The Radiant King: Reed Lavender, #2

The Radiant King

Reed Lavender:2

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Ashley Capes

Contents

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.

Chapter 16.

Chapter 17.

Chapter 18.

Chapter 19.

Chapter 20.

Chapter 21.

Chapter 22.

Chapter 23.

Chapter 24.

Chapter 25.

Chapter 26.

Chapter 27.

Chapter 28.

Chapter 29.

Chapter 30.

A Note from Ashley

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Chapter 1.

Duong was waiting in a navy suit out the front of Reed’s apartment building when he returned from the underground, knucklebone in pocket. The detective leant against the old stone walls. Shades cloaked his eyes from the afternoon sun, not that it was truly that bright.

Maybe he’s hung over.

Cigarette butts covered the Coke can he held and his suit jacket was a little rumpled but he straightened with a nod. So, let’s talk inside.

About SEDO?

Right.

Reed led Duong inside and then onto the elevator, where they travelled in silence. Duong was now chewing gum – the smell of mint strong. Probably best I don’t ask him how the quitting thing is going, then.

Once inside, Reed took Duong to the kitchen and opened the fridge. Drink?

I’m fine, Reed.

He lifted some milk free and poured a tall glass.

That lot at SEDO claim that you were the last to see Petros Martin alive, Duong began. What can you tell me?

Treveyos’ real name, no doubt. That he’s probably a con artist like the rest of them.

I’m doing this here instead of in an interrogation room as a courtesy, you know.

Reed raised his hands. Sorry, I realise that. He took a long drink of his milk. How much truth exactly could he afford to share? He gestured to the bruising at his throat. I asked a few questions about Garibaldi and Elise. It got heated actually, and he attacked me. I guess I passed out but when I woke up he was gone.

Right. Doung started writing.

Right.

He glanced up from his notes. Those hippies claim you drugged them.

Reed sighed. Then have them take any test you like; nothing will show up because I didn’t drug them.

Then what did you do?

Nothing, Reed replied, and it wasn’t a lie so he didn’t need to try to sell it. I didn’t see either of them on my way home, which is where I went right after.

Time?

Can’t really remember, to be honest. Morning though.

And earlier today?

Meaning?

What were you doing in the underground?

Reed leaned forward. Did you have me followed?

You bet I did, he snapped. "Listen, you’re someone I have to watch now, whether you like it or not. And it’s obvious that something is going on with this Petros Martin guy and I want to know what it has to do with you and the case we’re supposedly working on together."

Shit, are you saying you think I killed him?

He pointed his pen at Reed. What I think is that you’re not telling me everything; it’s pretty simple.

"Then tell me something – have you checked this Petros guy out? You find anything linking him to Garibaldi or Dunstall?"

The sharp ring of a mobile cut Duong’s answer off. Yeah? His voice was terse. Then his expression grew a little less agitated, and he turned his back to cross the room, heading for the door. You serious?

Reed followed.

Whoever was on the other line kept talking a little longer, then Duong hung up and turned around again. He jammed his phone into a pocket then tore a cigarette from a pack, though he didn’t light it yet.

What’s going on?

That was someone we both know – Officer Huggins. He tells me that Petros Martin apparently filed a harassment report against you just now.

Reed frowned. Treveyos was definitely dead before any such report had been filed.

Well, I’m sure it won’t come to anything, Duong said as he started for the door, still appearing at least somewhat agitated. Probably not with those bruises of yours – but I’m going to follow up with Mr Martin now, and you’re not invited.

Fine, Reed said. But press him about –

Duong shook his head, already in the short hallway leading to the door. Don’t tell me how to do this, Reed. And we’re going to talk again and when we do, I want whatever it is that you’re holding back. The door slammed behind him.

Reed slumped back in his chair. A stay of execution?

The creak of his fridge seal being broken echoed from the kitchen. You’ve only got milk and juice again. Is that any way to thank me? a voice called.

Max.

Reed found the man with his torso half in the fridge. As ever, Max wore jeans and leather jacket and when he turned, he had his aviator sunglasses on. No scarf today, however. Don’t you have any vodka or something?

That’d be in the freezer if I did.

So, that’s a no, right?

Very good, cousin, Reed replied with a smile. I’m guessing you came here to harvest some gratitude?

Of course. You should have seen my Treveyos impression. Nailed the voice too.

He chuckled. Well, I do owe you now.

Plus the time we stole that jumping castle.

I remember.

Well, I’ll set it aside for now – gentleman that I am, so we can get started on this hand hunt.

I don’t know.

Well, it’s another order-poorly-disguised-as-a-request from Mother, so let’s get cracking.

Lina didn’t tell you about the knuckle bone?

Max removed his sunglasses, revealing dark eyes. I was hoping to distract you with work, to be honest. She said Pluto didn’t have much to offer.

Not really.

Then maybe we should get to work finding Feronia’s missing hand, now that she’s letting her fingers do the walking.

What?

