For a brief moment, Alister considered confiding in Lyra about his true motives for being at Weston House, but since he wasn’t sure that the note in Roger’s desk hadn’t been in reference to her, he had to tread carefully. “I’m not exactly sure, only that I’m quite confident that scene was staged as effectively as any performance on Drury Lane.”
* * *
Richard Coventry slammed the door to his guest room at the prestigious Grenier’s Hotel on Jermyn Street.
While he had every right to have his sister-in-law removed from Weston House in order to take up residence there, he knew that would not gain him the following he needed. With just a subtle word or two in a sympathetic ear, he had been able to build a steady foundation where he was at. The location of Grenier’s Hotel in the heart of the gentleman’s district gave him the perfect opportunity to gain further contacts. Once trust was even more established, he could finally act on the issue that truly mattered: preventing that bloated toad from taking the throne.
Unfortunately, today had cost him a few points, thanks to that conniving bitch and her new watchdog, the Duke of Albright. Testing his jaw, he winced when pain shot all the way to his temple. Who could have guessed that weasel possessed such an accurate right hook?
With an irritated growl, Richard decided that if he wanted this mission to succeed properly, then more drastic measures would have to be taken and his original plans would need to be altered. He considered calling a meeting with some of his loyalists to‘The Cause,’but just as quickly discarded the notion. They would likely just berate him for this minor setback. As it was, he would never understand how an idiot like Albright had managed to get Lyra released from the gaol.
No, this was something he’d have to take care of on his own. Although he still didn’t know how much Lyra knew about‘The Cause’, the more he tore down her reputation, the less anyone would believe the claims she might make in her defense.
With a slow, calculating smile, he realized that today had actually been a revelation. He’d just found the perfect solution to ruin Lyra, along with gaining revenge on the Duke of Albright.
CHAPTER NINE
Alister left Weston House a short time later. Lyra had gone to her bedchamber to lie down, and although he was hesitant about leaving her in such a fragile state, he needed to speak with Drayven. It eased Alister’s mind when Mrs. Birdwell assured him that she would look after Lady Weston in his absence. He sent the marquess an urgent missive to meet him at his office at Whitehall.
Sussex strode in with a bland smile, seating himself in his usual chair. “And here I thought your mission was to gather intelligence at Weston House, not go about beating up newly titled earls.”
Alister wasn’t surprised Sussex had already heard about his altercation with Richard Coventry. “Heisa person of interest in this case. Besides, I didn’t go looking for a brawl.”
“Oh, I completely understand. He started it and all that.”
Alister ground his teeth at the mocking tone in Drayven’s voice, although he let it pass. The reason he’d called this meeting was more important than retaliating against his fellow agent’s barbs. Without further ado, he handed over the scrap of paper he’d found. “That was wedged in the back of Roger’s desk. What do you make of it?”
Drayven read aloud. “Things are growing dangerous. While ‘The Cause’ is our most critical aspect, I fear for what may happen. She knows too much.”He frowned. “It seems rather cryptic, but no less intriguing for its mystery.” He flicked his dark gaze back to Alister. “Do you think he’s referring to his wife?”
Alister shrugged. “I’m not sure yet, but I intend to find out. If heisspeaking of Lyra…”
Drayven instantly picked up his line of thought. “If the earl was concerned for his life, then this could be enough evidence to prove motive for murder.”
“But first we need to find out who else may be involved. And that’s another thing,” Alister pointed out. “Don’t you think it’s a bit strange that Richard Coventry chose such a popular establishment to make a scene? I’ve not known a peer yet thatencouragedscandal.”
“You think he’s trying to gain support to usurp Prinny.”
“I do. What better way to avenge his brother’s death than by taking up where he left off and finishing the job?”
Drayven sat back in his chair. “That’s quite a conjecture you’ve put together.”
“I have my moments,” Alister said dryly.
Sussex rolled his eyes, before he asked in all seriousness, “What do you need me to do?”
“We already know Richard is staying at Grenier’s, but I say we add more security, and you’re the best man I have. I want you to personally keep an eye on his comings and goings and find out who he associates with. I don’t want him being able to take a piss without the department knowing about it.”
Drayven grimaced. “You justhadto add that last bit, didn’t you?”
Now it was Alister’s turn to smirk. “I had to offer some sort of incentive.”
A crude gesture was his only reply.
* * *
“Mr. Lyridon is downstairs, my lady.”
Lyra looked up from the book she’d been reading and offered Barton a tentative smile. “Thank you. You may tell him I’ll be down in a few moments.”
