Mirage & Murder

By Sara Tiger Ryan

The Chance Fair Kidnapper Strikes Again...
Young Alice Washer is missing... like her friend Nissy...who was found floating in the river.
Raviny Syiin's Magic Paint Company workers are using mirage and turning her famous building art into disasters.
Alston Dahlia wants to find his birth family...no matter who they are...
Lavanta Lyy is missing her cat, Meep.
Miss Kitty's Private Spy Agency is jumping with cases.
And about to stir up another social hornet's nest.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sara Tiger Ryan
• Release date: Jul 21, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005215606

Sara Tiger Ryan

Sara Tiger Ryan was born in New Hampshire. She now lives in Florida with her 2 cats. Make that minus one charming boy cat, add in a Mama cat who brought me 5 kittens--all of them adorable! Sara started writing novels in 1973 in high school study hall and hasn't stopped (for long) yet. She started out writing fantasy and added mystery. She also writes metaphysical non-fiction. Ryan was active in the small press in the mid 90's, and had her own 'zine, Star Triad.

Book preview

Chapter 1

A Busy Day At Miss Kitty’s Private Spy Agency

1898

Laughing Fates Entire 4

Kissing Fates 2

WizardWalkingday

Sazzy blinked aware from Seeking her cousin Sipper's family crest ring to no avail at the sound of wracking sobs coming from Miss Kitty’s Private Spy Agency’s waiting room.

Ma’am, ma’am, Evan, their bookbinder tenant and receptionist by default, said in distressed tones.

The sobs grew louder.

Sazzy pushed back from her desk and tested to see if she could stand yet. She had been deep in her Seeking magic; she didn't want to appear in the waiting room doorway only to fall ignobly on her face in front of what sounded like a new client.

Dusty's low murmur, talking to his bane of a client, Miranda ‘SoGood' Winglass, issued from his adjoining office. There would be no help from him; her partner had never been able to detach easily from Miranda. Never mind that he could barely function still after his fortnight long bout with the gargoyle and contact poisons.

Sazzy plucked a fresh handkerchief from her desk's top side drawer and headed for the waiting room by way of the hall.

Elite Lady Lavanta Lyy sat on their sofa with her face buried in her hands, sobbing not at all decorously.

What— Sazzy began, and stopped.

Lavanta rose to her feet and wrung her hands. Her eyes were swollen and her cheeks streaked with tears. It's Meep! Someone stole him!

Sazzy’s heart slammed. Meep might no longer be their cat, but he had been. She rushed over and, despite everything between her and the Lyy Family, wrapped the older woman in a hug. I am so sorry. We'll do everything we can to find him. Drat! They needed a Creature Seeker. Right now.

As Sazzy started to lead Lavanta to her office, the foyer door opened and a man who looked to be in his late twenties, with pale ash brown hair and startlingly bright blue eyes, peered through the doorway and said, Miss Kitty? Raviny sent me. Are you busy? I can wait.

I just know they're all tied together, Miranda ‘SoGood’ said tearfully from the back hallway. You just have to help!

I said I would, Dusty answered, ushering Miranda into the waiting room. He still looked cadaverous from his bout with the poisons. She thought he should still be resting in bed. But, since he and Janji (Dusty on again-off again lover and now savior) were staying in her suite, Miranda coming in crying about a missing child had woken Dusty, and he had gotten up to deal with her.

Dusty managed to coax Miranda out of the waiting room into the foyer. Thank you. I'll let you know what I find out. He shut the door, left his hand on it and rested a moment, then turned and said cordially, Lady Lavanta, how pleasant to see you again.

Meep is missing! I don't know what to do!

I can come back later, the blue-eyed man repeated.

The foyer door opened again and Raviny Syiin came in looking distraught and irritated. Obviously Raviny had come directly from one of her jobs because she had smears of blue paint on her cream-colored jacket and trousers. It happened again. Did you get to talk to Sazzy yet, Al?

I just got here, the blue-eyed man answered.

Come on back, Dusty said to Lady Lavanta, I have some hot tea. He escorted the woman down the hall to his office as he spoke, We'll do everything we can to get Meep back for you. Tell me what happened.

Are you too busy? Raviny asked, glancing at Evan, who still hovered at his half-door.

Evan is our bookbinder, renter, and part-time receptionist, Sazzy said. Evan Shodal, Raviny Syiin, Vantage's famous painter of buildings.

I've seen your work, ma'am, Evan said, you're astounding.

