From the Ashes: Ravenwood Mysteries, #1

PROLOGUE

San Francisco 1897

The bone orchard was silent. As were the two men standing on top of memories. The younger of the two was worn, pale, and hatless. A bandage wrapped around his temples. He leaned heavily on his silver-knobbed stick while an older man with a bushy white beard rocked back and forth on his heels.

It’s a real nice gravesite, A.J. Just up the hill there.

The younger did not respond.

You were like a son to Zeph—the closest he could have had, anyhow. Left you everything, including the agency. Things will get right, you’ll see.

Ravenwood should be here, not me.

Zeph would likely say somethin’ about your fanciful wishing.

The younger man frowned. After a time, he murmured, He already did.

The older man fixed a worried gaze on his friend. Well, if you don’t intend to say goodbye, we best get you home. Some rest will put you right.

I’m not going home, Tim. I can’t face his empty chair. The younger man touched the bandage over his right temple and closed his eyes. The bone orchard fell away. Blood and death and failure exploded behind his eyes. Around and around—a revolving vision.

Ashes to ashes; dust to dust. Unfortunately, memories weren’t so easily buried.

1

A GENTLEMAN RETURNS

Tuesday, January 2, 1900

Unknowingly he arrived with the plague. It was fitting, divine almost, for he had left with death on his heels, and now he was bringing an old companion home.

The pair had sailed into port on a four-masted steamer, the S.S. Australia. It now towered alongside the wharf, spewing passengers down its gangplank. The ramp bowed under their eager weight. Boots thudded on planks, voices clamored, and a surge of porters rushed forward to stake their claim on weary travelers.

A single gentleman stopped at the gangplank’s end. He was not a tall man, nor a large one, but he was steady and unwavering and the tide of humanity flowed around his presence.

Atticus James Riot stared at the tips of his polished shoes. With methodical indifference to the glares directed at his back, he set down his Gladstone, removed his round spectacles, polished the glass with silk, and resettled the wire on his nose. Through an unblemished sheen, he scanned the docks.

They surged with chaos. Harried dockworkers swarmed over the steamers and wharves like an army of ants, unloading and loading goods into waiting wagons.

Seeking comfort, he raised his eyes to the city, to familiar hills and rising spires. His heart soared, but only for a moment. The sweetness of home left an aftertaste of bitterness and grief. Resigned, he took a breath, placed his stick on the dock and stepped forward, arriving in San Francisco, a city he had once known intimately.

California's Silver Mistress greeted him with a lush, sensuous embrace. She was a late riser who generally left at noon, returning in the evening like a slow crashing wave rolling relentlessly towards the port. Her touch was cool and it settled around his bones. He had missed her caress.

Turning his nose to the mist, he breathed her in, flipped up his collar, and waded into his old hunting grounds.

The crowds flowed towards a clock tower to the north. Contrary to their rushing strides, he moved at a leisurely pace, circling a family of Italian immigrants. The infant bawled, the children squealed, and the parents looked lost and mystified all at once. He tipped his hat to the woman, and silently wished the family good luck.

Dreams only carried one so far in this city.

Riot had been abroad three years, and in his absence an ornate building had replaced the old wooden gateway to San Francisco’s ferry terminals. Its tower, still caged in scaffolding, rose over a bristling bay of masts. Thunder rolled from its base where four tracks converged at the foot of Market.

Travelers poured on and off cable cars. Bells, horns, shouts, and a tumult of rattling hacks mingled with the earthshaking noise. He stopped beside a lamp post, and leaned casually on his silver-knobbed stick, watching travelers argue over hacks and pile into cable cars, eager to escape the chaos.

Everyone had somewhere to be, except Riot. He was in no particular hurry to finish his journey. Home beckoned, but not with hope or promise.

However, the fates conspired, hurling a perceptive hackman in front of the well-dressed gentleman.

The cabriolet rolled to a stop in front of Riot. A nag that looked more donkey than horse nipped at his pinstriped trousers, and the driver, who resembled his horse, bared his remaining teeth.

Well, if it isn’t the detective who shanghaied himself, the hackman crowed around the stem of his pipe. Finally found your way back to port, A.J.

Only to fall into the hands of the very crimper who sent me far from shore. The hackman, in cap and peacoat, was certainly dressed like a seaman.

If only I was so smart. Well, don’t stand there; climb in before I’m hijacked.

Riot eyed the deranged old man, whose bushy white beard resembled that of a crazed St. Nick. He ran a hand over his trimmed beard, as if mere proximity to the wild mass would taint his own.

How is it, Tim, that I’m gone for three years, yet within an hour of returning you find me?

Call it a knack. Might say a speciality.

More likely a greased palm at the custom station. Riot handed his Gladstone up, tucked his stick under his arm, and settled on the seat next to Tim. You’ve taken up hack driving in your spare time?

That’s right, Tim snorted, urging the horse forward. The cab lurched, bumping over the uneven street. I retired from crimping after throwing you to the dogs. You ready to get back in the investigating business, then?

I’m retired, Tim.

You’re too young to retire.

Hardly, Riot drawled. Didn’t you notice the grey in my beard, or have your eyes failed in my absence?

