Page 26 (2/2)

Lying would be futile Fleeing, impossible

Dying, inevitable

“I have the stone” Wildly, he groped inside his coat, tearing open the lining—and praying for a miracle

“I assumed you would”

“Here” He extended his shaking hand, the diarasp “Take it It’s yours”

“It em disappeared “Our business is now complete Adieu, Armon”

He hadn’t time to reply

The pistol fired Its single shot, issued at point-blank range, struck Armon’s chest with a quiet thud He crumpled and fell

With but a cursory glance at the dead body, his assailant turned triu facets “Finally After all these years, justice is served”

The clip-clop of horses’ hooves per her frolints of dawn as they tentatively brushed the rooht was that it was far too early for those on land to be traveling

Her second thought was that it was Slayde, leaving for Morland

Auto position, relieved when her head and ribs retaliated with only aaside the bedcovers, she eased herself to her feet Her legs wobbled but held She took one step, then another,out

The phaeton had rounded the drive and was traversing lush acres of greenery, heading away fro the reins

Slayde

Leaning against the wall, Courtney watched hioing with him to confront Lawrence Bencroft—her injuries be damned