Page 55 of Bluebeard’s Key

Hoyle tutted and said, “Oh, I don’t think it’s time to give up yet. Let’s give it some time and see what the future brings. I suspect that Château des Fleurs would flower under you guys.”

Thierry poked his head in the door and said, “Mage Zayan, do you have a moment? We have a few things to discuss. Charlie, Hoyle, your presence would also be welcome.”

He led them to the main hall and said, “Please,” gesturing them to a side table set up with coffee, finger sandwiches, and an assortment of fresh fruit. Zayan reflected again: Thierry certainly runs a tight ship. He had changed into a clean waistcoat, every bit back to his implacable self, and the spread was impeccable. All this, one short day after the greatest shock of his life.

Tom already sat at the dining table with a full plate, and when Zayan joined him, he simply shrugged his shoulders and said, “I don’t have a clue.”

“Excellent,” Thierry said when they were all seated, moving Bluebeard’s chair to the side and pacing at the head of the table. “We have much to discuss if we intend to keep Château des Fleurs afloat.”

“Thierry, what do you…” Tom started, but Thierry held up his hand, saying, “All in good time.”

Thierry continued, “Naturally, the central concern is the matter of succession. Mage Bluebeard left no heirs, at least none he was willing to acknowledge, so the matter falls upon us. I propose that we name Mage Zayan as the new Master of the Château.”

“But how?” Tom asked.

Thierry smiled at this, showing a small measure of pride. “That’s not a matter that need concern you. Let’s just say that if enough gold exchanges hands, the requisite authorities will acknowledge that Mage Bluebeard’s long-lost nephew has returned to Château des Fleurs.”

“Tom,” Zayan stated, interrupting, knowing in his heart what he had to do. “It should be Tom. He’s better suited.”

Thierry waved his hand dismissively and said, “As you wish. It matters little who bears the title if all agree upon it. Excellent. Next, we turn to the Elixir brand. This is a sensitive topic. The spas and product line are currently self-sufficient and profitable, but there is a certain specialized clientele that will require careful handling.”

“They’re the ones buying the Elixir of Life?” Zayan asked, knowing it was true from the scraps of information the Mage gave him, but wanting a solid confirmation.

“Just so,” Thierry said, and asked with a carefully raised eyebrow, “I’m assuming that you won’t be continuing Mage Bluebeard’s work…?”

“He definitely will not,” Tom said.

Zayan had to give it to him—Thierry didn’t let even a trace of disappointment show. Perhaps he was tired of the whole charade himself. Thierry barreled on, “Yes. In that case, I suggest that we allow that aspect of the operation to languish. Mage Bluebeard’s death will provide sufficient impetus to sever ties with his more select clients. I will attend to that immediately. As for the spas, we could retain control, or perhaps we might coordinate an initial public offering, but reserve an anonymous controlling share. I suggest that we not divorce ourselves entirely from the Elixir brand. I suspect that Master Dalton will need an avenue to disseminate the fruits of his future work, and the Elixir brand has the infrastructure in place to achieve it. In any case, this is not a matter of urgency, so for the time being, merely give it thought. Finally, we turn to the funeral. Given the amount of support the Mage has given, I am certain the new Cathedral at Ile Saint Martin will be made available for the service. A formal funeral—open casket, if possible—would serve to calm the populace. As you might imagine, the Mage had garnered a rather vivid reputation in past years.”

“To say the least,” Hoyle grumbled.

“Just so. As for the site where he will be interred, I suspect that all parties, both present company and within the larger community, would be happy if we laid him to rest here at Château des Fleurs. I propose that we install him in the crypt, and wall it off. That way we retain the laboratory space without the, um, reminder of Mage Bluebeard’s indiscretions."

“I think he’d like that,” Tom said, and Zayan balked at the sentiment. The man had been pure evil, so why care about what he would have wanted? But Thierry gave a small nod, and the reason for Tom’s comment became apparent. It was entirely for Thierry’s benefit. Despite the efficiency Thierry was showing in the face of his master’s death, he must be grieving in his own private way.

“Gods, I hope there are ghosts,” Charlie said, voicing what everyone else was thinking. “A hundred of them, waiting to welcome him back home.”

Thierry released them after firming up a few additional points about the continued management of the Château, stressing the necessity for a steady source of gold and the expectation of continued employment of their hired staff. Everything appeared to be on track for a smooth and successful transition to new leadership and continued prosperity.

Tom took his hand as they walked across the courtyard, apparently well pleased by the entire proceedings but with a puzzled look on his guileless face, asking, “Why did you suggest me to run the castle?”

Zayan was surprised by the question. It seemed so obvious to him. The Château needed an honorable leader. He explained, “As I said earlier, you’re the trustworthy one.”

“I trust you,” Tom said. “Trust you with my life.”

“I know, and I love you for it, but that was after I nearly took your life away from you.”

“You’re being overly dramatic. There was never a chance you were going to bleed me dry and turn me into a potion.”

“Oh, I don’t know. You do have a special sparkle like nobody else. That’s got to be worth something, and in purified form, the sky’s the limit. The late and great Bluebeard certainly thought so.”

Tom yanked him around and smothered the words with a sloppy kiss, saying, “Sparkle. I like that. Let’s go to my room and I’ll sparkle all over you.”

“Your wish is my command, venerable Master of Château des Fleurs.”

Tom set his jaw and said, “It still feels wrong. I’m lousy at organization and absolute shit at dealing with people.”

“I think you’ll surprise yourself,” he answered, with complete confidence in his lover. “And Thierry will be there every step of the way.”