In Pursuit of a Princess by Lenora Worth

Author:Lenora Worth
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2013-10-10T16:00:00+00:00

THIRTEEN

Gabriel sat back on the edge of the big bed. “What makes you think that?”

How could she explain this? She’d never once voiced it, but now she felt as if Gabriel was the one person she could tell. But speaking it after harboring her fears all these years left her shaky and unsure.

“My husband was an expert marksman, an avid hunter who abided by all the rules and regulations. What they say happened—I just never could picture how someone could mistake my husband for a deer, even if he did blend in with his surroundings. But I was told the deer were heavy in the woods since it was the beginning of hunting season.”

Gabriel gave her a direct glance. “I did research while I was waiting to hear about you. Are you sure his bodyguards saw what happened?”

“According to the official report. He always had bodyguards around. They claimed he was walking up a hill near the lodge and another hunter saw movement and thought it was a deer. They heard a shot, ran to protect Theo, but it was too late. He fell down right in front of them. They were unable to revive him.”

“And you don’t believe that?”

“No. The shooter used a high-powered rifle with a scope.” She sat up and tugged her dressing gown close, swallowed back her tears. “At first, I accepted the official report, but then when I’d had time to think about things I started doubting what I’d been told. He could have easily zoomed right in on my husband.”

“And are you telling me everything now?”

“I want to be completely honest.”

Gabriel nodded his head for her to continue, but she still couldn’t voice all of her fears. This was too dangerous.

When she didn’t say anything, he asked, “Could it be that the people around him are lying?”

“His bodyguards might have tried to protect him, but they both swore it was an accident, pure and simple. They were witnesses, Gabriel. They reported that the friend who accidentally shot Theo was devastated.”

She closed her eyes, remembering the funeral, remembering her husband and remembering how the friend who’d accidentally killed him had tried to stand by her and help her. Had she been a fool?

“That friend went through as much grief as I did, or at least I thought that. He left the area and went back to France. I haven’t seen him since the accident.”

“Frederick Cordello? He might have been faking it.”

Lara shut her eyes. Gabriel was so close to the truth. “He kept telling me how sorry he was. There was an official investigation and he was cleared, but his reputation was ruined, all the same.”

“What do you know about him?”

She inhaled, hating the sick feeling in her stomach. “Frederick? He’s the heir to a vast fortune, mostly acquired from various titles and estates all over Europe. He and Theo grew up together, went to school and university together. I could never have imagined him hurting Theo...or shooting his best friend.”

“People can surprise you.

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