Solo Shot: Curse of the Blue Stone

By Irv Brandt

Some people would say Jack Solo is a trigger-happy chief inspector with the United States Marshals Service assigned to Interpol. Those people would be wrong. Jack Solo's success in recovering priceless masterpieces and ancient artifacts has led him to be assigned to the FBI's stolen art department.
After being involved in a deadly shootout at the Phillips Gallery in Washington, DC, Solo became world-famous for helping stop the largest art heist in history. So, when the Smithsonian Institution decided to loan the Hope Diamond to the British Museum as part of a major international gems display, Chief Inspector Solo was selected to deliver the stone.
Jack Solo thought this would be an easy assignment until the stone mysteriously disappeared and he became Scotland Yard's prime suspect. Solo now has to clear his name, recover the stone and battle the leader of a crime syndicate from India that wants to destroy him.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Feb 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9781667878898

Book preview

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© 2022 Irv Brandt. All rights reserved.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

ISBN (Print): 978-1-66787-888-1

ISBN (eBook): 978-1-66787-889-8

Contents

Chapter 1 February, 1668 Kollur Region in the Kingdom of Golconda India

Chapter 2 April, 1668 Kollur Diamond MinesIndia

Chapter 3

Chapter 4 Washington, DC Present Day

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19 November, 1689 Nemesskaya Sloboda (German Quarter) Moscow, Russia

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38 J. Edgar Hoover Building Washington, DC

About the Author

For Bob and Cathy Pardo

The only people I’ve ever met who have been to more places in this world than Jack Solo.

Thanks for the help in editing this novel.

Safe travels, my friends.

You have the right to remain silent.

If you give up the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be held against you in a court of law.

You have the right to an attorney and to have the attorney present during questioning.

If you can’t afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you.

Do you understand your rights, Chief Inspector Solo?

Chapter 1

February, 1668

Kollur Region in the

Kingdom of Golconda

India

Please forgive me, please forgive me, please forgive me, oh Kali, please forgive me Jaldhar mumbled as he softly banged his forehead on the stone floor of the temple.

He straightened up and sat back on his heels as he gazed at the altar in the dimly lit temple. Atop of the altar sat an idol of the Hindu Goddess Kali which was carved from stone. Even in the deserted temple lit only by a few lamps, Jaldhar could see the great blue stone in the middle of the forehead of the idol.

What am I doing? Jaldhar said aloud.

I have broken into the temple with the intentions of stealing from a goddess, he thought with a shake of his head. And not just any goddess, but Kali who is Goddess of Time, Creation, Destruction and Power. I’ll be cursed for the rest of my life and surely suffer in the next. But what am I to do? I slave in the diamond mines from sun up until sun down and I can barely feed my family. My oldest son is sick and I cannot afford to buy medicine. He will surely die if I don’t do something soon. There is only one thing I can do. I know this will mean my doom, but at least this life will be over and I can’t possibly suffer any more in my next one than I already have in this one.

Jaldhar slowly stood then began walking towards the altar on filthy bare feet which made no sound on the stone floor. He stopped in front of the idol and stared at the great blue stone. With a shaky hand, he drew the long-curved dagger from its sheath on his belt as he looked upon the face of Kali then at the dagger in his calloused hand. He took a deep breath then used the tip of the dagger to pry the stone from the idol’s forehead. It took but a moment of work before the stone came loose and Jaldhar caught it in his left hand before it hit the floor. He stared at the great blue diamond by the wavering lamp light which seemed to be alive as it sparkled.

I have stolen the Eye of the God and now I am cursed Jaldhar softly said aloud.

He sheathed the dagger then pulled off his head scarf revealing his shaved scalp. He wrapped the blue stone in the scarf and clutched it to his boney chest as he cast one final look upon the face of Kali then fled the temple disappearing into the gloom of night.

