Drowning Pool (Miss Henry Mysteries) by Melanie Jackson Page B

legends and won’t work there. In any event, I don’t think it is a financial decision. There are no other signs of penury. The state of the gardens is caused by indifference on Henrik’s part. And Klaus von Hayek being too ill to know or care about what is going on.”
    Raphael nodded.
    “I would not be surprised if, after Dad has gone to that great furnace of the damned, his son might very well leave Quatros Cienegas . Of course, none of this concerns me. I am only after the roundel. The rest is just prurient interest.”
    Juliet smiled wryly, acknowledging that she was curious. It was her nature. Raphael smiled back but shook his head.
    “Maybe this explains all the armed guards in residence. Perhaps Henrik is worried about ongoing hostilities with the local population.” This was a reasonable suggestion.
    “Like his own domestic staff? Because I think they are local. Maybe that’s it. And it could be that this has something to do with them growing marijuana.”
    “Are they growing?” he asked.
    “ I am pretty sure they are. I haven’t been able to find a way into that part of the garden yet, but I can smell it.”
    “ So, if not local hostility or protecting a cash crop, you think this is about senior von Klaus’s illegal art collection?”
    “ Yes, at least in large part. Darn! It’s too late to draw properly,” Juliet said at last.
    “We can come back tomorrow,” Raphael said. “There will be time before the reception. If you really need to visit this dreadful place again.”
    “Good, because I think I may have to come back. And bring a bathing suit.” She stared at the poza with distaste and some trepidation.
    “ You are going in the water? Is that wise?” Raphael asked after a moment. “Have you been vaccinated for hepatitis?”
    “ Yes, but there were no health warnings about the water, nor any mention of dangerous currents or predators. And I will make damn sure that I don’t swallow any of it.” She knew that he was worried that if she got into trouble out in the lake he would be unable to save her.
    “I find it hard to believe that you want to see the fish that badly. Why are you going in?”
    “I don’t want to see the fish. Of course not, but I definitely want to see what these water lilies are growing out of.”
    “Ah, Juliet ! With you, life is never boring. What are you seeing up there in your aerie that is not apparent to me?” Raphael got to his feet. It was a struggle for him but Juliet did not offer to help. He could stand for short times without assistance.
    “I do see what you mean,” he said, staring out at the poza. “Those patches are rather body shaped, aren’t they? It almost looks planned. Could it be von Hayek’s doing? Maybe enhancing the local legend to keep people away?”
    “ Maybe, but if it is his work it was done a long time ago. Everything looks very established. I didn’t notice the pattern until the flowers closed and the light was getting low enough to skim the water. If it’s natural, it may be how the legend of the handmaidens got started,” Juliet hypothesized. “I am also very curious about the dark patch to the right. See it? There at the deep end of the pond? It is perfectly round like a well. In fact I would guess it is almost exactly the size of the well back at the castle. It might very well be manmade.”
    Raphael nodded slowly.
    “A well, or a holy cenote—though that was more of a Mayan thing. This is Aztec territory, is it not? Do you truly think that this was a place of sacrifice? There surely wouldn’t be any remains after all this time—assuming that is what the lilies are rooted in.”
    “Maybe it was a holy place. That isn’t what I am curious about. At least not the human sacrifices.”
    Raphael sat back down , looking thoughtful.
    “You are thinking of the Aztecan or Mayan gold offerings? Here?”
    “Gold, yes, but not necessarily of the Aztecan variety. You see, I’ve been thinking about hiding gold rather a lot