Garrity’s explanation made sense. While Richard had no doubt the moneylender was as cold-blooded as they came, his instincts told him that Garrity was not a man to turn down a profit for, well,anyreason. If what Garrity said was true, then not only did he have no motive to kill Monique, but it was in his best interests that the acrobat lived to spread the gospel of his services.
“Is that why you came to the party?” Kent said. “To keep an eye on Madame Monique—your, er, hypothetical investment?”
“My dear sir, at any given party—on any street in London, I daresay—I run into more than a few investments,” Garrity drawled. “But the answer to your question is no. Although doing some business has been unavoidable during my stay, my primary objective here is not to gain new clients.”
“Then why are you here?” Richard said.
“Pleasure, of course.” A calculating gleam entered Garrity’s eyes. “Even a man as busy as I am must occasionally make time for diversions.”
“Thank you for your time, sir.” Kent rose, and Richard followed suit. “I’ll be in touch if I have further questions.”
Garrity inclined his head. “Let me know if I can be of assistance. Whoever killed Monique de Brouet stole a valuable asset from me.” His gaze met Richard’s. “It is my policy to ensure that debts are paid.”
The subtle threat stayed with Richard even as he returned to the main house with Kent.
“Well, there’s another dead end,” the investigator said. “This case is full of them. My gut tells me we’re missing something… but what?”
Richard ruthlessly shoved aside his guilt. “Any luck in finding the missing yellow pillow?”
Kent shook his head. “The servants were told to keep an eye out, and no one’s reported anything. It’s possible the killer burned it or hid it somewhere outside the house.” After a pause, he added with obvious frustration, “I can only hope my colleagues are having better luck in London.”
They parted ways at the house, Kent going off to another meeting with the magistrate. Richard entered the dining room just as the luncheon was starting. Spotting Wick with the Turbetts, Richard headed over; he wanted to give his brother his moral support—and to put a rein on Wick’s cronies, Parnell and Goggs, who were seated at the same table. At half-past noon, the pair of troublemakers already looked well into their cups, and the last thing Richard wanted was for them to offend Wick’s future father-in-law.
On the way over, he saw Violet at another table. Their gazes met; she smiled, and damn, if the sight of her sweet, curving lips didn’t make his insides hum with lust.
Later, he promised himself.
Greeting everyone at Wick’s table, he took the empty seat between Parnell and Turbett. He was halfway through his lobster soufflé, listening to Turbett boast about mercantile exploits, when Parnell said loudly, “Surely there must be a more scintillating topic than your piles of blunt, wot? Ruining my appetite, if you must know.”
Bloody hell.
Turbett stiffened. “Your digestive state might be better helped by practicing some abstemiousness, my lord.”
Lifting his wine goblet, Parnell took a deliberate gulp. “Better to be plump with grape than shriveled like a prune. Don’t you agree, Goggs?”
“Absolutely, Parnell.” Goggs slurped from his glass.
Richard set down his fork. “I’m certain there is another subject matter we could all find—”
“Do you smell something, Goggs?” Parnell stuck his long, noble nose in the air.
Goggs’ round face creased with confusion. “Er, what, Parnell?”
“I think… yes, I do believe it is the smell ofshop…”
Turbett threw down his napkin. “I’ll not stay and be insulted by a pair of penniless ne’er-do-wells! Come, Amelia, we’re going.”
He dragged his daughter off.
“Well, thanks a lot,” Wick said sarcastically to his friends.
“Yououghtto be thanking us.” Parnell took another sip of wine. “We’re saving you from a future of disgrace.”
Wick spoke before Richard could cut in. “I won’thavea bloody future if I don’t get my vowels back.”
You tell them, brother. Richard gave an approving nod.
Parnell rolled his eyes. “Don’t be so dramatic, Murray. You don’t see Goggs and I panicking, do you? Our debts are at least as big as yours.”
