Page 58 of A Rogue to Watch Over Me
Murray avoided her gaze. “The lady fell from a high window.”
*
Without warning, Amelia’sworld went topsy-turvy. The floor seemed to shift beneath her as if she stood on sand washing out with the tide. Her knees trembled, and she clasped Logan’s arm, holding tight.
Logan coiled an arm around her waist, bracing her against the stunning revelation. “Ye’re sure of that, Murray?”
“Yes.” A look of regret fell over the barkeep’s features. “I should not have spoken of it in the lady’s presence.”
Amelia managed a brisk shake of her head. “No, I needed to hear the truth.”
“It must come as a shock to ye.” Compassion flowed in the barkeep’s voice.
“Indeed, it does.” She slowly made her way to a chair. “I only need to sit for a moment, to steady myself. I was not prepared for such horrible news.”
“I take it ye knew the lady,” Murray said.
“We were acquainted.” Her chest tightened and her pulse thundered in her ears. Struggling to retain her composure, she fanned herself with a trembling hand. An hour earlier, she’d been focused on her library and grieving the destruction of a doll, of all things.
And all the while, Helen had lain still on the pavement.
Alone.
Dying.
In the morning, I will be on a steamer that’s sailing far away from here. Far from the bastard who wants me dead.
Had Helen believed her own words? Or had she merely sought to ease her own fears?
The jackals had killed her in the same way they’d murdered Paul.
How very cruel.
Turning to the bar, Logan poured brandy into a crystal glass. “Amelia, ye’ve gone pale. Ye’d benefit from a sip.”
“Thank you.” She downed a few sips, welcoming the calming warmth of the spirits. She glanced toward the door as Finn Caldwell marched in. He met her gaze, then threw Murray a scowl as he read the truth on her features.
“Ye were not to tell her,” Caldwell said in a low, hard tone.
“I insisted that he tell me what he’d learned,” Amelia spoke up. “I do not have the luxury of insulating myself from unpleasant truths these days, especially those connected to my brother’s dealings.”
“What’ve ye found out?” Standing behind Amelia, Logan lightly rested a hand on her shoulder. “Bear in mind, there is a lady present.”
Amelia sighed. “All of this talk of alady’s presence. Do not attempt to shield me. At a time like this, I assure you that ignorance is not bliss.”
Caldwell kneaded his neck as if it ached. His attention flickered to the glass in her hand. “Ye might find it beneficial to take another drink before ye hear what I’ve got to say.”
“That will not be necessary,” she said.
“Very well.” He sounded resigned. “The detectives have already ruled Helen Tanner’s death a suicide.”
“Bloody fools.” Logan bit off the words between his teeth.
Amelia could not contain her frustration. “How can they make such a determination so swiftly? There has been no investigation.”
“And there won’t be.” Caldwell stared down at the rug for a long moment before meeting Amelia’s gaze. “Not one of the detectives gives a damn about her death. In their eyes, she was a cheat who bilked gullible fools out of their money. It’s not difficult to call it a suicide and carry on.”
“How very convenient,” Amelia said in disgust.
