“I’ll help,” Emma said immediately.
Beside her, Strathaven let out a sigh.
Marianne placed a hand on Ambrose’s arm. “I think your assistance is needed, darling.”
A silent exchange passed between the two; Ambrose gave a reluctant nod.
“All right.” Turning to Billings, he said evenly, “I will conduct this investigation, but I will do so on my own terms. Know this, sir: I will pursue the matter to its end—even if the result is not to your liking.”
“Just keep me apprised and act with discretion.” Billings stood. “Now I must make arrangements to have the body removed.”
“It would be best to move the victim to a cool place, to preserve the body as much as possible,” Ambrose said quietly. “I want a colleague of mine to examine her.”
“As you wish.” Billings was already heading toward the door, his stride brisk. “Carry on.”
The door closed behind him.
“Bloody hell.” Ambrose dragged a hand through his unruly hair. “What did I just sign on for?”
“You did the right thing, my love,” Marianne murmured.
Ambrose’s golden gaze grew focused. “There’s much to do,” he said. “I have to send for Dr. Abernathy; hopefully he can arrive from London by tomorrow or the day after and give us a more definitive opinion on the cause of death. I’ll need to contact Lugo and McLeod as well. My partners can search Monique’s residence in London; perhaps there’ll be clues there as to why someone might want her dead. In the meantime, I want to interview those closest to her: her maid and colleagues, to begin with. We’ll start compiling a list of suspects.”
Suspects… people who might want Monique dead…
The memory struck Vi with the force of lightning. She jumped to her feet. “I want to help too! In fact, I know who—”
“No.”
“Out of the question.”
Ambrose and Carlisle frowned at each other; they’d spoken simultaneously.
“But I can help,” Vi protested.
Carlisle shook his head. “You’ve seen enough for the night, Miss Kent. I am sure your delicate constitution would not benefit from further exposure to this macabre business.”
And there goes our armistice.It was nice while it lasted.
“I’ve got the constitution of an ox,” she said with a snort, “and everyone here knows it.”
“Now, Violet—” her brother began.
“This is important,” she insisted. “I know someone who had an argument with Moniquejust last night.”
Finally, she had everyone’s full attention. They were all staring at her.
“Who?” Emma said.
And the idiot sister shows her ace…
“Josephine Ashe,” Vi said triumphantly.
Chapter Thirteen
An hour later, Richard found himself in a private sitting room that their host had arranged for their use during the investigation. He shared a settee with Violet; the Duchess of Strathaven occupied an adjacent chair, her husband standing behind her. They were all awaiting the return of Kent, who’d gone to perform a search of Monique’s room and speak to her maid. The investigator had wanted to know as much as possible about the victim before interrogating Josephine Ashe.
As the other three talked in low murmurs, Richard couldn’t bring himself to join in. Inner turmoil consumed him. His profound worry for Wick. His unsuitable and undeniable attraction to Violet. The right thing to do on both counts.
