Toxic Diamonds: The Adventures of Xavier & Vic, Sleuths Extraordinaire, #8

By Liza O'Connor

Determining whom to trust is getting very hard, indeed. This may be the most trying cases imaginable. Director Stone has gone missing and it appears Ministers of Parliament are involved. Xavier is arrested and placed in a jail meant to kill him, while Vic, disguised as a woman, attempts to locate the Minister of External Affairs and ask for his help.

Everyone is called in to assist: Jacko, his wife Alice, their son Pete, Samson the Crime Lord, David and Claire, Tubs and his wife Sara, the boys: Cannon and Ham, plus the bloodhound Arroo.

The Wasp who escaped punishment for her attempts to murder her bigamist husband's first wife last year is back. Vic discovers love letters between Ben, their terrible secretary, and the Wasp. Worse yet, he shared Xavier's financial advice with the Wasp, making her and her husband very wealthy.

With Stone missing, and Barns and Meyers stretched to their limits, Vic decides it's time to train more of the Scotland Yard officers in intuitive and deductive reasoning. While only half the class makes it through her two-day course, everyone is pleased with her results.

Finally, be warned: Vic's sister, Claire, is becoming more difficult than ever. Gregory thinks she is going mad.

• Language: English
• Publisher: New Authors Online
• Release date: Aug 8, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393166214

Liza O'Connor

   Liza lives in Denville, NJ with her dog Jess. Having an adventurous nature, she learned to fly small Cessnas in NJ, hang-glide in New Zealand, kayak in Pennsylvania, ski in New York, scuba dive with great white sharks in Australia, dig up dinosaur bones in Montana, sky dive in Indiana, and raft a class four river in Tasmania. She’s an avid gardener, amateur photographer, and dabbler in watercolors and graphic arts. Yet through her entire life, her first love has and always will be writing novels. She loves to create interesting characters, set them loose, and scribe what happens in a myriad of genres. http://www.lizaoconnor.com/   

Book preview

Chapter 1

LONDON, ENGLAND, FALL 1897

Two in the morning, Vic and Xavier were surreptitiously following a drunken spy. Not an easy task, given Xavier had not been allowed to have Davy, his carriage driver, accompany them. This meant he and Vic had to take turns following the young man while the other one drove the carriage on side-roads to keep pace with the drunken fool. Even a fool, deep in his cups, would catch on that something was afoot if the same carriage either lurked behind him or constantly passed him and then pulled to the side of the road.

Finally, the boy stopped and stared at a warehouse by the docks. Before the young man could enter, a young girl stepped out of the shadows. Had Barringbarn sent him on a fool’s errand? Was the boy only looking for female company?

The next moment Xavier heard what sounded like a muted explosion and then the young man collapsed to the ground.

Xavier pulled his gun and looked around for trouble, but the dock appeared empty. Even the young girl had run off when she heard the gun shot. Women in the docks would risk their lives for a coin, but otherwise, they looked out for themselves.

Just then Vic pulled up with the carriage and jumped down. Why did you shoot him?

I didn’t, Xavier snapped, I’m not sure what happened. There was a young woman who stepped out of the darkness, blonde, I think, but I couldn’t tell you more. An odd explosion came from somewhere close to her location, then the boy collapsed. Any chance you saw where the girl went.

Vic snorted. Dock women know to run when trouble starts. I didn’t even see her, so there’s no way we’ll catch her. Let’s just grab the body and drop it off at the Minster’s house. The man’s so stupid, he will probably bellow at the corpse for an hour before he even realizes the fellow is dead.

No, he’ll, no doubt, demand I find the girl. Xavier sighed heavily. This was supposed to be a simple grab and interrogate. In fact, they were not even the ones who were supposed to interrogate. The minister of Internal Affairs made it very clear they were to gag the fellow and bring him directly to his house.

Xavier had offered a better alternative. Vic has an uncanny ability to get a spy talking while in a carriage. I would, of course, share everything we learn.

Damn it! Xavier. Just do as I ask, nothing more! The minister had yelled.

Xavier stared at his beloved partner frisking the dead body. Let’s take him home and give him a bath. There is something off about this entire matter.

There usually is when Barns’ father is involved, Vic grumbled. I’ll get the legs. She stopped before lifting them up. Damn! We should have brought Tubs.