You know, that ad for phone books. Do humans still use phone books?

Reed rubbed at his neck. Max, do you have any idea of what year it is on our calendar?

He spread his hands. Fine. Some people do, yes. And yes, nice pun there.

I was hoping you’d tell me as much.

Reed groaned as he rubbed at his neck. So, you really think we’ll find something?

Of course.

Your optimism is dazzling, Reed replied. What have you got in mind?

I think we should visit an old timer, someone who’d have an ear to the ground. Max was smiling.

What does that mean?

Just go where I tell you. I don’t want to ruin the surprise.

Fine. Reed collected his things and headed out, striding toward the elevator. It was blessedly empty again, not that anyone would have seen Max in any event. At the bottom, Reed paused as a figure crossed the lobby. It was his neighbour Steve, his easy-going expression missing as he hailed the desk clerk.

Trouble? Max asked.

Reed shrugged. I dunno, he looks a little agitated is all. He’s one of my neighbours.

Max raised an eyebrow. Nice of you to worry about the other humans.

Reed jabbed at his cousin with his car keys, but Max skipped out of reach. Tell me where we’re going already.

A nursery in the suburb of Hawthorn.

Why?

Don’t make me spoil it.

***

The Growing Bud Nursery stood just outside of Hawthorn. Out front, a lush row of plants, flowers and pots, and the rich scent of earth and fertiliser. They approached, passing a young family on the footpath.

Max took Reed past lines of succulents and sprouts and furniture and finally to a dusty collection of garden gnomes – most with AFL colours or the classic blue tunic and red hat. All motionless concrete. Here.

Where?

Max gestured to the gnomes.

So, who’s your friend, Max? Reed asked, keeping his voice low despite the lack of other customers.

David. Max sat before the row of gnomes, crossing his legs. David, are you there?

Reed crossed his arms. "His name is David? As in, David the Gnome?"

That’s how he’s introduced himself in the past.

But it’s a kid’s show from the 1980s. This is a joke, right?

Max snorted. No – that’s his name. And the cartoon you’re thinking of was a book series first. Wil Huygen. He was Dutch.

Ah, how silly of me.

Max glanced over his shoulder with a wink. Come on, let me distract you with trivia. I have a third thing for when the time is right, you know.

Reed groaned. What do you think David will know?

Maybe nothing, but I want to ask. Ah, here he comes.

The nearest gnome, a little taller than the others, legs swinging from a toadstool, twitched and then the eyes blinked, focusing on Max first. You again?

Hello David. You look like you’re having fun.

Do I? Well, this model’s got that whimsical look, you know, but I’d rather this one I found over in Toorak. The guy hides it from his neighbours. It’s part minotaur or something and when I take it out for a stroll it scares the shit out of the other stats.

Stats? The question came out before Reed could stop it.

"Statues, obviously. Who are you? I see you’re not quite as dead as Max here, are you?"

Not really, no.

Max chuckled. Ah, David. We’re hoping you’ve noticed something since you spend a lot of time with your feet on the earth, something went missing and we can’t find it.

That business with Feronia?

Right.

Yeah, I felt her hand – it went tearing across the state a little while ago. It disappeared right in the city, about the State Library I’d say.

You could feel it?

The gnome snorted. Of course – well, up until that point. Then it disappeared. So, will that be all, gentlemen?

Max stood. Yes, thank you, David. That’s a big help.

Yeah, yeah.

The eyes closed.

Chapter 2.

The afternoon sun peeked between heavy clouds, shining on the green lawns that lay before the State Library. And while no-one really lounged about upon it like they might have in summer, people were meeting on the glistening steps and between the columns, some with dark umbrellas at their sides.

Breath steamed where they spoke, coffees in hand.

Reed glanced at Max, who was rubbing at his sunglasses with his white t-shirt. Are you sure we can trust David about this?

I am.

Who is he, really – you’ve been holding out all the way over here but I think I need to know before we go nosing about in there.

Worried about running into that young lady again... what was her name? You know, one of Minerva’s girls. Emily? No, Emma, right?

He exhaled. No, that’s not the problem, cousin. In fact, Aunty suggested visiting Minerva anyway.

Convincing, Max said with a grin. And by the way, it’s going to be ‘you’ not ‘we’ because I’ve got another lead I’m going to follow up on; Mother’s calling us.

Fine. But you still haven’t answered my question.

David is probably the last servant of one of those Anglo-Norman deities that Vanished over the centuries. Happy?

Hmmm. So, when will you be back?

I’m not sure – Mother was hinting that she had been told by Jupiter to keep us all on a shorter leash.

Leash?

Charming, isn’t it? Max said.

I sincerely hope that means she doesn’t expect me to hunt down the thief by myself now. I’m a little tired of doing that sort of thing alone.

No. Everyone’s worried about that. I think Jupiter is more concerned about the rules when we go snooping about in people’s homes and offices for you.

Ah. Which meant getting a hold of Dunstall would have to happen via more conventional means.