Chapter 244 - Family Ties (1/2)
Arei rubbed his brow as he walked over to the seating area everyone has gathered around. He ran his hand over his face and through his short beard as he read over the list. ”So, here's the list they sent: any information possible about the underground tunnel system that runs under the palace and to select businesses on the island.” His gaze moved to Jos. ”Did Camila ever say anything about these to you?”
Jos scrunched her brow as she shook her head. ”No, but she did talk about some of the false walls and hidden passages inside the palace.” A thought struck her as she pushed away from the table. ”Honestly, I thought it paranoia from too much stress.”
Arei lowered the list. ”What all had she said?” He searched her troubled expression as she tried to recall the information.
Jos stroked her chin. ”For the longest time, she was always complaining about feeling like someone was always watching her and that furniture and other things were often moved in her room.” Jos shook her head, ”It was a very stressful time for her, and she had also come up with some other wild assumptions around the same time. Looking back, it may not have been too crazy after all and should be pretty easy to locate within her diaries. It will be directly after the queen's death. What were the years on the diary they found in Fern's office?”
Arei shrugged, ”They didn't say.”
Andy pulled out a notebook from the pile of other books and items on the table. ”I'll take notes of everything as we go through it, so you don't miss anything when you call them back later.” Andy began writing down everything Jos had just said.
”Thanks.” Arei moved his attention back to the list. ”Finances.” His gaze moved over the small group sitting around the table. ”Literally anything you can find. They are most interested in things involving Fern before and after the previous king and queen died.” He nodded to Peg who sat in front of a laptop. ”They want all banking and business accounts pulled, both nationally and internationally; properties he could possibly own now; investors or business partners, apparently there were numerous high rollers at the palace the other night; and anything you can pull on missing persons in the area or any other mention of crime... even if it's from personal social media accounts or propaganda publications. These things could have standing and give us at least a clue into what's going on.”
Peg nodded though a heavy frown curved his lips. ”It's not going to be an easy task. Even if I do trace down banks and companies, he may have dealings with, I'll have to find a way through their individual firewalls and security software.” He crossed his arms over his c.h.e.s.t as he leaned back in the chair. ”It's not impossible, just time-consuming. If I could be put on the case full time, I could probably have it done in about a week... but as things stand it will probably take a few just to locate the businesses.”
Arei nodded. ”I understand and I'm sure they will as well. Dad doesn't want to press too hard right now in fear of Fern getting more desperate and trying something horrific...er...”
Peg shook his head in agreement. ”What else is on there?”
Arei moved his attention back down to the list. ”A list of influential and wealthy families on the island, especially ones who have a child or children missing.” He ran his hand through his hair. ”This one may be harder, but there should be a record at the Embassy if it was in fact turned in.”
”I'll go through records tomorrow as much as I can without drawing attention.” Andy said as she continued scribbling things down.
Arei blew out a long breath as he tossed the paper to the table. ”And as a summary to all the rest of this, basically find a way to make any of Camila's accusation stick. We just need an actual crime and enough evidence to convince the council to open an investigation preferably before our dear prince pisses him off enough to try yet another assassination.”
Chary blew out a huffed 'pst'. ”Have you been around that kid? He could tempt a saint to murder!”
Arei chuckled, ”Without a doubt, but our goals are to keep him alive.” He patted Shelly's head as she gave a wolfish grin.
”Aright, where do we start?” Chary asked, looking around the group.
Jos stood as she pressed wrinkles from the front of her skirt. ”Divide and conquer. I know the most about Cam so I should be able to narrow down our search within the diaries somewhat. So, Shelly and I will take those. Peg seems to be the computer hacker of the group, so...” She shot Arei a glance to confirm her assumptions. When he and Peg simply exchanged knowing glances, she shook her head and went on. ”Andy has access to Council records, so that leaves her as the only one to look up complaints, citizen records, and missing persons.” She looked from Chary and Scylla to Arei. ”That leaves the three of you the task of going through the financial records, blueprints, and maps of the area.”
”Oh, goodie...” Chary said in sarcasm.
Arei nodded as he stepped closer to Jos. ”I'll leave the financial records for Chary-”
”Figures...” She interrupted as she rolled her eyes.
He arched an irritated brow. ”And I'll take the maps and blueprints of the businesses around town. It will be easier that way since we'll be on the island soon anyway.”
Peg nodded. ”That seems like a fair enough idea, but we need to come up with a safe way to exchange information. I can always fly over anything I need but Chary and Scylla won't be able to.”
Arei frowned. ”You're right... I'll call and see if Tri would be willing to help out... May be better if I just call dad first and pitch the idea to him instead...” He lifted his phone from his pocket. Giving Jos a quick kiss to the top of her head, he left the room. The call was answered just as the library doors were closing behind him. ”Hey, Ry put this call on speaker”
Ry flipped it over to speaker, and the sounds of chairs scooting closer to the phone could be heard. [What's up, my boy? Have you guys already come up with some useful information?] Poseidon called out.
”Only a bit. For the most part, I was only calling to let you know we've divided up the load and to let you know who will be taking what portion. Peg said he would fly over anything he needed to give you guys, but was wondering what Scylla and Chary should do? I was thinking we should call Tri, but you know how he is about leaving that blasted lighthouse.”