The Specimen
A botanist comes home with a flower worth killing for and three people who know it.
Wren Adair spent two years in the highlands chasing a rumor and came back with a living specimen that could cure a disease or start a war between two companies. On the slow coastal steamer home she is joined by a doctor with a mysterious letter, an insurance man who never approves a claim, and a magician who is very interested in her luggage.
The cast
A botanist returning from a failed expedition with one specimen she would kill to protect.
A ship's surgeon turned village doctor, called out of retirement by a letter he will not show anyone.
An insurance investigator who suspects everyone of fraud, usually correctly.
A stage magician whose act depends on a secret she stole.