Page 22 of Enchanted by the Lyon (The Lyon’s Den Connected World #93)

L ucius read the summary report from the private investigator he had hired to discover whatever further details the man could learn into the death of Cassandra’s parents and her first husband.

There wasn’t much to go on other than Lucius’s instinct that something was amiss with the unnatural and untimely ways they’d all died.

He ran his fingers through his hair in frustration knowing they might never learn the identity of the true culprit or culprits who had done them all in.

It all seemed too coincidental to have happened as an accident or at the hands of a highwayman in such a short space of time.

With Barlow seemingly poised to strike, toss Cassandra out of her home, and leave her penniless.

“I know this isn’t the news you wished for, Lord Blackthorn, but if you read on further you will see that I believe we might have a case against the elder Mr. Vaughn.

It’s slim, at best, however, and could easily be overturned by the courts,” Mr. Thomas Smythe replied, leaning forward in his chair.

“I did attempt to go to the higher court to search for Mr. Vaughn’s will but was unsuccessful.

You are certain Mrs. Vaughn was never able to find her husband’s will?

That would certainly substantiate her claim to her husband’s inheritance. ”

Lucius shook his head. “Not that I’m aware of, but I’ll ask her again when I see her next. I had really hoped you might turn something up as to her parent’s accident.”

“It was a long time ago, my lord. A murder framed as a robbery gone wrong on a quiet country road would be hard to prove and any clues at the time of the incident would be impossible to find at this point. I’m sorry I couldn’t discover anything more about their unfortunate demise.”

Lucius sighed. It was as he’d feared. “Very well, but see what else you might learn about Rupert Vaughn’s death. Maybe you can find out who else was riding with him that morning. Perhaps there’s an off chance that they may have witnessed Barlow tampering with his brother’s saddle.”

Mr. Smythe frowned. “Another slim chance, my lord, especially if no one came forward at the time of the incident.”

Lucius leaned his arms on his desk. “I highly doubt anyone at the time would have thought twice about investigating such details. They would have been more concerned with the ungodly way the poor gent perished. And too, a groom or stableboy might have been afraid to step forward. Or they’d been paid for their silence. ”

Smythe nodded his agreement, then said, “Even if I did find anything, it could only be considered circumstantial.”

“I know, but still see if there’s anything more you can dig up.”

“Of course, my lord.”

Lucius was about to dismiss the man when there was a knock on his study door. At the call to enter, his butler stood in the doorway. “There is a constable here who is demanding to see you, Lord Blackthorn. He is most persistent.”

Lucius sighed. It had been one of those days where duty was taking up the majority of his time that he’d rather spend calling upon Cassandra.

He turned his attention back to the investigator.

“Let me know what you find out,” he said as the man began to take his leave.

“Show the constable in, Merrit. No sense keeping him waiting in the foyer.”

“Yes, my lord.” Merrit returned moments later, with a short, stocky man behind him and peeking over his shoulder. “Lord Blackthorn may I present Constable Jones.”

Lucius motioned to the chair in front of his desk. “Please be seated Constable Jones. What can I do for you?”

Jones took his seat with an odd breathless snort. With his snub nose and jowled frown, he reminded Lucius of a bulldog. “I’m investigating a couple of incidents involving women who have come to harm and were almost abducted.”

Lucius sat back in his chair wondering where this conversation was going. “And what exactly does this have to do with me?”

“Do you know a Mrs. Virtue Darling?”

A scowl formed on Lucius’s brow. “Yes,” he answered hesitantly. Had something happened to Virtue?

“And a Mrs. Emily Yates?” the constable asked.

“Yes,” Lucius replied warily. He didn’t think he should mention that she was still staying at Cassandra’s townhouse until he knew where this was going. Cassandra was very protective of Emily and wouldn’t tell anyone she was there, for Emily’s safety. He had to agree.

“And what is your association with the ladies?”

“They were once my mistresses,” Lucius said.

“So I’ve been told. Forgive me, my lord, but I need to question anyone with whom the ladies have had…

an association.” He pulled a small notebook from his jacket’s inside pocket, along with a pencil stub.

“And were you aware that Mrs. Darling was accosted outside a shop yesterday afternoon around three o’clock? ”

“No, I wasn’t aware of it but I am hardly in the habit of learning the daily habits of women who I used to have an association with.”

“And where exactly were you at that time?”

“I was at White’s with my brother and some friends. You can ask anyone who was there to vouch for me,” Lucius answered defensively.

“Thank you, my lord. Again, I apologize, but I have a responsibility to look into the matter. Especially as you appear to have a connection with both of the women.” He added another note, and then said, “I will have to follow up there, you understand.” Jones replied looking at his notes before he looked up again.

“I also understand you were present at the incident with Mrs. Yates a couple of months ago.”

“Again, there were several people who were also present and witness to the event. Excuse me, Mr. Jones, but who told you of my connection with them?” he said in aggravation.

The man tucked his notebook back into his jacket. “An anonymous tip that came into my office,” Jones replied.

“Anonymous? And you don’t find it somewhat convenient that I just happened to be a person of interest in these incidents?”

“I go where the information takes me, Lord Blackthorn. You understand I must follow all the leads I have been privy to,” Jones answered, his face completely void of any emotion.

“Am I in danger of being charged with these crimes?” Lucius asked, wondering how fast his lawyer could get here.

“Not at this time but I wouldn’t take any trips out of the city. I may have further questions for you as my investigation continues,” Jones said, as he came to a stand.

Lucius also stood and escorted the man to the door and opened it. He called out to his butler, “Merrit… show the constable out. Our business is finished.”

“This way, sir,” Merrit said holding out his arm to show him the way.

Jones turned back toward Lucius. “I’ll be in touch, my lord.”

“Be sure to keep your eyes open for whoever is trying to frame me for crimes I didn’t commit,” Lucius said with a clenched jaw.

Lucius slammed his study door, went to a sideboard to pour a shot of brandy, and then downed the alcohol.

It burned its way down to his stomach before the reality of the constable’s visit finally registered in Lucius’s mind.

He had best get his lawyer involved in case this whole situation took a turn for the worse.

He may just need to call Smythe back as well.

Someone was trying to frame Lucius. He had made plenty of enemies over the years, he supposed.

The culprit could be anyone and now Cassandra could very well be in danger especially since she would soon move into her new residence.

Until the person who was framing Lucius was found, he would do everything in his power to ensure Cassandra’s safety.