Sam Spade 04: Case of the Missing Heiress

I looked across to him. The chairs and center table looked to be early Neoclassic. For all I knew they could be worth more than Heather's house. I corrected myself, "my house now." Sipping my tea out of a fine china cup, I looked at George, "What's the deal with the silver? Where are the good old mugs we used to drink out of George?" I looked close, "Are you blushing?"

George ducked his head, "You deserve better than those chipped things Samantha Marie," he replied. George had always called me by my given names instead of what everyone else called me. "Try the cake, it will melt in your mouth," he added.

"Now George, this is me Samantha, for all the years I have been coming here you never pulled out the silver before. What is different now?" I asked. I picked up the plate and fork and tasted the cake. He was right; it was the best thing I have ever tasted. "It is...ambrosia," I said searching for the proper word. When I finished the slice, I had to resist the temptation to lick the plate.

He waited until I had set my plate down, "You are different now Samantha Marie. Have you seen the last consignment I received?" he asked changing the subject.

I glanced at the picture I had pulled and set off to the side. "Yes, I looked through a few of them. Anything worth looking at?" I asked. Whenever I came in, we would play this game. Though I rarely bought anything, we would play the same game.

George stood, "Actually, there are two pieces I think you will want dear." He gestured at the one against the counter facing the wrong way, "That one and one other. Let me get it for you to look at." The game was not going the way it had in the past.

Always in the past, I would show the items, he would name an outrageous price, and we would spend hours in friendly dickering. "How would you know what I have over there George?"

He looked at me and shook his head, "If that is not a picture of a woman who looks like someone we both know, god rest her soul, I will give you pick of any piece in this building." Walking over he bent down, turned the painting around, and smiled at me. "Looks like you lose Samantha Marie." In his slow shuffling walk, he went to the stack of paintings and went through them slowly. "Ah, here it is," he said and coming back offered me the painting.

It was a group portrait, an adult woman standing behind a single child. The woman's hand on rested on the child's shoulder, the feeling of protection and love showed plainly on her face. Around her neck hung a teardrop ruby the size of an egg, set in a chain with small red and clear stones. In the background, I could see a window that opened to a beautiful mountain range. It was the same woman from the last painting, my mother's doppelganger. While that was surprising, the child's face shocked me; I sat entranced looking at myself as a child.

I felt George lift the painting out of my hands and walk over to place it next to the other. I could not take my eyes off it. The child could have been me. However, that was not possible; I do not remember ever posing for a painting. I looked at him in confusion, "How? I don't understand?"

George made a big production of sitting down and pouring himself a cup of tea. Sipping it he finally said, "I received a shipment from Romania last week. While there were a couple of nice pieces, these chairs for example. Everything else was substandard quality." He smiled at me knowing he had me hooked, "I was in the process of calling my agent and firing him for sending me such substandard trash while looking at the paintings." He paused, "As you can guess I hung up."

"How old?" I asked as I stroked the chair arm. Artisanship like this was only seen in museums or homes of the very rich. I knew as well as he did, that I was going to buy the paintings.

"Would you believe it was an old castle that was overgrown, as the story goes? The paintings have been certified as just from the thirteenth century, while these chairs are just only from the sixteenth." He said with a smile. "If you want I will be happy to give you the information on the shipment if you wish."

"Dare I ask how much for the two paintings?" I said with a sinking feeling. George knew I wanted them and there was no chance I could ever afford something that old.

George made steeple with his fingers and looked at the two paintings, "For you Samantha Marie, twenty-five each."

"Twenty-five thousand?" I asked, my voice rising to a squeak. I knew he was going to be expensive but I could never afford those prices. "Come on George you know I can't come up with fifty big, not for two paintings." I lost and he knew it, I would find a way to come up with the money no matter what I said.

He leaned forward and took my hand. It felt as if I was holding an aged alligator. "For you, twenty-five cents each," He smiled at my look of shock. "I told you that you were different, you are the first person who talked me down below cost." He looked down, "I want you to have them Samantha Marie."

You could have knocked me over with a feather. George was a hard-nosed businessman, it all the years I had come in he had never cut me a break before. Tears of joy filled my eyes, "Oh thank you George" I said jumping up and hugging him tightly.

