Page 105 of Garden of Lies

Lady Fulbrook has gone into seclusion in the country.” Otford checked his notes. “She is said to be distraught over the murder of her husband.”

“I’ll wager that’s a bit of an exaggeration,” Ursula said. “I’m quite certain thatvastly relieved to have him out of the waywould be a more accurate description of her feelings.”

They were gathered once again in Slater’s library, listening to the latest news from a very excited Otford. Ursula was seated on the sofa beside Lilly, who was pouring tea. Slater was behind his desk. Ursula thought he was strangely calm for a man who had faced down a violent crime lord a few hours earlier. For her part, she was not feeling nearly so cool and collected. But there was, she had to admit, a great deal of relief and satisfaction in knowing that Cobb had been arrested.

Otford flipped another page in his notebook. “I could find only one person at the Fulbrook house in Mapstone Square, a gardener. Managed to speak to him through the back gate. He said Lady Fulbrook had let the entire household staff go except for him. According to the gardener, Lady Fulbrook got into a hired carriage shortly before noon and departed for the country house.”

Ursula picked up her teacup. “Lady Fulbrook hated all of the servants. She didn’t trust them. She believed they spied on her.”

“She was a prisoner in her own home.” Lilly looked thoughtful. “And now she is free.”

Ursula turned to Slater. “What will happen to Damian Cobb?”

“I’m told he has sent a telegram to his lawyers in America who will, no doubt, arrange for him to hire the best lawyer in London.” Slater scooped up his notes. “There is, of course, the possibility that he will go free, in spite of the confession and the facts of the case. But if he is that fortunate, I predict that he will book passage to New York on the first available ship.”

“He won’t dare hang around London, that’s certain,” Otford said.“He’ll be notorious after the trial. The press and the penny dreadfuls—especiallyThe Illustrated News of Crime and Scandal—will be filled with stories about him for months. The court may find him not guilty but public opinion will hold an entirely different view. You know how it is, Mrs. Kern.”

“Yes.” Ursula set her cup down with a loud clink of china-on-china. “I know very well how it feels to be notorious.”

Otford stiffened and then flushed a dull red. “Sorry to bring up the subject. Well, I’d best be off. Got a meeting with a printer. The first issue of theIllustrated Newsgoes on sale tomorrow.” He paused and glanced uneasily at Slater. “Our deal still stands, sir, does it not? I assured the printer that he would be paid because you were backing my magazine.”

Slater leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers. “I will instruct my man of business to issue you a check no later than this afternoon.”

Otford radiated excitement. “Thank you, sir. I promise you that you’ll have a free lifetime subscription toThe Illustrated News of Crime and Scandal.”

“I will look forward to every issue,” Slater said.

“Right, then, I’ll be on my way.” Otford nodded at Ursula and Lilly. “Good day to you, ladies.”

He scurried away through the door.

Lilly looked at Slater. “You’ve certainly made Mr. Otford’s dreams come true.”

Slater took off his spectacles and started to polish them. “Always nice to have the press on one’s side.”

“Even if one must pay for the positive publicity?” Ursula asked.

Slater put on his eyeglasses. “So long as I get my money’s worth, I have no complaints.”

Lilly put her cup and saucer down on the table. “You must excuse me. I am going shopping. News of the Fulbrook murder is spreading rapidly and I suddenly find myself in great demand because of my connection to the Kern Secretarial Agency. Everyone is aware that one of their secretaries was a victim of the American assassin. Invitations have been pouring in all morning. At this rate, my calendar will be completely full for the next month or so.”

She whisked through the doorway. Ursula waited until she was gone and then she looked at Slater.

“I can scarcely believe that it’s finished,” she said. “Everyone is talking about Fulbrook’s murder but all I ever cared about was Anne’s death.”

“I know.” Slater watched her across the expanse of the big desk. “It’s possible that Cobb will evade the hangman’s noose and go home to New York. But even if that is the case, he will not be able to escape the stain on his reputation. He has been labeled a murderer in the press on both sides of the Atlantic. He will never be free of the repercussions. Will that be enough for you?”

“Yes,” she said. “I wanted answers and you helped me obtain them. If the judge and jury fail, I am certainly not going to allow you to assume the responsibility of meting out justice. There has been too much darkness. It is time for a bit of sunlight.”

“Agreed.” Slater looked toward the window. “As it happens, the sun is shining at this moment. Would you care to walk out with me?”

She smiled and got to her feet. “I would be delighted to go walking in the sunlight with you, Slater. I’ll run upstairs and get my bonnet.” She paused, gathering her nerve. “When we return, I really must pack and move back to my own house.”

He watched her go toward the door. “There is no need for you to rush back to your home. You are welcome to stay here for a few more days—or longer. It’s about time we got back to work cataloging my collection. This investigation business has created a serious delay.”

She froze. After what they had just been through, his chief concern was the cataloging of his artifacts?

“I will be happy to assist you in the work,” she said grimly, “but I can do that just as well while living in my own house.”

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