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“Daotiate, to drop the reed to abide by certain conditions Then he died, and I discovered Daventry had inherited his damn books” Newberry flopped into the chair, released a weary sigh and turned to Lucius “I’ve been waiting forAtwood’s work, I seized the opportunity, would have paid anything to obtain them”
Lucius sat quietly, debating the information
He knew Atticus well enough to knohat he would have demanded from Lord Newberry Justice Justice for the poor families who had lost loved ones and a means of income Even with evidence, he doubted awould ever be committed for trial
“I think I have a solution,” Lucius said, “but allow me a moment to confer with Miss Atwood”
“You ask as if I have a choice” Newberry pushed out of the chair and stomped from the room
Lucius explained his plan to Sybil, reminded her of their lack of evidence So compromises
“Newberry’s an arrogant fop, but instinct says he’s innocent of Atticus’ ret, for he was desperate to blame someone “Cowards threaten women It takes a devil to suffocate a man in his bed”
Sybil’s eyes widened “Heavens, do you think that’s how my father died?”
He captured her hand and stroked it gently “I believe so” There had been nothing to rouse the coroner’s suspicions
She looked to her lap before ht” Tears welled, and she inhaled in an attempt to keep them at bay
Lucius leaned forward and pressed a chaste kiss to her lips Love filled his heart “Trust ligence,a damn fool, but I’m confident he didn’t kill Atticus” The lord was hardly the sort to enter a house uninvited, let alone have the skill to pick the lock
Sybil cupped his cheek with a tenderness that stole his breath “I trust you withLord Newberry And let nificant about you”
He kissed her again, released her before Newberry sauntered back into the room
“So, what do you intend to do, Daventry?” Newberry took his seat behind the desk He appeared to have reclai his brief absence “Bind ue to the pillory?”
“You deserve nothing less,” Lucius said “No, I intend to give you Atticus’ notes relating to the incident at the mine But only under certain conditions”