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“You remember him?”

A shiver “I saw him but once, on that horrible day he exploded into Peet Especially if one was a child He’s the sort that leaves a lasting, terrifying ie that bordered on insanity His voice could smother the sound of thunder, and the threats he hurled at Papa were heard throughout the entire first floor of the manor—by me and the servants And, of course, Slayde, who physically threw him out”

“What about Lawrence? Do you remember him?”

“Vaguely” Aurora frowned “I remember only a tall, black-haired , I hardly noticed his son Was Lawrence capable of murder? I simply don’t know”

“Well, Slayde believes he was—on some level then; on all levels now Chilton is dead If Lawrence hired Armon to kill my father, steal his ship, and black the black diamond, then he did it on his own”

“How does Slayde plan to prove this?”

“He’s investigating all Lawrence’s activities since his sudden re-es If the duke is in possession of the black diamond or connected to Armon in any way, Slayde will uncover that inforate”

“And both your father and ed,” Aurora concluded fervently

“Avenged, yes Altered, no” Courtney traced the pattern of her napkin “When I first regained consciousness, Slayde warned ht If Papa is dead, no a hi with all these years He yearns for justice, yet he knows it cannot alleviate the sense of loss he’s felt since your parents’ deaths” She sed “God, how

I wish I could help him”

“I think you are—more than Slayde knows” Aurora studied Courtney’s face “Perhaps more than either of you knows” With that, she leaned forward, gesturing toward Courtney’s plate “Eat You need your strength—to talk to the investigator and to endure being berated by hthouse” Grinning, she cut another piece of mutton “I don’t envy you”

Both wohter trailed into the hallhere Miss Payne hovered, ostensibly reviewing her list of the day’s chores Slipping the page into her pocket, she glanced about, confir that the corridor was deserted Reassured, she hurried off, acutely aware of the pressing responsibility that had just presented itself

It was imperative that she report all she’d learned Immediately

Chapter 8

“AURORA, I WANT TO speak with you—now”