The Red and Purple Murder Mystery

By Stanley R Zalesny

Come join the International Convention for the Red and Purple Sisterhood of fabulous ladies, fifty years and older, that are out to rock the New Orleans Hotel Casino in Las Vegas with fun and friendship! For Mary Jane Watson, a former Police Detective, it is her first convention. Out to celebrate her retirement with the Dames in Old Hats she is

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stanley Zalesny
• Release date: Nov 29, 2021
• ISBN: 9780578330457

Stanley R Zalesny

S.R. Zalesny, the author of Red and Purple Murder Mystery is a resident of Las Vegas, Nevada. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He grew up in Southern California and graduated from Loyola University. He is a former Explorer Scout and Marine. He is the Author of three books, a member of the Independent Writers of Southern California, a recipient of the Readers Favorite Five Star Award for the Memoir Following Huck and the Indie B.R.A.G. Medallion Award for his juvenile book, Jenny and the Hummingbird Faeries.

Book preview

Red and Purple Murder Mystery S.R. Zalesny

The Red and Purple Murder Mystery

S R. Zalesny

This book is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America. This book is a work of fiction. References to real people, events, establishments, Organizations, or locales are intended only to provide a sense of authenticity and are used fictitiously. All other characters, and all incidents and dialogue are drawn from the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. No portion of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage or retrieval system, without written permission from the author/publisher.

Line/Content Editor: Renee Martinet

Interior Design: Jo Wilkins

Cover: Richard Draude

EBook: Richard Draude

ep. cm.— S.R. Zalesny (Mystery—Copyright ©2021 /S.R. Zalesny)

All Rights Reserved

ISBN: 978-1-087963-00-6/Paperback

ISBN: 978-1-087963-00-6/eBook

1. Fiction/Mystery & Detective/General

2. Fiction/Mystery & Detective/Women Sleuths

3. Fiction/Women

Henderson, NV 89002

tmp_53584274bca1bfba4adf37f14c69fcf1_ykOcO1_html_m6679519.png

Printed in the United States of America

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Navigation Page

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Red and Purple Murder Mystery

S.R. Zalesny

Chapter One

tmp_53584274bca1bfba4adf37f14c69fcf1_ykOcO1_html_58c4a2f1.png

The Right Honorable Daryl Windom Jones, Treasurer to the Queen of England and Keeper of the Privy Purse, hurried to the attendance anteroom doors. The guard snapped to attention and knocked on the door twice. The guard opened one of the double doors and the Treasurer entered, puffing to catch his breath before speaking. Daryl Windom Jones automatically bowed. He waited for the Queen to acknowledge him to advance.

Hello, Daryl, have you finalized the request I placed with you?

Yes, I have your highness, however, there have been questions raised as to the advisability of doing such an act of generosity. In addition.

There is no problem with the generosity. I am providing my own funds, not the Crown’s funds Daryl. The addition you wish to speak to is the public view or the Firms view of this gesture?

The Treasurer hesitated. The Royal Bureaucracy, known as the Firm, had made it’s views known to him. He cleared his throat, and carefully stated, the Firm has made some remarks about the situation.

The Queen turned and sat down on her embroidered chair to think for a minute. Very well. Rest assured; I believe my choice will elicit an excellent public response. It is, in my small way, a reward to an organization, a group of older women, who deserve some recognition of how well received they are in the world’s population of women. It is how well they present to the world. They have a zest, in their later years, for life and a camaraderie that is an inspiration to the entire world of women. A real sisterhood. With this Tiara, they will feel like a Queen for a day.

It is unusual though, your Highness. A Queen’s Tiara set with even a few Rubies is a bit of a surprise. It could be seen as over-generous.

Nonsense, now, did you bring a picture so I may make a final decision?

Daryl spread open a large portfolio he was carrying on the cleared side table the Queen used for plans.

These photographs were professionally done your Highness. Still, they barely capture the beauty of the real Tiara. Daryl explained.

The set of colored photos illuminated a delicate, filigreed Tiara that was set with five, round glistening Rubies. One, larger, in the middle, set higher on the crest, the others, smaller, set two to each side. The Tiara was made of fine Silver. The letter of authenticity from the Jeweler, Thomas and Sons of London, was included.

Oh, yes, it is quite stunning; don’t you think Daryl?

Yes, your Majesty. It is a fine piece of art. It is tasteful and impressive. In addition, your Majesty, we do need to decide on an escort to go with the Tiara to America. It should be someone familiar with the area, which is Las Vegas Nevada.

Is that where the Convention is being held?"

Yes, it is only the second time the International Convention is being held there. Our agent needs to be able to interact with the local authorities and with the Hotels own Security people. If I may, I would propose Inspector Basil Nigel Wade. He is from Kent. I believe you know him.

Oh, yes, he did work on a few details for us while we were visited by the former President of the United States. We need an experienced man. Yes, yes, I believe he will do properly. He is a fine man. Does he know who to contact in the States?

The Privy Purse and Treasurer to the Queen explained that one person, Mildred Weatherspoon, the Nevada CFO of the Organization had been alerted to the Queen’s proposal. She was thrilled to have it presented at the Red and Purple Sisterhood Convention.

She responded that she loved the picture and the description that we sent to her. We have vetted her as well as possible. She will make the security arrangements for the safekeeping of the Taira. Of course, Inspector Wade will be the primary guardian of the Tiara. He will travel with it in his safe possession, your Highness.

Mildred Weatherspoon had assured the Treasurer that the local Las Vegas Metro Police Department, and the New Orleans Hotel Security Sergeant, Jon Woods, were more than capable of guarding the Tiara once it was on display in the Mardi Gras Convention Hall at the Hotel.

Very good, Daryl. Carry on.

Chapter Two

tmp_53584274bca1bfba4adf37f14c69fcf1_ykOcO1_html_58c4a2f1.png

Ladies, in multiple shades of old, cherry red hats, invaded Las Vegas. They congregated at the New Orleans for their International convention. The newly built Hotel had completed final inspection approval two weeks before the arrival of the purple horde. The hotel backers, and operators wanted all the conventions they could handle to make the opening months successful. The Red and Purple Sisterhood Society Women’s Convention was a gamble they hoped would develop into a yearly recurring event. With two to three thousand of these gals filling the hotel, the Hotel management and staff had prepped for any contingency. But not all situations can be fully anticipated.

The additional notoriety of an arrival of a Red Ruby Tiara from the Queen of England had escalated the excitement amongst the energized women guests and the entire city. The gold tinted windows, competitively brighter than the gold Trump Tower,