private hands, or many museums, for that matter.”

“Helena did mention your collection, and you must be very proud.”

“Yes. Well, Helena began traveling regularly from Oxford to our home, Hammond House in Richmond. I was impressed with her academic credentials and her passion. Over time, we developed a strong collegial connection.” He emphasized the collegial part. “My wife is not well, you see. We have no children, and with the estate practically running itself, I have time to indulge in what others might call my hobby. It’s more than a hobby for me. It’s a passion.” That passion word again. “I know you of all people understand the allure of owning these precious artifacts.”

“My interest has always been in the people, not the things.”

“Quite so.”

The uniformed policeman appeared around the hedge.

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