Page 89 of Married to the Earl

“Of course,” Henry said. “And it happened just the way I planned, didn’t it? You were arrested on suspicion of murder. The police don’t even have any other suspects. They’re convinced you’re the guilty party. Your trial will be a mere formality, and when it’s reached its conclusion, you’ll be in prison for the rest of your life.”

Astrid made a soft, agonized little noise. Conor ached to comfort her, but he didn’t so much as spare her a glance. “What were you going to do if I wasn’t convicted of the crime?” he asked. “You must have had a backup plan.”

“I don’t need one,” Henry said. “I was prepared to testify against you, if it looked like the case wasn’t going to wrap itself up neatly. I don’t think it would have been necessary to do so, but believe me when I say I have no hesitations about telling the police that I found the door unlocked when I came in the morning after the murder.” He shook his head. “You’re the only person who has the key. Besides me, of course.”

“I can’t believe they’re not even considering you.”

“Younever considered I might be guilty,” Henry pointed out. “Besides, I was careful. I have what you so crucially lacked—a strong alibi. I was at a party the night of the murder.”

“But you weren’t.”

“It was easy enough to slip out for an hour, to do what needed to be done. By the time I returned to my companions, everything was in place, and no one had so much as noticed my absence.”

“You killed a man,” Conor said. “How could anything be worth that. I never thought of you as a violent person, Henry. I never thought you were capable of such a thing.”

“It’s remarkable what people are capable of when they have toearneverything they have,” Henry said scathingly. “You’ve had everything given to you all your life. You could never understand what it’s like to be poor.”

“You’re not poor! You’re the co-owner of a successful business!”

“And now I’m going to be the primary owner,” Henry said. “You’ll be locked away for the rest of your life, convicted of murder. You’ll be in no position to run this club. You’re going to have to turn it over to me.”

“What makes you think I would do that?” Conor demanded. “Even if Iamconvicted, why would I give you my share of the club now?”

“I worried you might not,” Henry admitted. “I’d been thinking about it for the past couple of days, and I realized you might sign your share over to your newwife.” He jerked his head toward Astrid. “So when you were released from prison, I altered my plan. I decided we needed to meet here tonight.”

Astrid spoke up. Her voice shook, but she sounded more calm than Conor felt. “Don’t give him what he wants,” she said. “Whatever he’s after, tell him no, Conor.”

“Shut up, wench,” Henry said. “Do I need to put that gag back on you?”

“That isn’t necessary,” Conor said hurriedly. “She’ll be quiet. Astrid—please.”

He could feel the anger rolling off her in waves, but she quieted.

“Why don’t we sit down and discuss your demands,” Conor said, determined to keep Henry’s focus on him and away from Astrid.

“Are you saying you’re willing to comply?”

“I came here to discuss things with you, didn’t I?” Conor asked. “That ought to show you that I’m open to anything.”

“I’m glad to see you finally grew some sense,” Henry said. “Believe me, if you hadn’t cooperated, your wife would have been the one to pay the price. I’m sure you wouldn’t have liked that very much.” He grinned. “I know how much you worried about her suffering as a result of being a part of your life.”

“What?” Astrid asked.

“He hasn’t told you?” Henry asked her. “He very nearly refused to marry you. He was soworriedfor you. He was afraid of what being married to him would do to your reputation.” He laughed. “He spills all his secrets to me.”

“Don’t talk to her.” Conor was feeling violent, maybe for the first time in his life. He didn’t know what he would do if Henry didn’t stop, but he suspected it wouldn’t be anything good. He had to keep calm. When the police arrived, he didn’t want Henry to be able to claim that Conor had just shown up randomly and assaulted him.

“I’ll talk to whoever I want.” Henry sat down at one of the tables. He pulled a gun out of his jacket pocket and set it on the table, close to his own hand.

Conor didn’t dare try to go for it. Henry would get there first, and then he would likely start shooting. He had to avoid that at all costs.

As long as I can keep him talking, we’ll beall right, he thought.If this turns violent, all hope is lost.

Slowly, careful not to move too fast and alarm Henry, he eased into the opposite chair at the table. “Let’s talk,” he said. “You want to own The Arc outright. I might be willing to offer that in exchange for—”

“In exchange for nothing,” Henry said. “I have your wife. That’s the deal. You give me what I want, your wife goes free.”

“I want you to testify in my favor,” Conor tried. “Tell the police you don’t think I’m guilty. We don’t have to tell them who really killed Lord Hayward.”

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