Chapter 2

April, 1668

Kollur Diamond Mines

India

Jean-Baptiste Tavernier sighed heavily as he looked at his reflection in the hand-held mirror to see his blue eyes were surrounded by crow’s feet and his neatly trimmed goatee was shot with silver. This cursed hot Indian sun which has tanned my skin so dark has made me look old, he thought as he picked a brush up from the table and ran it through his shoulder length brown hair. He didn’t need to use the mirror in his other hand to see it was also shot with silver. He set down the mirror and brush then twisted and tied his hair into a long ponytail.

He walked across the thick Persian rug on his bare feet to his wardrobe where he selected black silk trousers and a white silk tunic. He slipped on the trousers and pulled the tunic over his head which fell into place just above his knees. He tied a bright red silk cummerbund around his waist while stepping into a pair of sandals then grunted as he bent over to lace up the sandals thinking, it’s not the sun making me look old. I am old! He straightened up and stormed back to his dressing table where he snatched up the mirror to look at his reflection again. This time he laughed out loud as he thought, I have been traveling back and forth to Persia and India for almost 40 years. I guess I don’t look too bad for 63 years old.

As he set the mirror back on the table, he heard a voice call to him from the front of his tent My lord, may I enter?

Jean-Baptiste walked across the rugs to the front of the tent and drew back the curtains asking Sateesh, how many times over the last 25 years have I told you that I’m not a Lord?

Sateesh smiled as he bowed deeply and said at least a thousand times, Master.

Jean-Baptiste shook his head as he looked at his old friend who had served as his Indian guide and translator for so many years. He was dressed in all black silk with black knee-high boots and black turban. His left hand rested lightly on the hilt of his long, curved sword that was sheathed on the belt at his waist.

Sateesh gestured at the cooking fires in the camp that were spread out in front of the large tent and asked may I have your breakfast brought in, Master?

Jean-Baptiste stepped outside of the tent into the early morning sunshine which was already blazing hot and gazed out over the camp which was on a hill above the mines. The mines of Kollur are located next to the Kristna River, a seven day journey from Golconda on a dry dusty plain infested with many deadly snakes. More than 60,000 people work in the mines and the area was already alive with people and animals. The day begins early for the men, women and children who work the mines along with the mules, horses, elephants and camels.

Jean-Baptiste stared at the chaos for a moment then said yes, have the food brought in and we’ll discuss today’s business after we eat.

He then turned to re-enter the tent while Sateesh began barking orders to the cooks and other servants.

About thirty-minutes later, Jean-Baptiste and Sateesh were sitting on cushions drinking tea at a low table inside the tent where the many plates containing the remains of their breakfast were spread out in front of them.

Do we have a busy day before us?

Sateesh nodded as he set down his tea cup and said of course, Master. There are many miners who have been lined up before sunrise waiting for the chance to show you their diamonds.

Jean-Baptiste nodded as he thought that it had been that way every day for the months he had been here. He had bought many diamonds and it would soon be time to wrap up business here and return to the trading fort in Golconda. He planned to return to Paris soon to show his collection of rare gems from Persia and India to King Louis XIV.

I believe this will be my most profitable trip. If the King of France decides to buy this collection, I think I shall retire and spend some time with my wife at our country estate outside of Paris.

How long has it been since you’ve seen her?

Jean-Baptiste thought for a moment then said nearly four years. Her last letter was several months ago asking when I would return home.

Sateesh nodded and said it would sadden me if you were to go back to France never to return again. I would miss you greatly, Master.

You could come with me. I think you might like Paris.

Sateesh threw back his head and laughed loudly saying I have a wife and 12 children in India and too many grandchildren to count. You have been very generous over the years and made me a rich man. If you are to retire, so shall I.

Jean-Baptiste chuckled and said we shall see.

I will have the dishes cleared and the guards brought in with the treasure chests. I think you should see a gem merchant by the name of Raghav first today, Master.

This is a bit unusual, Jean-Baptiste thought. I only deal with the miners here in Kollur then trade with the gem merchants in Golconda.

Why?

It is rumored that this merchant is in possession of a great stone but has refused to show it to any other traders.

That’s very odd. Normally a merchant will show a great stone to as many merchants that he can in the hope of driving up the price and possibly start a bidding war. You say he wants to show it to me?

