A Rogue No More - Lana Williams Page 0,74

is where you come into play. Learning the identity of A. Golden was a stroke of luck tossed into my lap. Such signs from fate are impossible to ignore.”

“Why would you think one of our authors has anything to do with Sir Reginald?” How could Sir Alexander have discovered Annabelle’s pen name?

“I believe you’re acquainted with Mr. Jonesby, a former editor who worked for your father,” Sir Alexander said, a knowing look in his eye. “He is my wife’s cousin and was rather angry at your treatment of him when you took over the publishing company. Jonesby talked on and on about A Murder Most Unusual and how it was only with his help that the book became a modest success. He made me read the damned thing and told us how he worked closely with Miss Gold during the editing process.”

Thomas had reviewed the notes back and forth between Jonesby and Annabelle and ‘argued’ would’ve been a more apt description. His heavy-handed methods had been why Thomas had fired him. Yet the realization that Thomas had played any part in this affair was a punch to his stomach, far worse than the pain the thugs who accosted him a few days ago had delivered.

“Miss Gold has nothing to do with her father’s business,” Thomas insisted. “What purpose would be served by revealing her identity?”

“To force Sir Reginald to agree to sell for a ridiculously low price,” the man said with a satisfied smile. “The threat of his daughter facing ruination will cause him anguish, and he’ll sell for a tenth of what his dock is worth.”

Did Sir Alexander realize how Sir Reginald’s memory was failing? That wasn’t Thomas’s secret to share, nor did he think it would change the his determination to ruin his old rival.

“I have no doubt Sir Reginald is less than pleased that she writes such rubbish.” Sir Alexander’s thin lip curled with distaste. “I wouldn’t want my daughter to. Some things are best reserved for men, and writing books is one of them.”

Thomas clenched his jaw to keep from vehemently disagreeing. Annabelle’s talents surpassed most writers, regardless of gender, and he’d thought that before knowing her identity.

“Now then, you will cancel your contract with Miss Gold and no longer be her publisher,” Sir Alexander ordered. “You will not print or distribute any more of her books from this day forward. If you do, her identity as author A. Golden will be revealed in the same broadsheet that prints her serial chapters and the world will know who she is, effectively ruining her. The article would also share the terrible details of the recent murders that are obviously connected to her book.”

He stared at the man in disbelief. If he was so determined to ruin Sir Reginald, why didn’t he threaten to reveal A. Golden’s identity? Sir Reginald and the family would surely agree to sell the shipping business for any amount to protect Annabelle from ruin.

Sir Alexander nodded as he met Thomas’s gaze. “I know what you’re thinking. Perhaps you’re more intelligent than I thought. Yes, I could simply advise Sir Reginald that if he doesn’t sell for the price I want, I will unmask the fact that his daughter is Golden, but I will not stoop to using a lady in that manner. However, any income she receives as author serves as a crutch to Sir Reginald and must end. I want him to suffer as I did.”

Thomas didn’t pretend to understand the man’s reasoning. Nor did he think rationalizing with a mad man would make a difference. But learning more might. “Why take an innocent person’s life simply to copy those murder scenes?”

“Smead was not so innocent. He was causing all sorts of problems by interfering in Company business. His questions regarding our trading policies were bringing unwanted attention. He had to go when he was discovered at the wrong place at the wrong time. He would’ve shared what he saw with his brother, the earl. I couldn’t allow that.” Sir Alexander folded his arms over his chest. “I thought for certain when I had one of our men use some of the ridiculous details from the book that the authorities would look at the author. Especially after the second murder. But alas, apparently they hadn’t read the book.”

Thomas couldn’t believe the audacity of the man, nor did he understand why the knight was telling him so much. Was he so intent on bragging that he didn’t realize all he’d said? Then again,