As he was wrapping them up for me, George said with a smile, "There is one condition, don't tell anyone how much I sold these to you for."

Handing over the change, I smiled back, "mums the word George." I hugged him again and hurried out to the car. I could not wait to show Angela these.

It was not until I was driving home that I realized how late it had become and that I had not eaten since the evening before. Though it was only late afternoon, my stomach rumbled loudly in complaint. Instead of stopping somewhere and grabbing a bite, I headed home with my precious cargo. I wanted to get everyone else's impressions on the paintings and once Jasmine woke talk to her about Angela. Therefore, with a grumbling tummy I hurried home.

Perhaps I could make myself a sandwich or if someone was free, have her make me one. I made a note to myself, as the girls' mistress, I would be more like a guide and mother, then a ruler with an iron fist. I would have to find a way for Angela to tell me when I go too far, without her breaking my jaw in the process. Pulling up to the driveway, I noticed that everyone's cars were there. Grabbing the paintings, I headed inside.

The house was as silent as a tomb. Not even the crickets and frogs were talking. I set the paintings down quietly and reached for my 45. It was then I realized I had walked out earlier unarmed. Looking around for something to use as a weapon I saw the tools to the fireplace in the living room. I shook my head thinking I would rather go unarmed then carry something as stupid as a fireplace poker. I could feel the hair rise on the back of my neck. Something was wrong, something was very wrong.

Chapter 13

I slipped off my shoes so I could walk quietly, however I found I could not get traction with hose on. I was better off trying to walk quietly in the shoes then without. Slipping them back on I slowly worked my way through the atrium and then each of the rooms. Nothing, even Jasmine's bed was empty. Reaching the master bedroom, I could hear soft noises behind the closed door. I really needed a weapon but my pistol was beyond that door. Perhaps I could go outside and try to peek in the window I thought. I could not remember if I left the curtains open or closed. The choice was taken out of my hands when I saw the doorknob turn. Looking around franticly for a hiding place, I frowned and flattened myself against the wall.

Just as the door started to open, my stomach rumbled loudly. I heard giggles followed by, Angela's voice call from inside the room, "You can come inside now Mistress." Wondering how she knew it was I, I walked through the door.

Kneeling in front of the bed were all twelve of my lovely pets, while on the bed lay Jasmine, bathed in perspiration and out cold. I could guess what they had been up to by the overwhelming muskiness of the room and the look of bliss on their faces. Smiling I said, "I can see you have been welcoming Jasmine to your sisterhood." Sitting on the edge of the bed, I combed the hair from her face, she really did make a beautiful woman. Leaning down I kissed her tenderly, tasting the salt on her lips, "How are you feeling dear?"

Jasmine's eyes fluttered open and locked on mine. Her voice while having a slight husky tone to it was nothing like Jimmy's, replied, "A little tired mistress, my love, but ready to serve you." Her hand, thin and delicate reached up to caress my cheek.

Taking a hold of it, I kissed her palm, "You just rest Jasmine. When you are rested then you may serve me." I leaned down and kissed her once more before whispering in her ear, "I am sure Mistress Angela would want the same." I stood up and then said, "Sleep well sweet Jasmine." Before turning and shooing everyone out of the room before me.

Once we were out of the room I said, "I found something that I want everyone to see. But first, can someone make me a sandwich or something while I change?" As all turned and hurried towards the kitchen, I stopped Angela with my hand. She looked at me with a question in her expression, "I would like to speak with you a moment Angela," I said.

Even though I did not need help, Angela felt it was her place to help me undress. As I removed my clothes, she folded them and placed them in a pile next to the bedroom door. Finally, nude I breathed a sigh of relief, I had always liked skin better then clothing but rarely had the chance of late to practice it. I held her at arm's length, "Angela, I love you. You are my soul mate. It does not matter to me that your heart does not beat, that you are made from metal, and that your brain is a vast computer. All that matters is that I love you."

She looked at me and tilted her head slightly, "I love you too Samantha. I was programmed to become your soul mate."