My one good eye is better than the two of yours.

More reason to retire.

Tim glanced to the side, appraising his passenger, who appeared as agile as the boy who had once tried to pick his pocket. You can’t be a day over forty if you remember at all.

Forty-three, or thereabouts, by my estimation.

Never took you for a man who’d dig his grave early.

I would sleep easier if it were only my own, Riot replied, severely.

Gawd dammit, Tim swore, but whether it was directed at the hay wagon and cable car that were hogging the road, or at Riot, was not immediately apparent. With an expert hand, Tim maneuvered his cab around the lumbering wagon, dodged an oncoming motorcar, and swerved in front of the cable car. A bicyclist turned sharply towards the curb and the pedestrians, left to fend for themselves, bolted like startled hens. Put it in the past, A.J. It’s been three years. Ravenwood is good and buried.

Riot sighed, closing his eyes to a vision of terror and blood.

Besides, Tim persisted, an apprentice isn’t allowed to retire before his teacher.

Teacher? Riot pushed up the brim of his fedora, staring at the older man in amusement. The only things I recall you ever teaching me is everything I’d never admit to knowing.

You knew them well enough before I got a hold of you, Tim retorted. Besides, a teacher’s a teacher.

One more profession to add to your prodigious list.

And still growing, Tim said with pride. Not much left to me except harlotry.

The younger man winced. I hope to be long dead before that happens.

Unless you plan on dying soon, you won’t miss it. I’ve been saving that trade for my eightieth birthday.

I’m fairly certain I don’t want to know your reasoning behind that scheme.

Plan on charging a dollar per year. I reckon you can’t put a price on experience.

Certainly not on that kind, Riot agreed dryly.

Your faith in me is heartening. Tim turned down Post towards Franklin, and calmer roads. Look here, I’ve got a job tailor-made for you.

You’re more than able, Tim.

I need help.

You have other investigators.

With heads full of bricks. Smith and Johnson do a fair job, but this case calls for a certain amount of refinement and delicacy. The agency hasn’t been the same without you.

Riot looked at the small man with the wild white beard. Tim had always looked more like a mad leprechaun than a detective. I never asked you to manage the agency.

Ravenwood spent his life building that agency. I’ll not let it die because his partner got the jitters.

The air turned cold in Riot’s lungs. He squeezed the knob of his walking stick until his knuckles turned white. Direct your client to Pinkerton’s, he said, tersely.

"If my client hired Pinkerton’s men, there’d be a riot. What with the anti-Pinkerton Act and all. Besides, he wants the best and you’re the best. Just so happens he’ll get a Riot after all."

I see your puns haven’t suffered in my absence.

My knees have. I need a young’un for the rough work.

I thought you required refinement and delicacy?

Both attributes of a sharp blade.

If the client can’t hire Pinkerton’s men, it means he’s either a politician or in the same boat with them. You know how I feel about that sort. Ironically, the cabriolet was bouncing through an affluent neighborhood filled with those very people: San Francisco’s puppeteers, who made the city dance to their whims.

So you’re going to make the young lady who was abducted suffer for your prejudice?

Riot pressed his lips together. Tim always knew how to reel him in.

It’s a puzzle, just the kind you like, with a damsel in distress to boot. How can you resist?

By resisting, Riot stated.

But you’re not allowed. One last case, that’s all I’m asking, pleaded Tim. Think of it as a favor for an old friend.

A favor?

Might be your last chance.

Riot glanced at Tim, and then away, letting his gaze rove over the ornate houses and their slim turrets. He didn’t much care for Tim’s use of words: ‘old’ and ‘last’ were permanent.

Begging is beneath you.

Well, I can’t twist your arm like I used to. Tim tossed Riot the reins and plucked his pipe from between his lips to relight it.

Particulars of the case?

I’m not saying a word until you agree, Tim huffed, knocking his pipe against his palm. Ashes fluttered to the cobblestones.

I’m going to need more bait than that.

I’ll give you three words, and that’s all.

Riot inclined his head.

Two ransom demands.

Two? Riot narrowed his eyes. How far apart?

Not a word more till you agree. The nag snorted, reinforcing Tim’s ultimatum.

One more case in San Francisco, but without his mentor and partner—the brilliant half of the agency. Riot had solved his fair share of cases, but his last blunder was unforgivable. He nudged the brim of his fedora up, and rubbed at his temple, where a streak of white slashed across his raven hair.

Fine, he relented at length, but I’m retiring after this final case.

And I’m a crimper, Tim muttered, taking the reins.

Pardon me?

I said, how was Honolulu?

Like a kettle about to explode.

India?

Hot.

And Paris?

Hot.

How ‘bout the women?

Riot primly adjusted his spectacles. Mind the carriage, Tim.

The old man cackled. By the way, I should warn you that after you left me in charge of Ravenwood’s place—your estate now—I might have rented it out to a few boarders.

I’m surprised you didn’t open a parlor house.

Only one room, Tim admitted.

Riot closed his eyes and ran a hand over his beard. It was, he reflected, not too late to turn coward and fall back into his nomadic ways.

