Eros at Zenith: Book 2 of Tales of the Velvet Comet Read Free

predecessors,” said a feminine voice.
    He turned and saw a tall, slender, strikingly beautiful black woman standing in a doorway just to the right of the fireplace.
    Her hair was piled high atop her head, strung through with shining gold beads. Her single garment was a glittering strip of metallic gold cloth, carefully wound around her body in a series of spirals that exposed almost as much as it concealed. Large circular golden earrings, a number of golden bracelets, and a pair of delicate golden sandals completed the picture.
    “You're the Black Pearl?” he said.
    “Good old lucky Number Thirteen,” she replied with a grimace. “You must be Mr. Crane, here to bring the murderer to justice.”
    “There are only eleven holographs on the wall,” he noted.
    “The Corporation decorated my office, and for some reason saw fit not to display one of the holographs.”
    She smiled. “I assure you that there really have been twelve previous madams.”
    “I've never met a madam before,” he said awkwardly. “How does one address you?”
    “As the Black Pearl,” she replied. “It's my name.” She paused, obviously amused by his uneasiness. “I, on the other hand, have never met a detective before.”
    “For all I know, neither has your Chief of Security,” said Crane. “At least, she hasn't met this one.”
    “She's probably busy trying to solve the crime before you take over,” remarked the Black Pearl. “She's a very proud woman, the Dragon Lady.”
    “She's also a very frightened one,” added Crane. “And not without cause.”
    “Why should you say that, Mr. Crane?”
    “Because a patron was killed in an area that patrons theoretically can't gain access to. That means your security system has been breached, and she's in charge of it.”
    “Then shouldn't you be talking to her instead of me?”
    “I plan to,” he said ominously. “In the meantime, I thought I ought to meet the person in charge of the ship.”
    “Well, now that you're here,” she said, walking to the bar, “can I fix you a drink?”
    He shook his head. “I don't drink.”
    She sighed. “I suppose you disapprove of prostitution and gambling, too.”
    “I haven't given it any thought.”
    “That's just as bad,” she said with a chuckle. “If enough people don't think about it, we're out of business.”
    He stared at her for a long moment. “You don't seem very upset about what's happened up here.”
    “Of course I am,” replied the Black Pearl. “But I've got 509 very wealthy, very demanding prima donnas on board who'll be even more upset if I stop tending to their comforts.” She stared at him. “Or have I got 510?”
    “I'm not sure I understand you,” said Crane.
    “If your understanding is that faulty, you're never going to catch our killer, Mr. Crane,” said the Black Pearl. “You're here to complain because the Dragon Lady wasn't at the airlock to meet you.”
    “Am I?”
    She nodded. “It's the only subject that seems to interest you so far.”
    “There are others,” he said. “For one thing, I'll need a place to stay until this case, is over.”
    “In the Home?”
    “I'd prefer one of the suites in the Resort,” said Crane.
    “They're very expensive.”
    “Vainmill will pay for it. And arrange to have all my meals billed to Vainmill.”
    “You certainly like your comfort.”
    “Yes, I do. Have you any objection?”
    “Not at all,” she replied. “I approve whole-heartedly of people who like their comfort. Will you be wanting a companion for your suite?”
    “I hadn't given it any thought,” he responded.
    “Ah, that's right: you don't think about such things. Well, if you get lonely, let us know.” She walked over to a couch. “Do you mind if I sit down, Mr. Crane?”
    “Suit yourself,” he said with a shrug, looking away as she lowered herself to the couch and readjusted her outfit.
    “Don't be embarrassed,” she said. “These are just my working clothes. I can get a robe if my outfit