Sateesh nodded and said yes, Master. Only you and no other merchant.

Why me?

Sateesh smiled and said you are the most famous of all the European merchants in India and have a reputation for paying a fair price. You have earned the respect of the miners and the traders.

Jean-Baptiste bowed his head at the compliment and said very well, have the flaps drawn on the tent to allow in the natural light and set the tables up for business. I will see this gem merchant first.

After the tables had been prepared for business, Jean-Baptiste sat crossed legged on a cushion surrounded by six guards armed with swords and spears. Each guard had his metal shield which was polished to a mirror finish slung across his back.

Sateesh led in an older man dressed in white robes and blue turban carrying a small wooden box in both hands who had a dozen armed bodyguards behind him. Sateesh gestured for him to sit on a cushion across the low table from Jean-Baptiste.

Once the man was seated and had placed the wooden box on the table, Jean-Baptiste looked to Sateesh and said tell him that I’m very pleased he wishes to trade with me.

Before Sateesh could speak, Raghav said in French to Jean-Baptiste what I have to show is for your eyes only, my Lord Tavernier.

Jean-Baptiste was surprised that the merchant spoke French and replied in the same language I’m honored that you have chosen to trade with me. Please show me your gem.

Raghav shook his head eyeing Sateesh and the guards before saying for your eyes only.

Jean-Baptiste was stunned. This is simply unheard of, he thought as he looked to Sateesh who shrugged at the comment.

Jean-Baptiste was silent for a time then said very well. I will dismiss the guards, but I will not conduct business without Sateesh present.

Raghav considered that for a moment before nodding his acceptance.

Sateesh then spoke to the guards in Hindi ordering them to wait outside the tent while Raghav waved his bodyguards away. Once the guards were gone, Raghav opened the lid of the wooden box and pulled out an object wrapped in a piece of silk. He set it on the table and unfolded the silk to reveal a large flat diamond.

Jean-Baptiste stared at it for a long moment before reaching over and picking it up. He held it high to catch the light coming into the tent through the open flaps and turned it in every direction thinking he had never seen anything like it. The the stone was flawless with a weight that was more than one hundred French carats.

He set the stone down and considered it for several minutes before saying I’ve never seen a blue diamond this large. I’m sure it has value as an oddity, but not nearly the value of a white one.

Raghav looked surprised at those words and said surely one of the Kings in Europe would pay a great price for such a stone.

Jean-Baptiste shrugged saying it’s possible, but I have no way to know because there is nothing to compare it to. Why haven’t you approached the gem dealers who work for the Shah? I’m sure they would offer you a fair price.

Raghav had a stricken look as he shook his head saying I have no wish to sell this stone to the Shah. I want it to go to one of the monarchs in Europe.

Jean-Baptiste was confused and asked why?

Raghav looked down at the diamond and said I wish it to be gone far from India.

Jean-Baptiste didn’t understand, but thought it was to his advantage and might get a better price.

"I see. What is the asking price for this stone?

I would like for you to make me an offer, my Lord. All the gem merchants in India know you to be a fair man.

Jean-Baptiste hid his surprise, but thought this was crazy because nobody does business in such a manner. The seller always names an outrageous price then you spend hours or sometimes days haggling down to the final selling price.

Do you wish a price in gold or would you consider a trade for some of my diamonds?

Please my Lord, only gold.

Again, this made no sense to Jean-Baptiste. This man would realize a far greater profit by trading for a number of smaller white diamonds.

He picked up the stone and examined it again for a moment before saying I can offer you 10,000 golden rupees for this diamond.

Raghav nodded his head and said that is a very generous offer, my Lord Tavernier. I accept.

Jean-Baptiste was so surprised, he almost dropped the diamond. No merchant ever accepts the very first offer, he thought. I figured we would haggle for hours then settle on a price of at least twice as much.

Jean-Baptiste looked to Sateesh who just shook his head in wonder then back at Raghav and said I can give you 1,000 golden rupees now and the rest when I reach the trading fort in Golconda.

Yes, my Lord.

