Only Gods Never Die. Karl Hudousek
he walked in; his eyes followed the wall of shelves till he saw the crystal vase in its place, and knew the secret panel was undisturbed behind it.
“Take your time, we need to be sure,” said Novak, as he examined each object with interest.
“Apparently there could be a motive behind any one of these objects, like this one,” proposed the lieutenant cynically, holding up a cracked clay vessel.
“It’s not about the object itself, it’s what it represents – the ethereal quality of the artefact,” Felix said as he watched Benzel throw Novak a sour look. “It’s like a badge. The important part is what it stands for.”
“Well then, tell me what this is. What does it stand for?” Novak demanded.
“It’s not in the inventory,” said the officer.
“It’s not? Why not?” asked Novak.
“I didn’t know how to classify it.”
“Classify it as chisel.” Felix said.
Both turned their eyes on him and then snatched another look at the simple implement in Benzel’s hand.
“They carved their mighty monuments with these, their civilisation and their tombs.” Felix regarded the chisel with wonder. “It’s amazing to touch that link to a stonemason twenty-five centuries ago. It’s like holding a ghost, isn’t it?” Felix asked.
Benzel shuddered and handed the chisel to Novak, who seemed genuinely interested in it.
“Well,” Novak said rather automatically as he inspected the chisel, “let’s get on with it.”
That the intruder had searched through the drawers was apparent. He had also removed some books to look behind them, replacing them untidily and in haste.
Novak was absorbed with the paintings on the opposite wall as Felix approached him. “You like that one?” he asked.
“Who wouldn’t? It’s beautiful. Your uncle had outstanding taste in art.”
“Yes he did have a gift for it. Look, I can’t find anything missing; it could have been a document or a rare book—”
“No,” the inspector snapped.
“Why not?”
Novak seemed to be on a short fuse. He tore his eyes from the painting to look at Felix. “Because something was snatched from his hand, some object, which left a deep cut on the palm. This was during a struggle, just before he was shot. Right here.” He moved to indicate a spot on the parquetry floor. He was still pointing to it when another officer entered the doorway announcing a visitor. Novak motioned to him to come forward.
It was Etienne who stepped into the room, holding a well-travelled brown leather suitcase, a look of dismay already on his tanned face. His eyes darted around the room and then switched from face to face to stop on Felix. “What is this? What’s going on?”
Before anyone could say a word, Novak stepped up to him, and took the suitcase from his hand. “You’re Etienne Vallois, I suppose. Your uncle has been shot dead,” he said coldly.
Etienne’s frown deepened as the reality of the situation sunk in. “I’ll kill the bastard, I will.” He grabbed the inspector by the arm.
Novak remained calm. “Sure you will, and tell me who this bastard is, because we have no idea.”
“You better have. I’ll have no regrets whose throat I cut over this.”
Novak broke free from Etienne’s grip and took a pace back to observe him more closely. Etienne was attractive in a rugged way. His deep-set eyes had a hint of wildness, his movement an air of daring. His manliness commanded respect.
However, Novak knew he spoke with anger and hurt and it would be easy to take advantage of him. “Something is missing. It was wrenched out of your uncle’s hand in a fatal struggle. Do you have any idea what it could be?”
Etienne walked into the middle of the room and looked around. Benzel stood by the large window facing the street, winding his pocket watch.
“We’ll stay here till we have some idea what it might be,” said Novak with an air of exasperation. Everyone remained silent as he looked at each person in turn, and then continued with sudden confidence. “The answer lies in this room, I’m certain of it.”
Etienne’s gaze travelled the room slowly. “The camels and Bedouins Royal Doulton vase, it’s there – wait, something is missing.” Etienne was calm and deliberate in his assessment.
“Why do you repeat what I already said?” Novak sounded annoyed.
“I’m merely reaffirming that something is missing. It’s the clock.”
“What?” Novak snapped.
“He’s right; there’s not a time piece in this place,” confirmed the officer acting as notary.
“You see, Benzel. I knew it. It’s simple; if we work as a team we’ll solve it before the week is over.”
“It must be valuable,” said the lieutenant.
“I think so,” Etienne affirmed.
“That settles it. We’ll meet in my office, tomorrow, at midday.” With that Novak dismissed them.
Felix didn’t know what to think. His stomach felt like it had a stone in it. His throat was dry, while his mind was tortured by secret thoughts – the panel, the safe, its contents and the incredible story. Revealing it would solve nothing. He knew he had only to wait; the ace was in his hand.
As they walked toward the river, Etienne was deep in thought. “I can’t believe he went this way,” he said bitterly, pursing his lips. “You would think he knew something important.”
“Oh, what fantasy. But tell me, how did you know about the clock?”
“I didn’t. I made it up, to get rid of them. Isn’t that what they wanted to hear?”
Felix stopped and embraced him, “Etienne, you’re a marvel. I’m so glad you’re here. This is far, far from over.”
Only an hour earlier, such a tragic reunion was the last thing on Etienne’s carefree mind. Now he gave his cousin a sombre look.
“What is it?” Felix frowned.
“I just wonder how this will end.”
The next day they awoke early and had a simple breakfast. Again they went over the ground they had covered late into the night before. “Do you believe it was a simple burglary? No you don’t; I can tell. Why don’t you admit it?” Etienne demanded.
“Don’t set fire to our hopes. This is only the opening scene and we will win it.” Felix locked his eyes on him. “Yes, we will win it not by fighting at all, but by keeping our mouths shut.”
Etienne was not easily pliable, but he knew good advice when he heard it. “It’s just that nothing makes sense to me. What do you think of Novak?”
“Eti, be patient, he proves to be quite efficient. He knew about Reinhardt’s visit and intercepted him. He knew you were coming. Let’s see what he knows today.”
In sub-zero weather they made their way along narrow sunless streets. The icy cobblestone pavement received no measure of care as they hurried to their arranged meeting.
“This way,” snapped the duty sergeant. “Wait in there.” He pointed unceremoniously to an interview room. They expected to sit there for some time, but in a few minutes the sergeant returned. “Come with me,” he commanded, and led them to another office. “In there.” He pointed at the door. Benzel saw them through the glass panel and let them in. Novak ceased talking to two other officers.
“Come on in,” he encouraged them in his booming baritone. “We got him. He was a business