The Sign of Death by Callie Hutton (children's books read aloud .TXT) 📗

wrong. Harding has worked for me for three years, and never has there been even a hint of misdeeds.”

Winchester shrugged. “Perhaps something changed in his life that encouraged him to begin this duplicitous life.”

“That could very well be, but my most pressing need now is to hire someone to represent me. I suppose I could contact my solicitor and get a recommendation for a barrister from him, but I remember the man you secured for Lady Amy last year seemed quite competent, and I don’t have a great deal of time.”

“I agree.” Winchester nodded. “I shall send a note around to my man immediately. I suggest you gather your financial records, so you have some proof of what you thought was going on as opposed to what they found in Harding’s files.”

William breathed a sigh of relief. Lord Winchester was a competent businessman and had reason to hope that one day William would be his son-in-law. Although William did not wish to play to that expectation too much, at least at this time, he could use the man’s advice and help.

“I will do that. And I appreciate your help in this matter.” William stood, as did Lord Winchester. Just as William reached the door, his lordship added, “If you ever want to discuss anything else, please feel free to request a meeting.”

Knowing exactly what Winchester had in mind, William nodded and returned to the drawing room.

He found Amy alone there.

“How did it go?” She eyed him with concern.

“Your father was quite helpful. He made the good suggestion that I gather my own financial records, and he will contact the barrister he hired for you last year. I believe his name was Mr. Nelson-Graves?”

“Yes. I remember him as being quite somber and excellent at thwarting the detectives when they tried to trick me into answers by confusing the questions they asked.”

“I will take my leave now. I want to go over all my papers and get ready for the meeting tomorrow.”

“I understand.” Amy stood and walked him to the door. “Oh, with all the excitement, I forgot to tell you I figured out the code.”

“That’s right. I remember you saying so just as the detectives arrived.” They stopped in front of the door. “Are you going to tell me or make me figure it out myself?” He was sure his grin was a bit forced, but he had a great deal on his mind.

“I will tell you this much. The name we were trying to figure out is Ethel Burrows.”

“Interesting.” William accepted his coat and hat from Stevens and turned to her. “Continue on with the other name, and perhaps tomorrow afternoon we can get together. I still want to pursue this investigation. Especially now that I am front and center with the police. I don’t much care for that position.”

Stevens opened the door for William, who nodded, then turned back and wrapped his arm around Amy before leaning in to give her a kiss. “For luck.”

He hurried down the steps to his carriage, thinking he needed much more than luck. Right now, what he needed was a miracle.

CHAPTER 20

Amy was tired of pacing in her room, waiting for William to arrive. He was with his solicitor and the barrister Papa had arranged for him, and at the present time they were all at the police station.

She walked to the window and pushed aside the drapes to gaze out at the traffic below. So many people out and about, having a perfectly normal day, when William’s world was crashing down.

Instead of wasting her time here, she should be out and about herself, trying to find the true killer and save William. She checked her timepiece and decided it was not too early for a social call.

Miss Gertrude and Miss Penelope would be only too happy to visit with her. Since Miss Gertrude had acknowledged to Amy that she had, in fact, been blackmailed by Mr. Harding, perhaps she could give Amy some more information without revealing the reason for the blackmail. Although a tad curious, Amy would not broach that subject unless Miss Gertrude brought it up.

She pinned her hat to her head, fighting with her unruly auburn curls, tugged on gloves, and grabbed her reticule. As she approached the front door, she saw Aunt Margaret standing there, being assisted by Stevens into her coat.

“Are you doing morning calls?” Though they were called morning calls, they usually took place well after noontime.

“Yes.” Aunt Margaret raised her brows. “Don’t tell me you are interested in making visits?”

“Actually, yes. But only to a particular person.” Amy turned and allowed Stevens to help with her coat. “I am off to see Miss Gertrude O’Neill.”

“Ah,” Aunt Margaret said. “She is on your list of suspects, is she not?”

“Yes. But this visit isn’t about tripping her up, since I really don’t believe she could do something so hideous, but in gaining information that only someone who has been blackmailed by Mr. Harding would know.”

“All right. You have gotten my interest up. If you have no objection, I would like to accompany you.”

“That would be lovely. As you know, I am awkward at these things. I always seem to say the wrong thing, or drop my tea in my lap, or trip over a chair leg.”

Aunt Margaret grinned. “Yes. That about covers your visits.” She looked down at Amy’s feet.

Amy sighed. “Yes. My shoes match.”

Stevens opened the door, and she and Aunt Margaret descended the steps and climbed into the carriage.

Fluffy clouds floated like giant pillows across the sky, blocking the sun, then retreating, allowing the warmth and light to bathe the earth again.

Once they were settled and on their way, Aunt Margaret asked, “William is with the police this morning, is he not?”

“Yes. I am quite anxious. You know how these detectives seem to work, since we’ve dealt with them before. They focus on one suspect and then devote all their time to proving that person was the killer instead of casting their net wider.”

“You