The Waylaid Count (6)

6

Nevertheless, sundry small things weighed on my mind. First, there was Julbo’s wink. Then there was the ribbon on the doorhandle, and Julbo’s visit to No. 1709. I noted that the time was 3 a.m. I got little sleep that night, but I was glad that my father had bought the Ritzavoy XI. It was an acquisition which seemed to promise fun and diversion.

The next morning, Mr. Ritzavoy met us at breakfast in the Exosphere Kitchen near our rooms. I had been discretely discussing with my father some of the previous nights events, but we quieted immediately upon his approach.

“I have emptied my private room of all personal papers and belongings,” said Ritzavoy to my father, “and it is now at your disposal. I propose, if agreeable to yourself, to stay on in the cruiseshuttle as a guest for the present. I have moved my things down into one of the larger, vacant servants’ cabins. We have much to settle in regard to the completion of the purchase, and also there are things which you might want to ask me. Also, to tell the truth, I am not anxious to leave the old place with too much suddenness. It will be a wrench to me.”

I hid my smile at him calling it “the old place.” The ship seemed brand new, and I knew the amenities were changed frequently to keep things fresh.

“I shall be delighted if you will stay,” my father replied. “But it must be as my guest, not as an employee of the cruiseshuttle. Feel free to move your things into any available cabin or stateroom.”

“You are very kind.”

“As for wishing to consult you, no doubt I shall have need to do so, but I must say that the show seems to run itself,” he speculated.

“Ah!” said Ritzavoy. “I have heard of cruiseshuttles that run themselves. If they do, you may be sure that they obey the laws of gravity and run downwards. You will have your hands full. For example, have you yet heard about Miss Surcer?”

“No,” said my father. “What of her?”

“She has mysteriously vanished during the night, and nobody appears to be able to throw any light on the affair. Her room is empty; her boxes gone. You will need someone to take her place, and that someone will not be very easy to get.”

My ears pricked up at the mention of an available position.

“H’m!” my father said, after a pause. “Hers is not the only post that falls vacant today.”

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