Page 78 of Married to the Earl

“Still,” Astrid said. “You lost a friend and a business partner. It must have been very unpleasant to have me come in here accusing you of being responsible for his death.”

“I can’t say it’s been my favorite experience,” O’Flannagan agreed. “But I did wonder whether Lord Middleborough might actually be the guilty party. It didn’t seem in character for one such as him, but then, the police seemed to be so sure. I didn’t know what to think.”

“But you believe me?” Astrid said. “You believe me when I say it wasn’t him?”

“I do,” O’Flannagan said. “It takes a hell of a woman to stand up to me the way you just did. You must have been very sure of everything you were saying.”

Astrid nodded. “I am sure,” she said fervently. “If the police and the courts would only let me testify, this would all be over by now.”

“Perhaps there’s something more I can do for you,” O’Flannagan suggested.

“What do you mean?” Astrid asked.

“I’m a trusted businessman in this part of town—and I’d like that to remain the case,” O’Flannagan added, shooting a very pointed look at Tobias. “I know they won’t let you testify, you being the wife of the accused and all. But if I were to go down to the police statement and vouch for Lord Middleborough, give a statement on his behalf—”

Astrid couldn’t help it. She let out a gasp. “You would do that for us?”

“I would expect a guarantee from you that you’ll forget what you’ve discovered about my finances,” O’Flannagan said.

“You’ll have it,” Astrid assured him.

“From both of you,” O’Flannagan said, turning to Tobias.

Tobias nodded. “Of course. If this works, if Lord Middleborough is allowed to go free, I’ll never trouble you again.”

“I don’t think I can convince the police to forget about him as a suspect altogether,” O’Flannagan said. “They must have some fairly convincing evidence if it’s led them to arrest the Earl of Middleborough. But perhaps I can convince them that it’s best to let him await trial at home with his wife.”

Astrid felt like she might start to cry at the thought of it.Conor, back at home with me. Back in my arms. “Please try,” she begged. “It would mean the world to me. And in return, I’ll do whatever I can to help you learn who really murdered your friend.”

O’Flannagan nodded. “Very well. I’ll speak to the police, and in the meantime, I’ll ask around and try to find out whatever I can. Perhaps you can visit the pub again in a couple of days’ time, and you and I can discuss what we’ve learned.”

“I’d like that.” Astrid got to her feet. “Thank you, Mr. O’Flannagan.”

He narrowed his eyes at her. “Get out of here before I change my mind.”

Astrid nodded, turned on her heel, and made for the door. She could feel more than see her father behind her, pursuing her, and knew that he was just as eager to depart the premises as she was.

“Come back to Middleborough Manor for the evening,” she said, once they were out on the street. “It’s a nicer journey than the trip back to your house. Safer. And our cook will put on supper for us.”

Tobias shook his head. “I should really get back home,” he said, and Astrid realized he wasn’t in the same celebratory mood as she was.

“That went well!” Astrid said. “Don’t you think so? He did get angry, but I think he’s really going to help us.”

“I think he is too,” Tobias agreed. “But you mustn’t get your hopes up too high, Astrid. I know you want to see your husband home again, but one man’s word might not be enough to sway the police. Lord Middleborough may have to stand trial before he has a chance at being released.”

Astrid knew her father was right. But still, as they turned onto the road that would lead them to the manor, she felt more hopeful than she had in days.

Chapter 31

The carriage that had delivered Astrid and Tobias to the Angry Boar was waiting for them a short way up the road. Astrid climbed in, making room for her father beside her.

“How do you really think it went?” she asked anxiously. Now that they had left the building, her nerves had caught up with her. She couldn’t believe how boldly she had confronted Killian O’Flannagan.

“I think you did as well as could be expected,” Tobias said. “Assuming he’s telling the truth about how he plans to proceed, I think you have a reasonable chance of seeing your husband back home pretty soon.”

“Do you think he has the kind of influence he claims to have?” Astrid asked. “Will his vouching for Conor be enough to convince the police that they should release him?”

“It won’t come down to anything about Conor’s character,” Tobias said. “That part will be a mere formality. This is going to be decided by dollars and cents.”

---