Page 22 of King’s Ransom

‘No, this is the first we’ve heard of him.’

The Tech Detect said, ‘I know him.’

Juno Everhart said, ‘Me, too.’

Xiao said, ‘I, as well. My interaction with him involved clients who wanted to keep the matter quiet.’

‘Mine, too,’ Garrett said.

(Mine had, as well, I thought.)

‘And the great big military attack drone?’ I asked. ‘It’s from King’s company?’

Trey Hooper said, ‘Yeah, it is. Glad we have you geniuses around.’

I nodded at the long mirror above the bookcase.

‘And has anyone checked behind this secret two-way mirror?’

Everyone turned to face the broad mirror.

‘Two-way what—’ Hooper spun.

‘The secret what—’ Longmuir said.

I said, ‘I touched it on the way in. A regular mirror has a gap between your finger and its reflection. A two-way mirror doesn’t. This mirror doesn’t.’

‘I—well—we . . .’ Hooper stammered.

At that moment, the Tech Detect’s Apple watch buzzed.

‘It’s noon . . .’ he said.

No sooner had he spoken than the distorted voice on the drone clicked off.

And another message began.

It was the same voice, clear and cultured.

‘Hello, everyone. Thank you all for coming. You’ll find Mr King’s youngest boy and his henchman under Alexander’s henchman and Hudson’s enthusiastic drop patter. You have until 12:05 to find them. Then I kill them.’

Click.

Nothing.

There was a brief pause among the group.

Then everyone spoke at once.

‘We only have five minutes?’ Director Longmuir gasped.

‘Who’s Alexander?’ Agent Hooper said. ‘Is that the kid’s name?’

‘No,’ Merritt Garrett said quickly. ‘King’s youngest son is named Alexei.’

‘It’s a riddle . . .’ I said softly.

‘Who the hell’s “his henchman?”’ Director Longmuir asked. ‘He said King’s youngest boy and his henchman.’