A Rogue No More - Lana Williams Page 0,32
improve in so short a time. The publishing world moved painfully slow. “What brings you by the office today?”
“I’ve come to see you, of course.” Graham took a seat before the desk as he glanced around. “The place looks just as I remember.”
“I haven’t had a chance to make many changes.” In fact, the idea hadn’t crossed his mind.
“I suppose I should be pleased redecorating isn’t high on your priority list.”
“My focus has been on finding the right books to publish.” Thomas had made it through the majority of the manuscripts they’d received. He’d requested additional details on three, two of which were romances, a genre his father had been set against as was Graham. However, the stories had read well. If he wanted the publishing company to thrive, he had to listen to what customers wanted, and romance and mysteries were in demand.
“I happened to see the Earl of Arlingwood yesterday.”
“Oh?”
“He mentioned that you wanted to speak with him and asked if I knew if it was so you could pay your respects.” Graham frowned, his blue eyes filled with concern. “Was that why?”
“I was hoping to speak with him about his brother’s death.” Thomas braced himself, aware Graham wouldn’t be pleased by what he was about to tell him.
“To what end? Do you fancy yourself an investigator of some sort just because you intend to publish another mystery?” Graham’s teasing smile faded when Thomas hesitated. How much should he tell him?
“Oddly enough, the murder closely matches the one in the mystery that Father published.”
Graham stared at him in surprise. “How so?”
“A couple of unusual items found on Smead’s person by the police exactly match the scene in the book. Other similarities remain to be seen.”
“This is terrible. If word of this spreads, sales will plummet.”
Thomas had already given the matter serious thought. “Actually, I think the opposite could happen. I think everyone will want to read the book so they can do a bit of sleuthing themselves.”
Graham’s eyes widened. “You intend to profit from Smead’s death?”
“Of course not. I would never share the connection for promotion purposes. I’m only saying that if such a thing occurs, I doubt it will adversely affect sales. Have you read it?” Thomas had sent him a copy of it the previous week with the hope of making Graham understand its appeal, and therefore he’d support Thomas’s decision to publish the second book. After all, Artemis Press was a family endeavor, not just Thomas’s.
“Not yet, but Charlotte did. She suggested I would like it even more than she did.”
Thomas hid a smile. If Charlotte told Graham to read it, he would. He needed to thank his sister-in-law the next time he saw her. “The author’s skills at telling an engaging story are impressive. We already ordered another printing of the three-decker. The author has completed a second book as well.”
“But you’ll wait to release the second printing as well as the next book until the culprit is caught,” Graham suggested with a frown.
“That’s yet to be determined. After all, without that book, our profits will be minimal. Quite minimal.”
“I see the dilemma. I’m doing all I can to improve our financial situation in other areas, but we need more funds to settle the remainder of Father’s debts before I can make the necessary improvements for tenants, which should eventually increase rental income.”
“I’ll continue to make inquiries regarding the murder.” The urge to protect Annabelle far outweighed the doubt about his ability to catch a murderer. “Perhaps I can uncover a connection that will allow the police to make an arrest and put an end to the situation before any readers discover the similarities between the crime and the book.”
“How do we know it’s not the author who is behind this? As you said, what better way to sell more books than create a scandal?”
“Impossible. I’ve met the author and do not doubt his innocence.” The very idea of Annabelle involved was unthinkable.
“If you’re certain speaking with the earl will help, do take care. He is still upset, as you can imagine.”
“I will do my best not to add to his grief, but surely he wants the murderer caught.”
Graham stood and retrieved his top hat from the desk. “Take care, dear brother. I don’t like the idea of you involved in a murder in any way. One question to the wrong person and you could be the next victim.”
Thomas watched him depart, his warning sinking in, an unwelcome reminder of the dangerous situation. Would