Thank you, but I won't be for long if Miss Kitty's can't solve my worker dilemma, Raviny answered, then stroked a hand down the blue-eyed man's arm and introduced them, Sazzancy Jinn, Alston Dahlia. We're thinking about getting handfasted, but Al wants to find his birth parents first, and I need you to find out what in the Thunderlands is going on with my painters. I can't imagine that they are all mirage addicts, like it seems right now.

Orlan never was before, Alston put in.

Come back to my office, Sazzy said.

Before she could take a step, the assistant to the lawyer, who wanted Dusty to Find a missing heiress, brought in a short handful of papers, glanced around, nodded to her, and left the papers with Evan.

Busy day at Miss Kitty's? Raviny asked lightly.

We almost never get anyone more than every few days. Shalaka? Or I can make a fresh pot of kasha. She led the way down the hall to her office.

Either one. A chance to put my feet up. My latest commission has been a nightmare. Raviny dropped into Sazzy's client chair. Alston scanned the room, then brought the wooden chair from behind the waiting room desk to sit in, along with a hassock for Raviny's feet.

Alston knows the particulars of both cases, Raviny said. I just wanted to make sure you'd take my case and, if so, leave you a down payment.

Down payments are always nice, Sazzy said lightly.

Down payments are a lifeline, Raviny corrected. I don't think either case needs a Seeker, but I've heard you've solved all sorts of things. I need someone to check my workers before I hire them. It seems like every one lately has been a mirage addict. I can't afford any more repaints or unhappy clients.

I'm allergic to mirage.

I'll pay extra, then.

Alston picked up the new fee board Dusty had made and studied the prices. Background checks? he interjected.

That would be the category, Sazzy answered.

And for finding my birth parents?

That would come under missing people.

They probably aren't missing, I just don't know where they are.

She made no comment.

Raviny tipped the fee board so she could see the prices, then flipped open her purse and counted out enough for three background checks, listed the three people she wanted investigated, then asked, How long will it take?

It depends on how easy it is to find information on your people.

Raviny stood. Send me something tomorrow, even if it isn't complete. She laid her hand on Alston's shoulder. I'll see you later, love. Is covey bird all right for dinner?

It sounds marvelous, hon, Alston answered, squeezing Raviny's hand briefly.

Raviny left.

And one background check on the side, gratis, to make certain Alston was worthy of Raviny, who, though she had never been a particular friend, had been a long term social acquaintance.

Dusty ushered Lavanta Lyy out of his office and down the hall with reassurances. A moment later, the side door from the waiting room into her suite opened and closed, meaning Dusty felt bad enough to lie down. Sure enough, her couch creaked under his weight. She worried about him a few seconds, before returning her attention to Alston Dahlia.

I've already tried the orphanage, Alston said, They refused to give me my records. I'm hoping you have a way to get them—or find out things anyway.

Do you remember either of your parents? she asked, thinking that, if so, she could draw them for Dusty to Seek.

Alston shook his head. I remember either a playmate or an older brother, I'm not sure. Raviny says you have special resources...?

Meaning Das and his timewalking, she supposed. Those are expensive. Let's see how far I can get through normal courses first. She flipped to a fresh page in her notebook. Tell me everything you can remember, even guesses, even things that don't seem to relate that you think of.

I wasn't more than three or four—

Fleetfoot Runners! Katarina called out.

Evan answered too low for Sazzy to hear.

It's for you, Katarina answered, spoke a few minutes, then said merrily, Bye, then, thanks, and the foyer door opened and closed.

Alston started over, I wasn't more than three. I have vague impressions of an older playmate and lots of blue petticoats I used to like to hide behind.

She thought about how a shaman journey with Byo Benjerel had helped both Dusty and Riss with old memories and said, Have you tried a shaman journey?

A what?

She explained.

Alston repeated, I was only three.

Riss was four and what he got helped. Even though they hadn't yet solved that case entirely. And the memories that Riss had unearthed had sent him to his actual family who lived in Beacon Manor, Ai'Bet a few thousand years in the future.

When Alston didn't speak, Sazzy tapped her notebook with her wizardwriter and prompted, Start with what you know. Which orphanage were you in?

The Flowers of Joy over on Opal street. The woman said she couldn't give out any information.

You just need a royal order. And here was another connection to the Flowers of Joy Orphanage. Maybe if she talked to Raviny about Alston getting a shaman journey...

Just, he repeated. Though, I suppose Raviny might be able to get me one. He paused. Would that be included in the investigation?

Yes. As long as a Princely warrant would work this time as well. Do you work for Raviny?

No. I work at Cabbler's. We do roofs. Mostly Cabbler and I make the shingles now, and his sons-in-law put the roofs on.