I shook my head, "You misunderstand, I am in love with you, not who you are programmed to be like." I looked down, "I realized that last night when Angela's ghost came to visit. Her words stung, but not as much as yours did. Then sitting at the graveside I finally admitted it to myself and to Angela's sprit." I looked up and met her eyes, "I love you, not because you were programmed to be someone else. But because of whom you are now Angela."

Angela pulled me close and hugged me. Her voice like a breath against my ear, "I love you Samantha. Programming or no programming you make me feel alive." We were enjoying a special moment when again my stomach growled. With a little giggle she added, "But first let's get you fed. I want you to have your energy up when I show you just how much I love you tonight."

As we were walking thorough the atrium Heather walked up, "Mistress where would you like to meet?"

"How about the living room dear?" I asked I had expected her reaction to be slightly negative but instead she bounced up and down with joy and hurried off. We walked hand and hand to the living room. There amidst the fine pristine furniture was my ratty old recliner. Smiling I went to it and sat down, "Mmmm...Thank you dears for bringing it." On the end table beside the chair was a glass of milk and little sandwich squares with the crusts cut off. On a coffee table were a stack of small plates, glasses, a platter with more sandwiches, and a pitcher of milk. Once I had sat down everyone moved to help themselves.

Once I had taken a couple of bites I said, "Tell me of your day dears." Heather looked at me and started to stand, "No please stay seated and relax."

She smiled and said, "As you asked for mistress, I have released the servants and gave them a month's pay. With Angela's help, I have transferred my accounts and house to the corporate account." She looked down and said, "The jewelry has been placed in auction. I let them know that there would be more pieces coming, from my sisters, and to sell all in one auction. Please forgive me if I over stepped my bounds."

I smiled, "Good thinking Heather." When she did not brighten up I added, "There is something else though isn't there pet."

Heather looked up, "Mistress, forgive me, I held out two pieces that have been in my family for years."

I felt myself getting mad as the thought of one of my girls blatantly disobeying me. Opening my mouth to say something I felt Angela's hand resting on my foot. With a touch, she calmed me, "I understand you holding them out Heather. May I see them please?"

Heather stood and walked out of the room. After a few minutes, she returned carrying a velvet box. She handed it to me and knelt before me. "Samantha, I held them out because I, they are not mine to sell," she said softly not looking at me.

I opened the box not sure what I would see inside. I halfway expected to find a tiara or something along those lines. Instead, I saw a ruby pendant and matching earrings. My mouth fell open as I realized it was the one from the painting. I could feel the goose bumps rising on my arms and legs. Angela's hand reached out to my leg, "Mistress are you all right? You're white as a sheet."

I closed the box and set it off to the side, "I'm...fine" I said after a moment. I looked down at Heater, "It's beautiful, you are correct in your thinking." Leaning down I kissed her. "You did the right thing sweets." Her look of worry faded, she smiled back at me, and went back to her place and ate.

"Any other news?" I asked looking around sipping on the milk.

Angela spoke up, "Everything you asked has been done Mistress." She looked at everyone and then up at me, "Mistress, your pets and I have a request."

I looked at her and then at the others, "All of you?" Nods and smiles were the reply. "What is the request?" I asked.

"We would rather start fresh mistress; please don't make us wear the clothes from our past lives. We request that you pick out what you would like to see us wear to please you." Angela said not looking at anyone other them me.

"Do you all feel that way?" I asked. A chorus of nods and yes mistress were their reply. It seemed they had worked it out before I had come home. I wondered what else they had worked on. "As you wish, I will get with each one of you so we can shop together." I could see their happy smiles; Frankie however was not smiling happily. "Frankie? What's wrong dear?" I asked looking at her.

Frankie looked up and said, "I have nothing to offer you Samantha."

"Frankie, do you love me? Where the words you spoke in the bedroom that night true and from your heart?"

"More then you could ever know Samantha." She said softly.

"What better gift could a woman ask for then unconditional love," I said looking at her. "Riches are nice; this house is wonderful. But the best gift you or anyone here could ever give me is your love." She blushed and a small smile crossed her features. "My turn for news," I said standing. Going out into the hall, I pulled the one picture of my mother I had out of my purse, pealed the wrapping off the paintings, and brought the one with the woman on the chase lounge into the room.

