Page 122

“Victoria?” Elizabeth asked, covering her mouth with her hand.

Palmer was on her feet then and making a hasty move to stand behind Elizabeth.

“No, Her Royal Highness is safe. This is about Sebastian Adrian,” he explained.

“What happened?” Palmer asked, placing a protective hand on Elizabeth’s back and pulling her into her own side.

“He killed himself in his cell, Ma’am,” Magnus explained. “It happened about an hour ago. He made a noose and hung himself.”

“What? How? There were supposed to be precautions against that,” Elizabeth said.

“He used a sheet, Ma’am. His belt and shoelaces were taken away, but he used a sheet and hung himself off the end of his bed. Technically, he was sitting down. He actually just choked or strangled himself.”

“He’s the one that–”

“Killed my family, yes,” Elizabeth confirmed.

“Thomas would like to know if you’d like to issue a statement, Ma’am. He and Rebecca are available by phone if you’d like to talk to them,” Magnus told her.

“No, it’s fine. It’s late. It can wait until morning.”

“The vote is tomorrow,” Palmer reminded.

“You’re right,” Elizabeth said on a sigh. “I don’t want this to affect how people vote either way. Does anyone outside the prison or our people know yet?”

“Not that we can tell, Ma’am.”

“Should we keep it to ourselves until after the vote?” Elizabeth asked.

It took a moment before Palmer realized she was askingherand not Magnus.

“I don’t know. Maybe you should talk to Rebecca or Thomas. I don’t think I’m the right person to ask.”

Elizabeth turned to move into Palmer’s arms and said, “I’m asking you because I want to know your opinion, love.”

“I say, you let the news out tonight.”

“Really?”

“Better late at night. The evening news is already done for the day. If you hold it back, people are going to be mad about that. And if you tell them now, and they let it impact their vote in either direction, that’s on them. It’stheirvote, right?”

“I suppose so.”

“Don’t spin it, either. That just makes it seem more important than it is. A man who murdered fifteen people killed himself because he’s a coward. He doesn’t deserve anyone’s pity or attention. Announce it tonight. The news will get buried in the stuff about the vote tomorrow. That’s what that asshole deserves. Then, no one can accuse you of hiding it or trying to sway a vote in any direction.”

Elizabeth nodded, smiled, and then turned around.

“Magnus?”

“I can let Thomas and Rebecca know, Ma’am,” he replied.

“Instruct them how Miss Honeycutt just explained, please, and tell them they can issue the statement without my review,” she said.

“Of course, Ma’am.”

“Thank you. Good night, Magnus.”

“Good night, Ma’am,” Magnus said with a bow.