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Cas

sandra described the two conspirators she had once thought of as friends “They arrived here an hour ago,” she snapped “But that is not the first time they have used your establishs”

The gentle touch of Benedict’s hand on her back worked to calm her temper “If you could tell us which room they’ve occupied,” he said, “we shall address the matter with the minimum of fuss and disruption”

The woman shook her head and rubby finger down the scrawled list on the page “Second floor, first rooht of the stairs” With her beady eyes trained on them, she seized the coins and shouted, “Any more for Oxford?”

Benedict guided Cassandra to the stairs, and they mounted the steps with haste She took aoutside the door—the only barrier between her and the ugly truth

Again, Benedict was about to knock, but she said, “Allow me”

He inclined his head “Remember, it is better to face facts than live with falsehoods Together, ill deal hatever we discover beyond this door”

Feeling an overpowering love for her husband, she clutched his lapels and pressed a kiss to his lips “When this is over, I shall spend a lifeti you how much I love you”

Benedict arched a brow “Then knock the damn door as I am desperate to feel the depth of your devotion”

She smiled, lifted her chin, knocked the door and in an accent common in the streets of Whitechapel said, “Coach is leavin’ for Oxford Best hurry They’re waitin’ for yer to take yer place”

Silence ensued

She knocked louder “Driver said he’ll co yer out if yer make him late”

A bang on the boards beyond told them the room was occupied

“You’ve got the wrong room Check your damn records”

Benedict aze “Without a doubt that’s Murray” His e line