Chapter 1

1

Maggie Valley, NCearly morning

THEY’D SLEPT WITH the windows open the previous night, enjoying the sound of the small stream behind their cabin rushing over the rocks and down toward the valley below. Quentin had awakened first, used the bathroom, then returned to the bed to wake his partner up in the most pleasant way possible. Afterward, they lay back on the pillows listening to the stream.

“It’s so good to get away for a few days,” Quentin said.

“That’s true, and I’m glad we were able to do it together,” Nate said.

“You know I wouldn’t have come up here without you, babe.”

“I wouldn’t have minded,” Nate said. “Belay that, of course I wouldn’t have enjoyed staying behind, but you worked twelve- and fourteen-hour days on that big case for how many weeks?”

“More weeks than I care to think about, but I was extremely well-paid for it.”

“Anyhow, you needed a rest, and if it had to be without me along, I’d have dealt with it.”

“You dealt with it by locating a well-qualified substitute teacher to take your place for a few days,” Quentin said. “Have I told you how proud I am of you for completing your Master’s and your Doctorate in record time?”

“Several times, Q, but I enjoy hearing it. It was a ton of work, but it was well worth it.”

“And now, you’re teaching a couple of Advanced Placement courses at the best high school in Duval County,” Quentin said.

“And loving it,” Nate said, “don’t leave out the best part—the fact that I’m only teaching the two courses—that gives me a great deal of free time, time I can use helping you.”

“That, too. Meanwhile, I’m hungry.”

“We haven’t been to Joey’s Pancake House this trip,” Nate said.

“That’s the best idea I’ve heard all day,” Quentin said.

“Fool. The day just started.”

“It was still a true statement. Shall we shower together?”

“I’ll wait for you,” Nate said. “You know what usually happens when we get in the shower together.”

“Spoilsport.”

“You’re the one who says he’s hungry,” Nate said.

“That’s true. Give me a few minutes, and the bathroom’s all yours.”

Thirty minutes later, they were in Nate’s car and on their way to the popular restaurant. At the restaurant, they had a brief wait before the hostess led them to a table. As they walked by one seating area, both men turned when they heard their names called.

They saw Noah Webster standing beside a nearby table waving at them. “Quentin, Nate, over here.”

The hostess led them to the table where their friends Tom and Noah were sitting with another couple, whom they didn’t know. Tom invited them to join his party, and the hostess was asked to find a table that could accommodate all six men. She led them to a round table that was waiting to be bussed.

While they stood beside the table, waiting for it to be cleared, Tom said, “Marco and Dani, meet two friends of ours from Jacksonville, Quentin Quasar and Nate Braddock. Quentin, Nate, this is Dr. Marco d’Argenzio and Dr. Danilo Rosati—they’re the guys we’ve told you about, who live in the Duchy of Aragoni in the Alps.”

Hands were shaken as Quentin and Nate were introduced to Marco d’Argenzio and Danilo Rosati. They settled at the table, and Tom continued the introductions. “Quentin is a private detective, and Nate teaches at Episcopal High School, but I think he spends a lot of time helping Quentin as well.”

{Nate, remember Tom telling us about these guys?} Quentin senttelepathically. {Marco’s father is the Duke of Aragoni.}

{Yeah, I remember. Fancy meeting them here in Maggie Valley.}

“What brings you guys to Maggie Valley?” Tom said to Quentin and Nate.

“I’ve spent the last six weeks working twelve and fourteen hour days on a big case,” Quentin said, “and I needed a break.”

“And I lucked out with a great substitute teacher, so here we are,” Nate said.

The six men visited until their breakfasts had been served, then the conversation died down, as they ate.

{Quentin and Nate, did you realize that you guys are broadcasting your thoughts all over the place?}

Quentin and Nate looked up from their plates with startled expressions.

{Who’s that?} Quentin sent.

{Marco and Dani, of course. We need to talk with you guys when Tom and Noah aren’t around. Any ideas?}

{Not right now,} Quentin sent

{Wait a minute,} Dani sent. {They have to go into Asheville for choir practice tonight, remember, Marco? Maybe we could find a reason to get together with Quentin and Nate then. What about it, guys?}

{That’ll work,} Quentin sent. {Give me a minute.}

Quentin put his fork down, looked at Tom, and said, “So, Tom, what are you and Noah doing to entertain your guests?”

“Mostly creative loafing 101,” Tom said. “They have busy schedules back home, as do we. I’m substituting for the organist at All Souls’ Cathedral in Biltmore Village, and Noah and I have to go over there this evening for choir practice. Marco and Dani are going to hang around the cabin and amuse themselves while we’re gone.”

“I’ve got a better idea,” Quentin said. “Why don’t you and Noah drop them off at our place when you leave, and we’ll take them to dinner somewhere nice. Afterward, we can go back to our place for a quiet evening. How about it, guys?” He looked pointedly at Marco and Danilo.