The porter brought the telegram just as Lady Sade began thinking that it was time to go to bed. She took the envelope, dismissed the man, and went to sit at her desk in the corner of her study. The message was from a certain young woman who worked in the customs office in Tingis, a young woman with the good fortune to receive a second paycheck in return for sending daily reports to her benefactor in Arafez.
Lady Sade sighed as she unlocked the bottom desk drawer and pulled out the translation key. It took half an hour to decipher the telegram’s handful of words and she spent most of that time wondering if this elaborate means of security was really worth the effort and trouble.
Of course it is. The stakes are too high.
The translated message read, “Morning. Copper prices still rising. Storms reported to west. Persian steamer seen in Strait. Afternoon. Chaou met envoys. Brought two fanged cats. Chaou upset. Evening. Train explosion. Airship explosion. Many dead. Hamuy arrested. Chaou missing.”
Lady Sade frowned at those last words. Arrested. Missing.
Damn it, Barika.
She rang a small bell on her desk and a moment later her secretary entered. “Yes, madam?”
“I need a cat, Izza. Two would be ideal, but one will do.”
“Any particular type, madam?”
“Something with large fangs, if possible. Something Espani would be best. At the very least, it must be foreign and about this large.” She held up her hands two feet apart.
“Yes, madam,” Izza said. “I’m not sure how long it will take to secure an exotic animal. When do you need it?”
“Noon tomorrow.” Lady Sade watched the young woman hesitate, swallow, and wet her lips. “Have the cage loaded on my steam carriage, out of sight.”
Izza nodded. “Of course, madam. I’ll see to it immediately. Will this impact your meeting with the police detective? You have that scheduled at noon as well.”
I forgot. I never forget. I’m relying too much on Izza these days. Lady Sade paused. “No, that’s fine. I’ll just bring the detective with me. Two birds with one stone. She doesn’t speak Espani, does she? No, I can’t imagine she does, so that won’t be a problem.”
Lady Sade picked up her translation of the telegram again.
Train explosion. That could mean anything. Damn it, Barika.
“And Izza, we will need to pay a quick visit to the North Station first thing after breakfast tomorrow. I need to see about a train.”
“Of course, madam.”
“Thank you, Izza.”
Izza curtsied and left. Lady Sade leaned back in her chair, idly wondering what lengths the poor girl would go to in finding the animal. I really should get her a gift, or maybe give her an afternoon off sometime. She’s been looking a little tired lately.