Truly Yours by Barbara Metzger

Author:Barbara Metzger [Metzger, Barbara]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Penguin Group USA, Inc.
Published: 2011-11-13T13:59:44+00:00

There were not. All they found in the fake bottoms, hidden shelves, and locked compartments of Sir Frederick’s desk were a small purse of coins, bills, and correspondence that Rex gathered up to read later. In the wall safe Amanda had mentioned—and which Duncan had opened in a flash—were a pair of dueling pistols, not at all similar to the weapon that had shot Sir Frederick; a copy of Miss Carville’s mother’s will; and a small journal. The little book had sums recorded, with dates and initials beside them, but no indication of income or outlay. Rex tucked the small volume inside his coat, along with the jewelry and the letters, to take with him. Perhaps Inspector Dimm or Harrison could connect the initialed entries to known swindlers or smugglers. Rex knew too few men in town.

“There has to be another secret hiding place somewhere,” Daniel swore, tapping walls, moving paintings, lifting the carpet to look for loose floorboards. He avoided the section of the rug that still had bloodstains. Someone had placed a chair over the blotches.

Hareston, the butler, was not being helpful. He’d resigned, in fact, the moment he saw that Daniel Stamfield had returned, with his scarier, scarred relation and court writs. He ignored the introduction to the wizened Mr. Fingers altogether, as being beneath his dignity, but announced he would pack his belongings immediately.

Rex did not think Hareston’s leaving, with his dignity or the family silver, was a good idea. He waved the legal papers in front of the fellow. “Do you know what these say?”

Hareston raised his red-veined nose. “I do not have my spectacles at hand.”

Which Rex took to mean the butler could not make out the legal terms. “They give the right of search and removal of any evidence, and demand the cooperation of every citizen.That means your cooperation, or you could be held in contempt of the courts.”

“I have not been paid. I am therefore no longer employed by the household. You have no right to threaten me.”

Daniel’s size and Rex’s determination gave them the right, and they all knew it. Rex removed a gold coin from his pocket. “If you tell us where your master was hiding his cache, you will be paid, and given this as a bonus.”

Hareston did not know, even for the reward. Rex sent Daniel and Duncan up to the baronet’s bedchamber to search the clothespress, under the mattress, atop the canopy.

Rex kept looking in Sir Frederick’s book room, and kept asking Hareston questions. He had the butler recite the details of the murder scene as he recalled them, and judged the man’s statements to be true. Then he asked where the valet had been at the time. Hareston swore he did not know, which was also true. He’d been abed, himself, with a bottle, thinking he had hours still before the ladies’ return.

“And Brusseau’s current address?”

“I do not have it.”

“But I am guessing that you might know where I can find him. Think hard before you attempt to throw dust in my eyes.

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