Murder on the Orion Express

By Kieran Ryan

A trip on board the luxurious Orion Express is the ultimate extravagance for the rich and famous of the galaxy.
Having been wowed by the sight of a supernova, the guests retire for the night, supposedly safe in their shielded cabins. But by morning, disaster has struck and two men are dead, ruthlessly murdered during the night.
Isolated in space with a killer in their midst, famous detective Gabriel Beckett must identify the murderer before he, she, or it, decides to strike again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kieran Ryan
• Release date: Feb 7, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005656959

Kieran Ryan

Kieran Ryan is a science fiction writer from Galway city in the West of Ireland.He has recently published the third book in his middle grade sci fi trilogy "Union of Worlds."In between writing and parenting, Kieran has earned degrees in science and the arts, and a PhD in microbiology.Kieran also draws and does all sorts of other creative stuff which you can check out at https://www.unionofworlds.com

Book preview

MURDER ON THE ORION EXPRESS

By Kieran Ryan

Copyright © 2021 Kieran Ryan

MURDER ON THE ORION EXPRESS

SMASHWORDS EDITION

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, without the written permission of the author, except where permitted by law. The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the internet or via any other means without the permission of the author is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic and print editions, and do not participate in or encourage any form of piracy of copyrighted materials.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead is entirely coincidental.

Two dark figures clung together desperately and stared into the starry night sky.

The taller figure spoke. It's no use, I can't rest until he's dead. Once he's gone we can finally be at peace, and my soul will be freed from its torment.

The smaller figure huddled closer. Darling! Can I dream? Will our pain finally be over?

Yes, my love. Over. Then it will be you and me together forever; free from the terrible shadow of Virgil Black.

The two turned and shuffled stiffly along the corridor towards their sleeping quarters, the hum of the ship's engines muffling their footsteps. When they finally disappeared from sight, lost in the blackness beyond the ship's pilot lights, Gabriel Beckett emerged from the dark corner in which he had sat, contemplating life and its great mysteries. He paused at the exact same spot the couple had occupied moments earlier.

The life of Gabriel Beckett is destined never to be a peaceful one, he murmured with an air of quiet resignation, before himself retiring for the night to the luxury of the Orion Express, where every room was first class.

***

Beckett rose at 07.10am (GMT) the following morning. This irritated him no end as it was a full ten minutes after his usual time. Due to the particularly difficult circumstances of his most recent case, he allowed himself the transgression but vowed to rise at 06.50am the following day as penance.

He washed, dressed and attended to his other ablutions before presenting for breakfast at precisely 8am, thankfully, as normal. He entered the dining room, immaculately turned out, satisfied that routine had been restored. As befitted a vessel like the Orion Express, the dining room was magnificently, if a little ostentatiously, decorated with an abundance of Earth walnut and gold on show. Serving staff, neatly dressed in pristine blue uniforms hustled about busying themselves with the morning rush.

Beckett! Beckett, my dear man. Over here! Beckett recognised Colonel Pilkington, the Orion Express hospitality manager immediately. He was a jovial character in his seventies, well-turned out despite his natural inclination towards disorganisation, and a voice that was just a little too loud. Smiling an easy smile, Beckett sat down opposite the Colonel.

Good morning, Colonel. May I compliment you, the Express is every bit as remarkable as they say.

Glad to hear it, Beckett, we try our best. Sincere apologies I couldn't welcome you on board last night. Pilkington lowered his voice, With all the wealthy clients on board it's a bit of a job keeping the egos happy.

Beckett smiled knowingly and bowed his head.

But you, Mr Beckett, continued the Colonel, it's not often we have a real bona fide celebrity as a guest. Yes, the most famous detective in the galaxy, right here on our ship. We're positively thrilled you took up our invitation. I'm afraid word of your presence has spread somewhat, you're creating quite the excitement amongst the other guests. That last case of yours was a real humdinger. Perhaps you could share some of your stories with them, maybe later over dinner? Satisfy their curiosity, you know.

Of course, replied Beckett politely, noting a number of pairs of eyes return sheepishly to their breakfasts as his gaze met theirs. I have to confess that last one took more out of me than I anticipated. Two murders, a heist, a missing president and a veritable football team of suspects.

So we heard, replied the Colonel.