Unless his feet have turned to concrete, I fail to see why we require the aid of the strongest man alive just to pick up a fellow who weighs no more than you.

Vic glared at him. An excellent observation. You can lift him by yourself and I will open the carriage door.

Xavier heard the whistle of a foot officer from the docks a block down. Vic, we don’t have time for this nonsense!

Then pick him up and carry him. His boots stink like the devil.

Xavier argued no further, not because he thought the muddy feet would tell them a damn thing, but because the police had been called to some problem at the lower docks. Officers could drive by and notice him carrying a dead body about. That would no doubt result in a bad start to his day.

He placed their freshly dead spy in the carriage, then climbed up to the driver’s bench and took the reins. Normally Davy or Casey would have driven them, only Barringbarn insisted no one else could be involved.

Hold up, Vic ordered. Whatever he got on his boots is making me sick, she complained and climbed up beside him. Can we go home now and deal with this nonsense after we’ve gotten some sleep?

Sounds like an excellent idea, Xavier replied.

The moment they arrived home and pulled into the carriage house, the door to the kitchen opened. Thankfully, it was Tubs rather than her butler-parent Gregory.

No doubt Gregory wished to sleep so he could be fit to boss everyone around during the day. Vic loved Gregory with all her heart. He was a second father to her, after she lost her true father and mother in a shipwreck. Her mother would have survived had she not worn those heavy skirts.

Afterwards, when Aunt Maddy took her and Claire in, Vic refused to wear dresses ever again. Instead she wanted to be raised as a boy, so her Aunt Maddy tasked Gregory with the job of turning her into a respectable young man. For many years, she resented Gregory. While her sister Claire was allowed to do whatever she wanted, Gregory would scold Vic all the time. Only later did he explain why. Claire was but a little miss who would someday be mistress of the house. Vic was like his son.

His admission changed everything for Vic. Now his scolds didn’t hurt...as much. And had he been the one to open the door, she would have been in one hell of a scold. Tubs, on the other hand, was a reformed criminal who had killed a great many men during his time working for a crime lord. Honestly, the big guy had killed several more since Vic hired him on to help them solve crimes.

A little over two years ago, Xavier had declared Tubs’ sole job to be protecting Vic, and even after she convinced the big fellow to leave Xavier and work solely for her as her partner solving crimes, Tubs continued to protect her. In fact, he almost died last year taking bullets that were meant for her.

Xavier climbed down from the driver’s seat, offering Vic his hand. Tubs bring in the package that is in the carriage and put it in the first-floor bathtub. We’ll address it once we’ve all gotten some sleep.

Tubs hurried to the carriage. He was relieved to discover the package was dead. Otherwise, he would have disregarded Xavier’s orders and taken him across the street to their office, which had a thick-walled basement to lock the fellow in.

The carriage stank from whatever was on the fellow’s boots. Davy, Xavier’s driver, would have a fit come morning.

Maybe he should take the body to the basement. Gregory would not be happy with this foul odor in his house. Deciding that would be better, he took the package to the basement of their office. When he returned, he hoped to tell Vic & Xavier what he’d done, but they were already asleep in their beds.

Knowing they might wake before him, he left a note in the bathtub.

PACKAGE STINKS. PUT IN BASEMENT.

Then he hurried to bed to enjoy a few hours of sleep with his beloved wife, Sara.

Chapter 2

GREGORY, THE BUTLER, woke at four in the morning. He first checked on Vic and Xavier to ensure they had both returned from their night’s adventure. Vic had assured him it was a simple task that posed no risk. But over the years, he’d discovered Vic’s concept of risk and his were entirely different, thus visual affirmation was necessary before he could attend to the normal annoyances of being a butler.

When Sara stumbled from her room, looking as if she’d been up all night, he realized she probably had been. Could you not sleep without Tubs at your side?

Sara shook her head.

Even knowing he remained in the house?

She sighed. I sensed his worry all night long. I only fell asleep when he finally came to bed.

Gregory patted her head. Go back to sleep. Breakfast will be served late today.

Sara smiled at him and stumbled back to her room.

Gregory put the remainder of his staff to work. Soon Delia returned with a note in her hand. This was in the first-floor bath.

Gregory read the note. PACKAGE STINKS. PUT IN BASEMENT.

Unable to make sense of the matter, he placed the note in his pocket. The writing looked to be Tubs’. He would ask the fellow what it meant and why he had placed it in the bathtub once Tubs woke.

