Gregory turned, a smile playing across his lips. “A bit dramatic this morning, aren’t we?”
Theo ignored him. “Is the carriage ready?”
“It is, Your Grace,” Redmond replied.
Gregory lifted a brow. “A carriage? I was prepared for a ride. Nothing like a good gallop to clear the mind.”
“It’s farther than you’d expect,” Theo said. “We’ll make better time this way.”
And you’ll be trapped should you try anything.
Gregory shrugged, amused. “Always the planner.”
They stepped outside, and Theo climbed in first then Gregory, who reclined across from him with exaggerated ease.
As the carriage began to move, silence settled thick between them.Gregory broke it with a small chuckle. He reached into his coat and produced a pistol, placing it across his lap.
“I suppose we can drop the charade now, Cousin,” he said.
Theo stared blankly at him.
“You’re not surprised,” Gregory went on, as if confirming something to himself. “You’ve always suspected, haven’t you?”
Theo did not speak.I never suspected though I wish I had.
Gregory leaned forward slightly, tapping the weapon on his knee. “You were never meant to live, Cousin. You were supposed to die with the rest of them. But no matter. We’ve come full circle at last.”
Theo’s jaw worked, but still he kept silent. Every muscle in his body had drawn taut.
“That little scene at breakfast,” Gregory mused, “I must give you great merit. The way you looked as though you were truly pleased to see me. Very noble.”
Theo felt his own pistol press against his ribs beneath the fabric of his coat.
Would I reach for it in time? Would I fire first?No. Not yet.
“You think me a monster,” Gregory said, “but truly, I’ve done you a favor. All those years you spent brooding over graves and staring into the abyss—what kind of life was that? Now at least, you can go to your grave knowing the truth.”
Theo’s voice came low and hard. “You speak of mercy, but you’ve never known the word.”
Gregory’s smile widened. “And you’ve only just begun to learn it. A pity, Cousin. Too late.”
The trees outside thickened, branches reaching like arms through the haze. The road narrowed. Theo’s breath came slow, even. They were driving toward his hunting cabin as he had instructed, but he was not sure whether they would arrive.
April is safe. I have done what I must, but I will not die with these truths buried.
He flexed his fingers once, letting his hand drift up his thigh so it was positioned to reach his pistol quickly.
If this is the end, let it be on my terms. Not his.
“Where are we going truly?” Gregory asked.
“To a place where you will tell me why you killed my parents.”
“I can tell you now.” Gregory laughed. “No need to go far.”
Theo sat back, but his heart pounded beneath his ribcage.
Forty-One
