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“What do you want us to do, Miss Atwood?” Jonah said

Tomas shook his head “Someone has to stay Someone has to protect the vault”

Mother Mary!

She wanted to shout to hell with the vault Damn the blasted journals Who cared about solved cases? Who wanted to read about fraud and treachery, old cases without sufficient proof of the offender’s innocence? Her beloved father had died because of his obsession Lucius ht die, too

No! Sybil stamped her foot No!

She would not lose him

The world needed strong, honest ht to protect the innocent But the journals were important to Lucius, and she had to consider that point when deciding what the devil to do

“Lucius’ o alone”

Too alone That woman is here to do the devil’s work”

Sybil struggled to think through the chaos

“Just give me a moment” She turned and paced the corridor whileher options After aaround to face the worried servants “Torounds Protect the vault Be vigilant Robert will ride to town and deliver a note to Mr Wycliff”

“Mr Wycliff?” Jonah asked

“A friend as skilled in combat as Mr Daventry” Yes, Mr Wycliff would know exactly what to do She would ensure he knew to come at once That it was a matter of life and death “Mr Wycliff will take me to the Black Shere ill question the innkeeper”

“You’ll want to threaten him, not question him, ma’am”

“Thank you, Touts” She had a loaded pistol in the nightstand drawer to use as awell, I shall return to toith Mr Wycliff and ht Under no circumstances are you to leave your posts here Is that understood?”