Novels2Search
The Illusion of Freedom
Chapter 23: Epistolary - Unfortunate News

Chapter 23: Epistolary - Unfortunate News

Mr. Fidochi

I grow ever more anxious that you find Trosyn. These weeks past have been hard on me. While I am relieved to not receive news of her passing, I am all the same being driven to distraction.

Trosyn arrived with us on the SS Serendipity. She was not on the manifest because she was found adrift in the ocean and rescued. She claimed to be pregnant at that time, although she admitted to having not yet experienced a quickening. Discussing such matters is very disconcerting to me.

She may be with the Custodians? I wasn't even aware they still had a presence in Floratti. Isn't their role a bit antiquated? There are no holy wars to fight. Although I suppose I did hear rumour that they turned their attention to medicine and opening hospitals. So perhaps it is not so odd after all. I do not keep up with that at all. My family is Lucidian. Although in their day, they would not have so openly admitted it.

I await your next update.

-V. Gustello

----------------------------------------

Mr. Fidochi

I do not wish to pester, but it has been a while since I received an update. Have you stumbled upon a block in your investigation? I do hope everything is well. If there is anything else I can help you with, or anything more you need to know, I am at your disposal. The business which is tying me up here in Beste will hopefully conclude soon, so if you think having me there would help, let me know.

-V. Gustello

----------------------------------------

Dear Mr. Gustello

I do not wish to meddle in anyone's business. But this is regarding the gentleman you sent to inquire after Trosyn. As you requested, I was obliging with him, although his mannerisms were a bit gruff. But I felt I ought to write to you. It may be rumour or misunderstanding but my conscience compelled me to say something.

Just yesterday my boarders were discussing another dead body found at the docks. I wish to say in our fine city this was a rarity, but sadly, it is not. Accidents, drunken disputes, and banditry gone wrong all contribute to a death here or there. But one of them, who sells fish down there, said she recognised the unfortunate man as the fellow who came around here asking questions about Trosyn. I asked if she was sure, and she assured me that she was.

I apologise for the grizzly and shocking contents of this letter. But as I said, I could not rest easy until I contacted you.

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

Sincerely

-D. Dobby

----------------------------------------

Dear Mrs. Dobby

I am shocked, and I dare say, shaken deeply by the news you give me. I will be writing immediately to the authorities to confirm this before taking any other action. But if this turns out to be true, I am deeply indebted to you. I had feared myself taken in by a sham when Mr. Fidochi stopped all communication with me. Such a macabre fate had not even occurred to me. While I would not call this news a relief, it does bring my clarity. So again, I thank you for your consideration in bringing this to my attention.

Sincerely,

V. Gustello

----------------------------------------

Dear Sir

My name is Volente Gustello. I am writing to request confirmation on the death of your inquiry agent Genio Fidochi. I had hired Mr. Fidochi through your agency to conduct an investigation on my behalf, as I hope records will show. I received word of a rumour that he may be deceased. As part of your agency, I imagine the news of his death would reach you, and effects on his person may pass through your hands. I am eager to retrieve any and all communications from myself to him if he is, indeed, deceased. It is a matter of some urgency and delicacy.

I await your response.

Respectfully,

V. Gustello

----------------------------------------

Mr. Gustello

We regret to inform you that Genio Fidochi is, indeed, deceased. Your request for correspondence to be returned to you will be adhered to if and when we receive any of his possessions. However, we cannot return any payments already made to Mr. Fidochi. Should you require our further services, we will let you know when another of our inquiry agents is available.

Regards,

Messrs. Tavini

Of Tavini & Sons

----------------------------------------

Dear Baldovo

You likely won't read this letter until you have returned from your voyage. But I felt the need to reach out to someone who knows the situation with Trosyn. I had hired one Mr. Genio Fidochi to investigate Trosyn's disappearance. I won't summarise the progress made there, as I am forwarding copies of the letters I had received to you, as well as copies of my own letters. I am fearing the worst as Mr. Fidochi is now deceased. I am sure it is just an unfortunate coincidence, bad luck to run into the wrong sort on the docks. All the same I have had a fit of the vapours and have only now regained my composure.

The death of my father had kept me detained in Beste for some time. Although my oldest brother had the entail, I was given a small inheritance to my surprise, but also charged with the continued responsibility of my unmarried half sister. Yes, the one you made very improper overtures towards. There were some peculiarities of my father's last will and testament. But as soon as my business here is settled, I am travelling to Floratti to continue the search for Trosyn myself. I will send another letter once I am there and settled with the direction of my accommodations. I should like to hear from you once you return.

I know you think me a foolish old goat. But I do consider you a friend. Your aid or advice would be most reassuring.

My deepest regards,

Volente

Enclosed