Poppy #3
“When Vincent’s mother, Mai, told his biological father—a married Indian tailor working in then-Saigon—that she was pregnant with his child, the well-respected tailor rejected her.
As I mentioned, Mai hailed from a very poor Vietnamese farming family, was attractive, and used sex to support herself.
After Vincent was born, she ended up with a French general stationed in Saigon.
The general married Mai in the end, and accepted Vincent’s presence, but never wanted to adopt him and call him his own.
The child didn’t even have a passport or official identity when they moved him to France.
It was something that dogged him for decades and through subsequent moves to Africa and then back to Paris.
It was in Paris that he acquired the habits and looks of a Western culture.
By the time he set up in Thailand, he presented as very European, with a polished look of Southeast Asia.
Cosmopolitan. The Westerners arriving in Asia found it easy to trust him.
He was both familiar to them and had the knowledge of a local—a good ‘guide’ or entry to the East for them. ”
“You mentioned to me earlier that Vincent Kapoor is the subject of your next book.”
He nods.
“How far along is the new work? Has it been written?”
“Mostly. I just need to tie up a final bit of research—link up a few missing pieces. I hope to complete this on the ship.”
Sophia leans forward. She says, “Kapoor has already been the subject of several works since the late seventies, as well as inspiration for fiction, including a limited television series. So why him—why now? Do you have a fresh spin?”
For a moment Gideon stares into the darkness of the audience. A hush intensifies. Expectant. Poppy feels herself holding her breath.
“Yes,” he says carefully, slowly. “There is new and compelling—shattering—evidence.”
“What kind of evidence?”
“I’m keeping it under wraps. For now.” He smiles slyly.
“Gideon, the consummate teaser.” Sophia laughs, but then presses—fishing, “Vincent Kapoor was sentenced to life in a Nepalese prison, correct?”
“Correct.”
“And he’s still there?”
A long pause. Gideon gazes at the audience again. Silence thickens.
“He was released. Late last year.”
Poppy draws in a breath. The audience rustles with whispers.
“He was repatriated to France.”
“Why?”
“Nepalese law permits compassionate release of elderly or seriously ill prisoners. And Vincent knows his law. He made a legal case, claiming advancing age, health issues—he’d had heart surgery—and a record of good behavior.
The court sided with him. He was discharged on humanitarian and legal grounds. ”
“Wow.”
“It’s not a secret. It made the news in France. But news cycles have a way of moving on, especially these days.” He pauses again.
“Where is he now?”
Gideon gives a soft snort. “He disappeared again. Shortly after he arrived in Paris. Just slipped into the ether. But he’s a free man. He’s done his time. France is part of the EU—he wouldn’t have needed to show a passport to cross European borders, if traveling by land.”
Poppy blows out air. Her hands are gripping her armrests.
Holy shit, this man knows how to set hooks and rustle up hype for his next book.
“If you had to guess, where do you think Vincent might be now?”
“He was released from a Kathmandu jail a penniless old man. No home, no income. He’d be needing financial resources first and foremost. He’s probably out conning again as we speak.
Except his demographic is likely to be older.
Seniors, particularly vulnerable older women with a lot of wealth, for example.
And his cons will be sophisticated. Remember, Vincent is a master of the long con—he’d be playing a big game. ”
Sophia slowly sits back in her big comfy-looking chair. “There you have it, folks—breaking news from bestselling author Dr. Gideon Marsh’s own lips. And a mighty big hook for his next book.”
Loud applause ensues.
“Gideon will now take questions from the audience.”
The auditorium lights brighten slightly as guests’ hands eagerly shoot into the air, burning with questions. A crew member with a mike begins to move through the audience.
Before Poppy realizes it, another full hour has passed and Sophia calls a cap on the event. She comes to her feet.
“Thank you, everyone. And thank you, Gideon, for a riveting launch of the Orchid’s Midnight Salon Series.”
Members of the audience rise to their feet as thunderous applause erupts. Gideon stands and takes a small bow, and the clapping continues. Sophia tries to call out over the noise.
“Dr. Marsh will be signing complimentary books outside in the foyer, where he might be able to address a few more questions.”
When the applause finally dies, chatter rises, and guests begin to file out the doors. Poppy turns to Lillith.
“That was amazing, don’t you think?”
Lillith nods. She looks tired and incredibly pale. A seed of sudden concern unfurls in Poppy.
“Are you feeling okay? Would you like to come with me to get books signed? Or do you want to go back to the suite?”
“You know, dear, I think I’m done. I need my meds, and honestly today has depleted me. You go get your books signed. I’ll head back to my room.”
“Would you like me to come with you?”
“I can manage.” She reaches for her cane.
“Are you sure?”
“As sure as I ever am about anything.” She gives a weak smile.
Poppy frowns.
Lillith appears deeply worried as well as exhausted, and Poppy fears the ALS might be moving faster than she feared.