Tell me what you remember of your days at the orphanage.

That's just it, I don't remember much of anything. Raviny talks about her childhood all the time. Mine seems hazy—even the last part, which I should remember.

Having grown up at the Flowers of Joy Orphanage, Alston would have encountered the basket lady poisoner, triple-cloaked man, and the Good Doctor, whom her former scryer-on-retainer, Riss, had remembered in his shaman journey. How old are you now?

As long as Matron Hubbel was right about my age when I went into the orphanage, I would be twenty this year. He paused. We didn't celebrate separate birthdays at the orphanage.

Do you remember any particular people at the orphanage?

Matron Hubbel. My favorite playmate was a boy called Yaddy.

She knew a Yaddy. Did you keep track of him?

Alston shook his head. Once I got out of there, I didn't even want to remember the place existed.

If it's the same Yaddy I've met, he's a transporter.

I don't remember him having a talent. He was always scared. I used to protect him.

It sounded like the same person. So maybe Yaddy knew something about Alston—even though he wouldn't want her to accost him to ask. Do you remember what Yaddy was afraid of?

A big man— Everyone. Everything it seemed. Not me, I was little, too.

Ask him if he's aware of the possible ramifications of actually finding his birth family, Dusty called in.

Ramifications? Alston echoed.

And that they might not want to be found, Dusty added.

I don't want to bother them, Alston answered, just know. He ducked his head and smoothed at the chair arm several seconds. A dog. I remember a dog from before. It was gray. I think. And small.

A dog Alston had owned when three years old likely wouldn't still be alive. But she wrote the information down, then pushed the page toward the top of her desk. Maybe Raviny can help you remember more. Write it down and bring it to me. Anything you remember might be the key we need.

I don't remember much, he repeated and stood. Thank you. Will you be able to talk to Matron Hubbel today?

I'll need to get a royal warrant first. Matron Hubbel hadn't been especially helpful the last time she had confronted the woman with a warrant, but the information the woman had given her had proved out.

Sazzy walked Alston to the foyer door, then checked Dusty on her way back to her office.

He waved for her to sit. Ask Paff tonight if a boy that might have been Alston was kidnapped from the Chance Fair in 1880 or '81.

Docket Waner had a whole list.

Check with her, too.

She still had Waner's list. What district was the Chance Fair held in that year, do you know?

I only remember the one in '89. The one where Wade was beaten nearly to death. I got there too late. I got him to a healer too late, too. Then I got beaten up and poisoned. I didn't even get to sit with him at the end. Dusty put his arm over his eyes. I need to sleep.

Sazzy left Dusty to rest, found Guard Waner's list and Paff's grid of the Chance Fair Kidnappings and, between them, made a list of where all but two of the Chance Fairs had been held. The Silk District had hosted most of the Chance Fairs, the 1881 and '82 ones, included. So she would need the Silk District station's list of missing children to see if Alston was on it.

Was the Silk District Station where Cady's brother Perrin worked? She couldn't recall. Cady, their ex-city-guard friend, had worked at the Dancing District Station. The same as Peti-captain Tony Farrel, who had worked the 1887 Chance Fair that K’Thery and his relatives had gone to and gotten poisoned at, and whom she kept forgetting to recontact to find out if he remembered more than he had put in his report.

Are you awake? she called in to Dusty. Does Cady's brother work at the Silk Station?

No, the Community one—Reader—but, you're right, even if that's not what you meant, we ought to ask him if his district has any children that went missing from any Chance Fairs.

That reminded her. We have a Chance Fair to go to sometime soon.

Chance Fairs used to be spontaneous events thrown together on the spur of the moment, not planned weeks in advance. Though, I suppose, the sellers just want to make sure everyone knows about them soon enough to save up all their money to spend at them.

She pushed to her feet. I need to go look up Raviny's workers in the census record to at least get started.

You don't mind if I give Cady our Lucky Heiress case, do you?

No, he looks like he needs something to hold onto.

He seems driven.

That ex-peti-captain of his sounds like a real oaf.

I think Cady is well out of the guards, too. It would be nice if, in solving his case on Miss Gray, he solved our Chance Fair cases—even though Miss Gray wasn't taken at a Chance Fair.

I'll see you later, she said and headed out, catching up her private spy kit from their coat rack on her way through the door into the foyer. Thanks to the sense of humor of the Younger Fates Entire, her private spy kit turned emerald to match her walking dress.

According to the city business records, Raviny had five painters, not just the three she had named. Maiselyn Short had worked for Raviny since 1890 and lived on Easylyn Lane. Dusty ought to know her—or at least of her. Holland Lockwin had been with Raviny three years. Those two hadn’t been on Raviny’s list to research.

