A Rogue No More - Lana Williams Page 0,71

a look with Aberland. They’d already discussed that fact as well. “What about the first murder? Are you saying you didn’t kill that man?”

“I haven’t killed anyone.” The man’s knuckles whitened as he gripped the bars tighter.

“Who gave you the orders to hurt Sir Reginald?”

“They said it didn’t have to be him. Hurting one of his daughters would’ve been fine too.”

Both Aberland and Thomas stiffened at his words. “According to whom?” the earl asked.

Pickford’s lips twisted, suggesting he wasn’t certain about the wisdom of sharing the identity of his boss. “East India.”

“Who at East India?” Thomas leaned forward. “We need a name.”

“One of them is as good as another.” Pickford stepped back. “No purpose would be served by saying a name. The orders float down from the top. I only have the name of a man at the bottom. He received orders from someone else.”

Thomas could hardly contain the anger filling him. He wanted to reach through the bars and shake the man until he told them who it was. Instead, he leaned one shoulder against the cell door as if he had nothing better to do than chat. “Then surely telling us the name will matter little. No one need know it came from you.”

Aberland nodded as if to confirm to Pickford that was the truth.

The prisoner turned and stalked to the far side of the cell, hands on hips, to pause for a long moment before returning. “Grant.” He spoke the name so quietly that Thomas wasn’t certain he’d heard it properly. Then he shook his head. “I shouldn’t have told you.”

“Do you have a first name?” Thomas asked. He couldn’t think of anyone he knew by that name. He raised a brow at Aberland, but from his expression, it didn’t seem as if he knew him either.

“I’ve said as much as I’m going to. Now you can find the murderer and prove he killed both people so I don’t hang for one.” Pickford briefly glanced at each of them before moving into the back of the cell where they couldn’t see him.

Thomas studied the shadows, wondering if there was any chance of convincing him to say more.

Aberland touched his shoulder then tipped his head, suggesting they leave.

Frustrated, Thomas turned to leave, only to hear Pickford call out. “Catch the murderer.”

He was already doing everything he could to do so, but he didn’t bother to reassure the prisoner of that.

~*~

Annabelle sighed in relief at the sound of the front door closing from where she waited in Caroline’s drawing room. Thomas and Aberland had returned from their trip to the prison.

Though she hadn’t expected anything untoward to occur during the visit, she was still pleased they were back. The thought of Thomas being hurt again was nothing she wanted to consider.

Caroline had left nearly half an hour ago to attend a garden party and hoped her husband would join her upon his return. Much to Annabelle’s surprise, Caroline, though concerned, seemed to be taking much of the situation in stride, her faith in her husband’s ability to protect her and himself unshakeable. Annabelle hadn’t mentioned the men who’d attacked Thomas. She’d leave Aberland to share that with her if he saw fit.

Annabelle rose from her chair and walked to the windows that overlooked the street. Much to her surprise, Aberland spoke with Thomas briefly then hopped into the carriage and departed while Thomas approached the front door.

Within a few brief moments, Thomas walked into the drawing room. Annabelle couldn’t hold back a smile at the sight of him.

“How did things proceed?” she asked as she moved closer.

He scowled. “Not quite what we hoped. He wanted us to know he didn’t commit either of the murders.”

“I suppose that’s not a complete surprise.”

He joined her on the settee as he shared the rest of the conversation, including the name Pickford gave them.

“Grant. I don’t believe I know anyone by that name,” Annabelle said. “Is he someone with East India?”

“We assume so, though Pickford refused to give further details.”

She sighed. “Another clue to follow. How frustrating.”

“Indeed. Aberland is going to ask someone he knows who is with the Company, and I will do the same. Hopefully, someone will know him and provide us with additional information.”

“Excellent.” The bruise on his jaw drew her gaze. His face was still pale. “How do you feel?”

“Better now that I am no longer wearing a hat.” He reached back to gingerly touch the area. “Brick walls are even harder than they look.”

The warmth of his body