Queen of Spies - Part 1

by sherrythorn

Phileas Fogg has avoided a family friend's marriage trap for years. But he falls into it just as Rebecca asks for his help to catch Queen Mary, an elusive traitor putting undercover British spies in peril. Then things turn deadly for his would-be fiancé when the manipulative queen finds the Foggs on her heels.

12. Chapter 12

Chapter 12

In a fashionable part of London in a large beautifully decorated parlor, Queen Mary was again going over her itinerary with Dudley beside her. Lady Bucknum's party had been a success for her in more than one way. The Foggs have been removed; and she had stood right next to Phileas Fogg, practically under his nose, without his having a clue. The information from her source had been taken with a minimum of fuss and payment had been made. It had given her two new names to send off to foreign powers.

That night had also brought unwelcome complications. She had been informed that her decoy's suitor in Scotland had arrived. That was not wanted. She needed Katharine to keep the Foggs busy. This added distraction would not make things work as she had arranged.

Her big day had been set for the French Embassy Ball. Everyone had been so informed already. If those arrangements had to be changed, it would be most inconvenient.

"So, Dudley, how to deal with this?" When the animal didn't answer, she offered several suggestions. "I suppose I could disappear her Scotsman, accept that he is a nobleman. The fuss over his disappearance would complicate things further. I could have him injured to keep him out of the way; but then our young lady might just be obliged to sit attendance on him, and the couriers would have no cover at all. No, that won't do."

"I had so intended to keep using woman," Mary said to her dog. "If she is truly this close to marriage, then her usefulness is ending. Too many others think she is me, though, at least four. She can't just retire quietly. No, Dudley, we are going to have to dispense with her. Sacrifice her, in a manner of speaking. I will let things go as scheduled, but implicate her to the authorities. That way, the girl will be under so much surveillance, my couriers will scarcely be noticed. Yes, that should work well. What do you think, Dudley?"

The dog gave his mistress a quizzical look and then gave a sharp bark.

"Yes, I think so too," Mary said. She took the animal into her lap for a snuggle.

"Arrangements for the girl's downfall would have to be started now. Information will have to be put in the right hands and evidence in the right places to see she is tightly implicated. Tiring business."