Setting it on the mantle I wordlessly handed the photograph to Angela. She looked at it and then at the painting. Wordlessly she handed the photo to the next girl. Repeatedly each would look at the painting, the picture, and finally look at me with questions in their eyes. When at last the picture had made its final stop I spoke, "I found that in a little shop downtown. It is from the thirteenth century Romania."

Everyone started talking at once. Holding up my hands I said, "But wait, there's more." I shifted the painting over and then went out and set the other next to it. I made eye contact with Heather and glanced at the velvet box and then the painting. Looking closer at the painting she let out an "oh" sound and fainted. It was several moments before the others reacted to her passing out.

Finally, Angela spoke for all of them, "that's you and your mother."

Wordlessly I nodded. Realizing that was not enough I added, "Yes and no, I have not posed for a painting with mom and I sure as hell did not in the thirteenth century." By the time Heather had been roused, I handed the box to Angela. "Look inside." I said and sat down.

Taking a bite of my sandwich, I pondered the paintings as the box made the rounds. I could hear "Eeps" and "Oh my gods," being said as the girls realized that is was the same type of necklace as in the painting.

Chapter 14

From behind me I heard, "Wow Samantha, I didn't know you and your mother posed for paintings." I turned and saw Jasmine standing in the doorway. Jasmine had known mom first hand and she recognized her in the painting. She walked up and studied them closely, "No, not your mother and you Mistress." She looked at me, "Unless I miss my bet, you are looking at your ancestress."

"If you think me finding these paintings is long odds, Jasmine. Look in the velvet box." I said. Next to Angela, Jimmy, now known as Jasmine, was the sharpest person I knew.

He opened the box looked sharply at the painting. Picking up the box, he walked over and compared the two. Not turning away, she said, "Did you notice the order of the stones Mistress?" She pointed to the painting, "There, right there, two red stones next to each other instead of being red, clear, red, clear."

Setting the box down, she lifted the necklace out and held it up next to the painting. Just as in the painting, the necklace had two red stones side by side at the same place. "Where did you find them?" she asked as she set the necklace back in the case and turned.

I looked at Heather. She said, "They are, were mine Jasmine. The story goes, that they were delivered to my family to keep safe," She closed her eyes as if reciting from memory, "The owner will come one day for the necklace and earrings. When she shows, she will have proof that they are hers. Until that day comes, wear and love them as Tessiana did." She opened her eyes and looked at me, "When I was young mother taught me that and thereafter would quiz me on it day and night. Even on her death bed she made me recite it to her."

Standing Heather took the box from Jasmine's hands. Walking over to me she knelt at my feet, "Mistress, you are the owner. I have fulfilled part of my family's promise to yours." She handed the box to me, "I cannot think of a woman I would rather hand these to then you, mistress." She stood, "Now I will retrieve the second part of the promise."

She hurried out of the room and returned with a sealed plastic bag. Inside was an aged envelope. "I was told to deliver the letter after the necklace if I deemed the woman worthy of my respect." She handed me the plastic bag, "Mistress, when you could have taken advantage of us, turned us all into whores for your profit, you did not. You are my mistress, a woman I love, just as I love all my sisters here. But more than that, I respect you and did before I ever walked through your door."

I had to wipe away the tears to see her clearly, "Thank you Heather." I looked at the envelope what was on it, I wondered. What questions would it answer and more importantly, what new ones would arise from it.

Holding the letter, I stood and walked out of the living room, "Please excuse me." Walking across the hall, I entered the study, off to one side a wall safe lay open. Instead of being inquisitive as usual, I went over to the desk and sat down. I stared at the sealed letter before me, I was not sure if I wanted to open it or not. I knew I would have to just as Pandora opened the box. I only hoped that it would not turn out as bad for me as the mess that Pandora let out.

Taking a deep breath, I cut open the plastic and pulled the letter out. I broke the seal and gingerly unfolded the brittle parchment. Looking at the letter, I realized it was written in a language I did not know. Standing I went to the door and said to the waiting crowd, "Anyone speak foreign languages?" Looking at the hands that arose I realized I was the savage by only knowing English. Gesturing them in I said, "A long loving kiss for the one of you who can translate it for me."