Bloody Hell! Davy yelled.

Gregory headed to the carriage house with a severe reprimand on his tongue. While Davy had become far more prone to bursts of anger since they had hired a driver-in-training, bellowing curses at this early hour of the morning was unacceptable.

He lost his scold upon the sight of Davy, on his knees coughing.

When he approached Davy, the man waved him away.

Stay back...poisonous gas... Davy choked out before collapsing.

The air in the carriage house did smell bad and the horses kicked at their stall doors as if wishing to escape as well.

Gregory hurried back to the kitchen where he found most of his staff. He sought out Fagan and Casey. Retrieve Davy and take the horses out back. Do this while holding your breath! Now!

Gregory knew that with a normal staff such instructions would have a myriad of follow up questions. But his staff was battle ready at all times. Thus, the inexplicable order to do these actions while holding their breath would be followed.

He hurried to his room and called Dr. Connors. We have an emergency. There is a foul odor in Davy’s carriage and the air in the carriage has brought Davy to his knees. The horses are affected as well. I’ve sent the boys in with orders to extract Davy and the horses. Can you come?

Yes, of course, Dr. Connors assured him. I’m not yet dressed, but I will be there in short order.

Gregory thanked him and returned to the carriage house. Both Davy and the horses were gone.

He hurried out the back door and found his three drivers sitting on the grass and the horses tethered to trees.

Is everyone alright?

Davy nodded and coughed. He then reached over and patted the back of Fagan. He saved my life while Casey saved my Marybell. He met the two young men’s eyes. I know I’ve not been friendly with either of you, but that ends now. From now on, I’ll be your friend if you wish, and I’ll teach you whatever you don’t already know. However, that may not be much, because from what I’ve seen, you are both superb drivers.

Both young men grinned. Fagan held out his hand. Friends, then!

By the time Davy shook it, Casey had approached and held out his hand. Friends for life.

Without you guys, I’m pretty sure I would have died today.

Chapter 3

VIC WOKE UP WORRIED that putting the dead guy in the tub had been a bad idea.

Xavier’s eyes opened at once. What’s wrong?

I’m just questioning our instructions to Tubs last night. Putting a stinky dead guy in the bathtub seems like a really stupid idea in the daylight.

Xavier lifted his time piece from the bed stand and frowned. I agree and it’s no doubt the cause of all the yelling downstairs. Let’s get dressed and face the music.

Easy for you to say. You never get slapped on the back of the head, Vic complained as she pulled out a suit and got dressed.

That’s because one of us acts like the butler’s master and the other acts like a misbehaving son.

Vic couldn’t argue with his observation, but she loved having a father who cared enough to scold. Well, let’s go face the music.

I’m not finished dressing, and you have completely failed to brush your hair. You presently look to be in a permanent state of electrocution.

By the time Vic located her brush, wetted down her hair, and was ready, Xavier had already left the room. Determined not to be left behind, she hurried out and almost caused him to trip on the steps as she attempted to get around him and he attempted to block her from doing so.

Enough! Gregory barked from the hall below. Vic, you are not a child anymore. Behave yourself.

Well put, Gregory, Xavier said, I realize you have had a trying morning—

That is an understatement!

Well, I do apologize for the dead body... He stopped in the hallway and sniffed. Honestly, I expected the stench to be worse. He then opened the door to the bathing room and stared at the empty bathtub. Gregory, where’s our dead man?

I have no idea what you mean, sir? While Davy did look close to dying for a moment, Fagan and Casey did an excellent job of rescuing him and the horses.

Xavier stared at him in shock. Then it appears we are equally confused, for I have no idea what you are talking about either.

Vic pinched the note she spied in Gregory’s pocket. Tubs decided the guy smelled too bad to be in our bathtub and put him in the basement of the office.

She headed to the front door, but Gregory snared her arm. You need to remain here while I retrieve Tubs.

Vic sighed and stared at the ceiling. She hadn’t actually agreed to remain, nor would she once he left the room. Sadly, he never left the room. He just ordered Delia to find Tubs, for he was needed at once.

Vic huffed. What? Am I still being punished for nearly dying while crossing the road?

You are not being punished at all, but I do believe whatever you two brought home last night came close to killing Davy.

Vic shook her head. Well, you are wrong, because the guy we brought home was already dead.