Of the three Raviny had named, Tattamaellen came from Rose Crossings. Raviny had hired him early this spring. Orlan Lockwin had worked for Raviny off and on over the last several years. Bradlury had worked for Raviny for less than a fortnight.

Holland Laurel and Orlan Lockwin lived on Dragon Street in the Legend Community (but not at the same address). Bradlury Hane had no address listed.

Sazzy asked for the work record journals next. Maiselyn Short's work record was sporadic and she never worked long at one job, though Raviny had hired her several times. Tattamaellen had worked for Dankeri last, painting the Theater of the Dancing Fates Entire in Rose Crossings. She could ask Shay Dankeri Zamkrye about Tattamaellen at the Zamkrye family's party tonight. Which meant she needed to go to it. Good. She enjoyed dancing with Dankeri.

And she had to go to the Royal Ball tomorrow night. If she got Dusty to go with her, they could leave early and blame his recent illness, rather than her illusion-busting talent, which usually left her disoriented before a quarter of a ball had passed. Too bad Taitlin Walker, the talent healer from Zamsiya in 1886, didn't live here. He had done the best job of all at taking the effects of her talent illness away.

Sazzy wrote herself a note about both parties, then returned her attention to the work records. Orlan, aged twenty-seven, had no work record until Raviny's. That seemed odd. Holland Laurel had a spotty work record and an arrest from two years ago. Bradlury had worked for Hane's Bar, Grill, and Locksmith for twelve years before hiring on with Raviny a fortnight ago.

Sazzy went from the city records building to the Crier Archives, and checked for any mention of Holland Laurel's arrest. The only thing in the paper on the date listed in his work record was an arrest of several teens for vandalism. Derivatives had been cited as the cause. The teens had been ordered to the healers and put in custody of their parents. She started to put the paper back and a word caught her eye: ‘Rampagers’. The reporter said the teens had called themselves Rampagers. The reporter went on to warn the citizens of the dangers of letting their sons and daughters join a gang.

She put the paper away. She needed to talk to the painters. But either Raviny hadn't given her the address of her latest job or she hadn't written it down.

Sazzy stopped by Raviny's office on her way home. The young man at the desk refused to give her the addresses of Raviny's current jobs, but let her leave a note for Raviny to send the addresses around.

On her way through Sidewise Market, Sazzy hired her chair runner friend, Gritter, to come get her at dusk to take her to the Zamkrye party.

Once back at Five Whippet Street West, she inspected her wardrobe for something to wear tonight. She really should have ordered something new for the Queen's ball—but it was too late now. She finally laid her starry sapphire gown on the bed to change into later.

Her couch creaked. Sazzy checked her sitting room.

Dusty waggled his fingers at her. I put an ad in Tris' rag for a creature Seeker, but Miss Lavanta described Meep's collar and I wrote the description down for you. It had diamonds and emeralds on it, so I don't have a lot of hope that it is still on the cat—unless he just snuck out and ran away—but I figured it was worth a try.

Sazzy leaned in the archway between her bedroom and sitting room. We didn't have anyone else come in while I was gone, did we?

Katarina brought a note from Scrappy saying he'd been accepted into Dankeri's beginning class. Cady brought us a bill. Evan had three people. It's as if suddenly people have realized we are here.

Are you going to be up for putting a short appearance in the Queen's ball tomorrow night?

If I make sure to rest tomorrow afternoon, I can. Not long. When I get tired, my control of my magic breaks down. Crowds bother me right now.

I figured it would be a race to see which of us wanted to leave the ball first. You being tired or my illusion-busting talent making me dizzy. She came in and sat in her favorite purple velvet chair. I found a really good magic healer when I was in Zamsiya. He was fifth level.

I think our three are around third level. Healer Janberry might be at fourth.

She's good. But Healer Janberry lived in Mirage Jaunt. Taitlin Walker was better and he didn't yank energy into place, like Healer Janberry. I always feel she's angry at being asked to help.

A call from the hallway interrupted, Hey yo?

In here, Paff, Dusty answered their city guard friend.

Paff peered in the side door. Are you two going to eat tonight or do I have to force myself to demolish this pot pie all by myself?

She and Dusty followed Paff to the meeting room.

A candleflicker later, the second of their usual dinner crowd, one of the Vantage Jump Hunters, Kappin, Relayed in and dropped into the closest chair, saying, I'm starved. Rew has decided to train me up to be a magic Relay. I feel like a dragon stepped on me. He glanced at her and away. Flit and Filtch insisted I come. I hope it's all right.