2

AN UNEASY WELCOME

The house was as imposing as Riot remembered. Sitting arrogantly on its hill, peaked roofs, curving iron and rounded turrets. A brooding matriarch presiding over the city with disdain, much as her previous owner had. The late Zephaniah Ravenwood would have grumbled at the light spilling from the windows. They shone like a lighthouse beacon, warmth seeping through curtains with merry welcome. Judging from the number of lights, it looked as though every room in the house was occupied.

Despite the surprising transformation, a shadow lay over the house, or so Riot fancied. He pulled his long coat closer, warding against a sudden chill. A hotel would suit me just fine, Tim, Riot said abruptly.

A hotel? Tim looked at Riot as if he’d sprouted wings. Why the devil would you waste cash on that when you have a perfectly good home?

Inhabited by strangers, he pointed out. Besides, it looks full to bursting, and I wouldn’t want to put your boarders out.

Tim drove the carriage into a narrow lane alongside the house, and clucked the nag to a halt. When the cabriolet settled, Tim hopped down, staring up at the reluctant arrival with knowing blue eyes.

You haven’t set foot in this house since Zeph was murdered. Don’t you think it’s high time you buried that hatchet?

Riot winced at the choice of words. He shoved memory aside, and frowned down at the wizened old man. Ravenwood hated it when you called him that.

I know, Tim grinned, retrieving his bag.

Against his will, Riot stepped down. The urge to turn tail and play the coward was a bitter taste in his mouth. With an air of finality, Tim shoved the Gladstone into his arms. It was decided; he’d face his demons square. There was no turning back.

No one’s in the turret room. I left it as it was, and kept it locked.

The load suddenly lightened in his hand. He glanced down to find a small brown-skinned boy at his side, attempting to lift his bag.

I can carry that for you, sir.

That there’s Tobias, Tim introduced, and then nodded towards the tall lad who was taking charge of the horse. And his brother, Grimm.

Impressed by the lads’ light feet, Riot touched his hat in greeting and surrendered his Gladstone. Tobias stumbled under the bag’s weight, but persevered, dragging it towards the grocer’s entrance.

Grimm? Riot inquired.

Ain’t never smiled, Tim grunted. More I think on it, the name would suit you.

I know how you hate a missed opportunity.

Tobias, take that up to the turret room. Tobias and Grimm froze.

The turret? the smaller boy asked.

I’ll be up to unlock it, Tim explained. Both boys looked from Tim to Riot, and stared, their mouths gaping. There was fear in their eyes. Here was the man who could throw them all out on the street.

The master of the house has arrived, thought Riot, without assurances and fully intending to rid himself of Ravenwood’s estate. Nothing, he reflected, was ever straightforward, especially when Tim was involved.

Grimm recovered first, returning quietly to his work of unhitching the horse, while a jolt of energy hit the smaller brother, propelling him forward. The Gladstone bumped its way into the house.

Ma, the boy shouted, the turret room man is here to kick us all out.

Riot grimaced, removing his hat and gloves in one smooth sweep. Smells of fresh bread and stew and everything welcoming greeted him, followed by a woman whose skin was as rich as coffee. Her dark eyes were as warm, but as with any strong cup, there was complexity in the depths. Resignation swirled to the surface.

Tim turned bright as a brick, tripping over his words. Real pleasure to see you, Miss Lily. This is, that is, may I introduce Atticus Riot.

Everyone calls me Miss Lily.

A pleasure, Riot inclined his head. You keep a fine house, Miss Lily.

I keep it as I would my own, nothing more. A house needs some care, Mr. Riot, or it falls apart. We’ll make what arrangements you like and if you’ll be staying I’ll have my sons move the occupant from the big room for you.

No need, Riot hastened. The turret will suit me just fine.

Miss Lily smoothed her immaculate apron and steeled herself with a breath. May I ask, Mr. Riot, if you’ll want us gone? I’d like to let the boarders know soon as possible.

Riot swept a dark, appraising gaze over the hallway and kitchen. The counters gleamed, the wood floors were worn but polished, the papered walls and paneling thrived in the light, and the hum of conversation drifted from the common rooms.

I have no plans as of yet, Miss Lily, but whatever I decide, I’ll give ample notice.

Miss Lily nodded. Supper is ready at eight every evening. Nothing formal, mind you. The boarders serve themselves in the dining room—

I won’t be joining the others, Riot interrupted, hoarsely. The walls closed in, his hand trembled ever so slightly, and he gripped the knob of his stick, unable to apologize for his rudeness. Miss Lily’s eyes went wide with surprise.

Tim cleared his throat. He likes to eat alone. Maybe Maddie can bring up a tray.

Yes, Riot recovered. That’d be preferable.

Miss Lily studied the new master of the house with equal parts worry and puzzlement before nodding in reply.

Tim shifted from foot to foot. Smells like heaven, Miss Lily, as always.

If it’s heaven you’re after, then you’ll need to clean up, or you won’t be passing those pearly gates to the feast.

Well worth the effort, ma’am.

And you always need a lot of that, Mr. Tim, Miss Lily laughed, sweet and melodious. You’d best get started.