“Why not simply save yourself the trouble and just marry Judith? Now that she knows how you feel, I’m sure she’ll agree to marry you. She didn’t realize her grandfather had wronged you, and you know that she is determined to right the wrongs he did.”
Black’s expression changed to one of momentary confusion. He shook his head as if struggling to make sense of any of it.
Judith took the opportunity to press the matter. “He’s right, Bert,” she began. “I want to do what is right by all of the people Grandfather wronged. He clearly wronged you. I had no idea, and if my marrying you will make things better, then let us do what must be done.”
“See there.” Roman tried to inch forward while Black’s attention was on Judith. “You don’t need to kill her. If you twomarry, then as her husband you will have the legal right to control everything. The money will be yours.”
“That’s right,” Black agreed. “It will all be mine. The law states as much. The house, the money, the investments. All of it.” He looked at Judith. “And you will be mine. We’ll be together.”
“That’s right, Bert.” She smiled. “Why don’t we get married right away?”
“Marry her today,” Roman suggested. “Mary can go fetch the Reverend Knickerbacker. He would be delighted to do the job.”
“Today?” Black looked at each person as if needing reassurance. Each one nodded like the plan was quite reasonable.
“I know exactly where to find the reverend,” Mary said, awaiting Black’s approval.
“Yes, yes,” he finally replied. “Go bring the reverend.” Mary nodded and backed out of the room.
Roman was relieved to have her go. It was one less person to worry about, and Mary would know to go straight to the police. Roman glanced at Winchell, who remained stoically silent.
Bert turned to Judith. “You must wear something more fitting. I won’t have my bride in black.”
Judith looked at her gown and nodded. “I will. I will go to my room and change.”
“No. You can’t leave me.”
“How do you expect her to dress for her wedding day?” Roman asked. He wanted to find any way possible to clear the room of people, especially Judith. Black wouldn’t be so inclined to kill the rest of them with his focus on the wedding.
“Perhaps Winchell can bring me a gown from my room. My maids will know where to find a gown appropriate for a wedding. Winchell?”
The man stepped forward and gave a bow. “As you wish, ma’am.” He looked up, then looked to Black.
“All right. Go and find a dress.” Black nodded and waved the gun. “Go quickly.”
With only Black and Judith left, Roman tried to figure out his next move. Black still had the gun. In fact, he once again pointed it at Judith’s side.
“Perhaps we should sit to wait for everyone,” Roman suggested. There were only single chairs here in the office. If Black approved, he would have to allow Judith to sit on her own. It might be enough separation that Roman could get the drop on Black and rid him of the revolver.
“I’d very much like to sit,” Judith said, looking to Black. “I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed by the heat. You know that I don’t bear it well.”
Roman didn’t know if she was making this up or if the growing warmth along with the tension of the moment was causing her distress. Black seemed to consider the matter and finally nodded.
“Sit here,” he said, motioning to the chair beside him.
“So what are your plans for the fortune, once you and Judith are married?” Roman asked. “Will you take a wedding trip abroad?”
“A trip? I, uh, I don’t know.” Black shook his head, then rubbed his temple, all while keeping the gun leveled at Judith.
“It’s the perfect time for an ocean crossing. You could visit London and Paris. Perhaps even Italy. Wouldn’t that be enjoyable, Judith?”
“Yes. Yes, it would. We could put aside the work here and spend the rest of the summer and fall in Europe.”
Bert didn’t seem to register what was being said. “I certainly won’t be building that old man’s block of marble memorials.” Bert looked down at Judith. “She doesn’t want that either. It’s a complete waste of money.”
“I agree.” Roman nodded. “That would be a terrible waste. But what about the trip? Don’t you think that would be aninteresting prospect? If not Europe, you two could go to California or perhaps the Orient.”
“I’d never considered the possibility,” Black admitted. “It would be terribly expensive.”
