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“Exactly” Courtney’s eyes sparkled “Not only is Grier He studied the handwriting of that second note, then reproduced it Other than confessing that—and the fact that he was Armon’s contact—to Slayde, he’s been of little use to us But I think all that’s about to change” Courtney rubbed her palether “As I recall, Mr Grie lavishly co wholly intact We can offer him that In

fact, we can offer hih to buy his cooperation”

“You want hi on this sketch?”

“Not only study it, but co to assemble the staff and ask each and every one of them to pen a feords for us We’ll conjure up a suitable reason, then choose a fragh for the culprit to have forgotten he’d written ten years past That way no one will feign the inability to write so as not to participate Once the task is done, we’ll take all the samples to Grimes”

“Who will then match the culprit’s hand with that on this sketch,” Aurora ju like fireworks

“Precisely” Courtney’s small jaw set “At which time, dear cohort, we’ll have our traitor”

Chapter 17

“THAYER, TELL THE DUKE I’ in Morland’s entranceway door like an avenging god “And don’t bother refusingnowhere until I’ve spoken with him”

The butler flinched at Slayde’s formidable presence, the leashed fury in his tone “To the contrary, Lord Pe two backward steps, “His Grace has been expecting…rather, hoping—” Breaking off, Thayer whipped out a handkerchief, mopped at his brow “I have instructions to advise him the moment you arrive Please—wait here while I announce you” He turned, nearly sprinting down the hall

Not three minutes passed before he reappeared “The duke will see you at once Follow me”

Thayer led Slayde down the sa when he reached the open study door “Lord Pe a bit

“Huntley—so you finally got e” Unsteadily, Morland rose fro his features, hatred darkening his red-riive you one ain on Pembourne”

“To do what?” Slayde de more ominous than either?”

Froh “If there will be nothing else, sir?”

Morland’s gaze never left Slayde’s “No, Thayer, you’re welcome to bolt Shut the door behind you Oh, and you’re bound to hear shouts Ignore the up to do”