[Inspector Faro 14] - Faro and the Royals

as if he could not believe he was safe again. Squaring his thin shoulders, he assured the Headmaster that he was none the worse for his experience and was escorted from the study to be delivered into Matron's care by one of the masters. Begging the Headmaster's permission to leave, Anton trotted after them, obviously eager and anxious to be with his friend.

 With no opportunity to question or even speak to George, Faro took Crane aside and asked what had happened.

 'We found the lad, tied up and blindfolded.'

 'Where?'

 'He wasn't far away.'

 'He was in the school grounds?' said Faro.

 Crane frowned. 'Yes. But how did you know that?'

 ‘An inspired guess, since there was no carriage involved.'

 Inspector Crane nodded. 'Very astute of you, sir. Very astute. We actually found him in the old stable block which was part of Glenatholl House before it was extended into the college.'

 'At least he's safe. Were there any clues to the identity of his captors?'

 'Not one. However, our investigations continue.' Crane shook his head. 'The gypsy encampment has gone. Packed up, nowhere in the vicinity. We shall of course track them down.'

 'You still believe it was gypsies?' said Faro who had never put much store by that particular theory.

 'We only know what the young fellowAnton, told us.' He sounded unconvinced. 'Actually we have no records of suspicious persons about the area. The gypsies might steal a few clothes from drying lines, but they are mostly poor ignorant craiters, few can read and write well enough to be able to concern themselves with international politics.'

 'Have you taken the accident to the prince's bodyguard into your calculations, sir?' Faro interrupted.

 'Of course. But there is no evidence to suggest foul play. An unfortunate coincidence.'

 Faro was no believer in coincidences. 'Earlier that evening, he wished to talk to me. I now believe he had some vital information.'

 Crane stiffened. 'Had he indeed? The proper authority for such information is the Perth Constabulary, Inspector.' Without waiting for a reply, as the Headmaster approached, he said quickly, 'A bit of a storm in a teacup. Boys will be boys, sir. All's well that ends well. I'll leave it with you, Headmaster. Naturally we'll continue our enquiries and if we find any significant evidence we will let you know.'

 And that cliche didn't quite fit the occasion either, as far as Faro was concerned. If the attempt was genuine for all its confusing details, then all was far from well and far from ending. He had an unhappy intuition that it was just about to begin.

Chapter 9

Faro followed Inspector Crane to the door. 'I should like to see this place where the boy was found, if you will direct me to it.'

 Crane gave him a sharp glance. 'You would be wasting your time, Inspector.'

 Faro bowed. 'Allow me to be the judge of that.'

 Crane sighed. 'It has all been taken care of,' he protested. 'Believe me, there is nothing to see. Just an ordinary old disused stable. You have my word that my men are searching every inch of it for any evidence. So far there is nothing.'

 Faro was not to be put off. He was determined to carry out his own investigation.

 Watching Crane departing somewhat grumpily, Faro observed Reece hurrying across the gravelled forecourt, his manner urgent.

 'Exactly the man I want to see,' he said. 'I have received a message from Balmoral. Her Majesty has decided that you are to take charge of the boy, see him safe to Luxoria. The royal train will take you to Dover.'

 Faro began to protest but Reece swept aside his interruption. 'There is concern that the death of the prince's bodyguard, Tomas, who was attached to our own secret service, might not have been an accident. He was very loyal to Luxoria.’ And regarding Faro solemnly, 'Her Majesty said there is no man she would rather trust. "I have put my own life in his hands many times." Her very words, sir,' he added reverently.

‘I keep remembering that occasion at Glen Muick. They still talk of how you saved her from assassination.'

 That time was long past and belonged to a younger, more enthusiastic Chief Inspector Faro, who had not yet tasted the sweets of retirement. And flattery would get Reece nowhere, he decided.

 ‘It isn't difficult, sir, the journey, I mean,' Reece pleaded. 'There are quite excellent trains, the Orient Express goes through Germany,' he added eagerly. "You can pick it up in Paris at Gare de l'Est and get off at Stuttgart as the nearest stop to the Luxorian border. They will send a train to meet you.'

 He made it sound like a picnic day at Musselburgh, thought Faro, seeing all his easy life of sitting in the garden at Sheridan Place and teaching Jamie to play chess evaporate like mist on the Highland hills above Balmoral.

 Regarding his doubtful expression, Reece continued. 'There will be a substantial reward, recognition for royal services from Her Majesty personally,' he added with a significant pause.

 Was he hinting at a knighthood? It was an offer which Faro had already declined, much to his stepson's chagrin, as the last thing he had ever wanted or desired.

 'As you know, Luxoria is very close to Her Majesty's heart. Anything remotely connected with her late husband, the Prince Consort, is deified. And the Grand Duchess was very closely related to both of them.'

 Faro had heard all this before and he wasn't listening. He was trapped and could not refuse a royal command without some legitimate excuse, like ill-health or sudden infirmity.

 He sighed deeply. He might as well do his best to please Her Majesty, once again. For the last time. And it might well be his own last time ever.

 Then quite suddenly, as Reece rattled on, nervous and eager at his side, Faro's mind began to present a consoling sequence of not unpleasing pictures. Once they reached Germany and he had seen George and Anton safely delivered to the Luxorian border, he could travel on to Heidelberg. Where Imogen