Like I said last time you asked: you're expected, she answered, It's your bonus for keeping the Jump Hunter's office open so I can get places fast.

He looked away. My friend Riah took me to dinner the last couple nights. He's the one who brings Miss Kitty fish. The one who Stripes saved from getting tangled in a carriage accident.

The Lightning Runner boy? Dusty asked, then guessed, He Relays the messages?

Some. As long as you don't tell anyone. He Relays the messages, then gets to do what he wants with the rest of his time.

That makes sense, Paff said. I wish I could Relay all the bad guys to jail and get some time off. Detective Gillfeather works me like a dog.

The waiting room door opened and closed and Cady's footsteps sounded coming down the hall. As Cady entered the room, he asked, Have any of you ever heard of a Professor Dole?

If he's from here, you can look him up in the city census, Sazzy answered.

Why? Paff asked, pushing an empty plate toward Cady's usual seat.

He seems to be living in the old theater.

Riah had to deliver a message there, Kappin put in. He said the place is creepy and he never wants to go back.

Dusty paused eating. That's about where I keep almost sensing the girl you’re looking for: Miss Gray.

Sazzy looked up so she could check Cady's expression while she asked, Could she be behind magic wards?

Most people don't have the money for magic wards, Dusty answered. He slid his plate toward the center of the table and pushed to his feet. I need to lie down. He left the room.

But Cady said, Maybe. He sat and filled his plate before adding, Maybe it's the magic wards wavering rather than Lia—uh—wavering—or my talent wavering.

We have an unsolved murder from there from last fall, Paff put in. The body was found on the theater's front steps. It's one of those you don't expect to solve. The guy was a drugger and drinker.

Sazzy stopped listening. She had hoped the Prince would come to dinner so she could ask him about a 'Princely warrant' for Raviny's beau. Maybe she would see him at the Zamkrye's Festive tonight. At least she would get to see the ravishing Shay Dankeri Zamkrye and get a magical dance with him. Oh, maybe Zare Woodrill Zamkrye would be there, too, and she could get a second magical dance and order a new gown at the same time—not that herm could whip her up a gown before tomorrow night.

The door to the waiting room flung open and a woman called out, Isn't anyone here!

Sazzy went to see who sounded so desperate.

The older sister of Dusty’s young friend, Alice, stood mid the room wringing her hands. Tears streamed down the woman's face. Is M-Mister D-Dusty here?

Sazzy glanced toward her suite. He's ill. She paused and made herself ask, May I help you?

Please! Mister Dusty will care.

He's still barely alive.

Alice's sister's eyes widened and she paled and braced herself on the back of the closest chair. He can't be. He has to find Alice for me! Someone kidnapped her on the way to Gram's this morning. Riss didn't come for her. She went by herself. He cares...

He's sleeping. He can barely stand up for more than a half wizardmark at a time. He certainly wouldn’t be able to Seek-walk any distance. Have you tried the guards?

What do they care! They wrote it down, but they never do anything. Please! Dusty is my only hope!

Cady and Paff paused in the hall doorway, and Paff set the pie dish on Tasser's old desk.

Alice's sister spun around, her expression turning fearful.

Paff glanced questioningly at her, then turned his attention to Alice's sister—who now looked trapped as well as frantic.

Cady is a Seeker, Sazzy said. Let him try.

Alice's sister wavered but turned to Cady...and didn't ask.

Riss' girl, Alice, is missing, Sazzy said. Her sister was hoping Dusty was well enough to Seek her.

Cady braced himself on the door jamb and closed his eyes, while Paff sympathized with the sister, eased her into the closest chair, and asked her for details.

Cady opened his eyes and motioned Sazzy into the hall, where he said, Alice is either out of my range or unconscious. I sensed something, so I don't think she's dead.

Sazzy considered what Alice looked like: pretty, blond, young...but the Chance Fair wasn't for another few weeks. Drugged?

Cady shrugged minimally. Or that. You're right, she does fit in Paff's grid—except for the Chance Fair point we've been using as a baseline.

Paff peered through the hall doorway. I'm going to walk Miss Washer home and talk to her parents.

Cady followed the two out.

Before she went to dress for the Zamkrye’s Festive, Sazzy pulled out their cash box—an old, refurbished book, compliments of Brown and Bracket Bookbinders, who had rented the building a few decades ago. The book-box was divided in two sections—probably one side for Brown and one side for Brackett. Now one side for her and one side for Dusty. Her side held more coins than she expected, but far less than the cost of a fancy ball gown. Maybe Zare