I will break camp this morning and begin the journey to Golconda this afternoon. You may join us at any point along the way.

I shall send a representative to meet you on the road and you may pay him the balance once you reach Golconda, my Lord.

How will I know this man to be your representative?

Raghav held up his right hand to show the diamond encrusted ring on his middle finger saying my representative will bear this ring as proof of his identity.

Jean-Baptiste gestured to one of the chests and said Sateesh, count out 1,000 golden rupees then prepare to break camp. I wish to be on the road to Golconda as soon as possible.

Chapter 3

It was mid-morning on the third day of the journey to Golconda as Jean-Baptiste sat upon his white stallion and eyed the rocky terrain around the road. He knew this region was full of bandits and marauders who wouldn’t fear attacking his caravan. He ++looked back at the long line of wagons carrying his goods and servants protected by 40 guards on horseback. The guards were professional soldiers armed with lances, spears and swords. All of them had metal shields hanging from the side of their saddles. Jean-Baptiste took off his black wide-brimmed traveler’s hat and wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve as Sateesh reined in his black charger beside him. Today Sateesh had on crimson silks to go with his black boots and black turban.

Has there been any word from the merchant Raghav?

Sateesh took a water skin that was hanging from his saddle and took a long pull. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand then offered the skin to Jean-Baptiste who shook his head.

Sateesh hung the water skin back on his saddle saying no word from the merchant or any sign of his representative, Master.

Jean-Baptiste twisted around in his saddle eyeing the area as he said I expected him to join us by now, but maybe he has traveled ahead and will be waiting for us at the trading fort in Golconda.

Sateesh nodded in agreement and was about to speak when he spotted the rider galloping over the rise in the road heading towards them. It’s the caravan’s advanced scout, Sateesh thought as the scout reined in his horse beside them a few moments later and began furiously speaking to him in Hindi.

After several minutes of conversation, Sateesh turned to Jean-Baptiste and said there’s a large mob on the road heading our way and they will be here soon.

Jean-Baptiste checked the two pistols on his belt as he asked how many bandits?

Sateesh shook his head saying not bandits, Master. It’s a large mob of villagers being led by a crazed fakir (holy man). They’re armed with spears and long stabbing daggers. The scout estimates there are two-hundred or two-hundred and fifty of them.

Jean-Baptiste stared at the rise shaking his head and muttered what the hell?

Sateesh nodded in agreement and said what the hell, indeed. Shall I send the guards ahead to attack before the mob reaches the rise?

Jean-Baptiste considered it for before shaking his head saying no, have the guards dismount and breakout the muskets from the wagons. I want them formed in two rows ahead of the caravan. The mob won’t be able to flank us on this rocky terrain and if they wish to attack, they will have to come straight into a couple of volleys of musket balls. That should be enough to send them running back home.

Sateesh laughed and said life is always an adventure when I’m with you, Master.

It took about forty-minutes for the mob led by the fakir to reach the top of the rise where they stopped and stared down at the caravan. Jean-Baptiste and Sateesh sat on their mounts behind the two rows of guards armed with muskets.

Jean-Baptiste eyed the fakir who was dressed in red and blue robes carrying a long wooden walking staff before saying he doesn’t strike much fear in my heart, Sateesh.

Sateesh chuckled as he fondled the hilt of his sword and said no Master, he does not. Do you wish for me to ride up there and bring you back his head?

Jean-Baptiste shook his head saying I have no wish to kill a holy man. Let’s ride forward to see if we can reason with him.

Sateesh cast a doubtful look at him, but ordered the guards to part ranks so they could ride towards the mob. Jean-Baptiste brought his stallion to a stop about one-hundred yards from the mob and waited as the fakir addressed the villagers in a loud voice. Jean-Baptiste began to feel a little nervous as he listened to the fakir rant because this didn’t look like any ordinary group of poor villagers. It was all men of fighting age who were armed and gave the appearance of being up for a battle.

What is he saying?

Crazy talk, Master. The old fool is telling the villagers that the goddess Kali will protect them from our swords and muskets. He says we must be made to pay for our crimes against their god.

"Oh, good