Gregory gripped the bridge of his nose as if trying to hold back a headache.

Fortunately, Tubs didn’t take too long to arrive. I’m sorry. One whiff and I knew you wouldn’t want this guy in your house, so I put him in the basement. I just thought the odor was offensive. I didn’t realize it could kill a person. He then looked at Vic. Good thing I didn’t accompany you. Then you would have stayed inside the carriage cabin with me and we would have both died.

While she agreed it was a very good thing they didn’t die, she still took issue with how a dead guy could kill anyone. She turned to get Xavier’s opinion, but he was gone. Dammit, we’ve let Xavier run off!

Just then a carriage pulled up and Dr. Connors hurried into her house.

Where is the patient? he asked her.

I evidently have a dead body next door, but you’re several hours too late to help there, Vic replied.

The doctor stared at her as if she had lost her mind, then focused on Gregory. Her butler wasted no time leading him outside where the three drivers were sharing stories. Dr. Connors turned to Gregory. You said he was near death, Dr. Connors snapped as he pulled out his watch.

I was, but Fagan and Casey saved me, Davy replied. Had they waited for you, I’d be dead now.

From what? Dr. Connors demanded.

From the stench in the carriage.

That’s ridiculous! he snapped and turned to leave.

Maybe not, Vic replied. I was going to ride in the carriage, only one whiff sent me climbing up on the driver’s bench. But still I was terribly dizzy during the ride home.

Her eyes rounded. Xavier—I think he snuck out and might be in the basement with the dead guy. Whatever this smell is could be killing him as we speak.

Without waiting, she and Tubs took off. Gregory yelled for them to wait, but no one listened. In fact, Dr. Connors followed them.

When they got to the basement door wet putty laid in strips at the bottom of the steps. Seeing the doctor behind Vic, Tubs focused on the doctor. The door’s been open, so Xavier is probably inside. I can hold my breath a long time. Let me bring him upstairs. Otherwise, I’ll probably have to rescue both of you as well.

Vic paused, but Dr. Connors just grabbed her arm and pulled her upstairs. The moment they closed the basement door, her heart wrenched. What can knock a person out so quickly?

I’m not certain. But chemists have discovered several gases, some of which can be deadly.

Such as?

Such as the gases that form in the sewer lines. That’s why the toilets should have a kink to hold water. It prevents the foul gases from entering into the bathroom and possibly killing the residents in their sleep.

Vic began to pace. Why has Tubs not returned?

Let me go down and see, Dr. Connors suggested. We cannot risk you.

Like you aren’t vital as well? she yelled. She then ran to the door and opened it just as Tubs climbed up the steep stairs with Xavier hanging over his shoulder.

When he reached the first floor, he handed an unconscious Xavier to Dr. Connors, took a deep breath and returned downstairs.

Tubs come back!

She was about to go after him, only Connors claimed he needed her help to save Xavier. Without another thought, she ran to the doctor and asked how she could help.

Let us get him away from the chemicals in this office.

Since her eyes were burning, she had no problem with that request, except she could not leave Tubs. Fortunately, before she had to choose, Tubs came up the steps, lifted Xavier into his arms and headed outside. Vic and Dr. Connors followed Tubs to their back yard where he laid Xavier by Davy. Tubs sat down beside the unconscious body of Xavier and looked at the doctor. Can you save him?

I’m sorry, this is beyond my knowledge. Nor do I know anyone who has expertise in gas poisonings.

Tubs sighed heavily and turned his focus to Vic. Call David. He knows lots of smart people.

Vic rushed inside. What was wrong with her thinking? She should have called David right away.

She ran to Gregory’s room.

Her friend and brother-in-law answered on the first ring.

Vic wasted no time getting to the point. David, Xavier was exposed to a stinky gas and he’s not waking up. Dr. Connors says he has a pulse, but he doesn’t know how to fix him. Do you know of anyone?

Does the gas smell like a sewer?

Yes!

Claire and I will come at once.

With a solution?

Yes. Just move him far away from the source of the gas. What was the source, by the way?

A stinky dead man. I’ll explain when you get here.

Vic hung up the telephone and hurried back outside. Xavier remained unconscious.

She knelt beside him and gripped his hand. You cannot die on me, especially not from a muddled case, Xavier. You have to live.

Fifteen minutes later, Claire and David arrived. Naturally, her sister wished to scold her. "Why on earth do