Page 20 of The Moonstone Pirate
“They all are. So was my brother. I do not know how Nolan and I descended from the same bloodline. I was saddened by his death, but never considered it was anything more than an accident. Of course, I was told little beyond the fact he had broken his neck while out riding.”
“Obviously, there is a connection between his death and now Driscoll’s.”
“Or maybe no connection, but the killer wants us to think there is in order to throw us off the scent. I am not dismissing any possibilities. Perhaps the killer believes Driscoll was in some way responsible for Nolan’s death, but why wait a year to take revenge, and why all the way out here?” Draco rubbed his jaw in consternation. “Well, who the hell knows? I’ll have to ask my uncle what he was told about my brother’s accident.”
Brennan nodded. “Driscoll’s friends might prove more helpful. Did you sense Hawes was holding back on us?”
“Yes, for certain.”
Draco and the viscount spent hours trying to coax information out of the remaining dissolute lords, but they were no more cooperative, all of them lying through their teeth in claiming no knowledge of the circumstances surrounding his brother’s death or that of Driscoll’s. Not even Hawes wouldshed light when they called him back in for another round of questioning.
“We seem to have opened up a second possible murder instead of getting closer to solving the first,” Brennan muttered. “What next?”
“I’m not sure. Perhaps Constable Angel has learned something.” Draco rose and shook the viscount’s hand. “Let those bounders go. I’ll know where to find them if it turns out they were involved. They are lazy, useless slugs. I cannot imagine their expending the effort to get rid of their friend. They’ll run back to London now, I expect. I’ll arrange to have them watched there. Major Brennan, I am deeply grateful for your time and assistance.”
“Not at all, Woodley. Glad to be of help, as little as it turned out to be.”
“You were very generous. Well, I’m off to track down the constable, then I’ll speak to my uncle to see what he knows. I’ll also question my footmen to find out which one of them delivered that note to Driscoll, and if they had any idea of its contents, or knew the identity of the guest who handed it to him.”
“I’ll not delay you. Do not hesitate to ask for my help,” the major said, escorting Draco out of the fort. “We all want to see the murderer brought to justice, especially if he means to kill again.”
Since Constable Angel was not in his office, Draco rode off to Westgate Hall. It was shortly before noon, and he was eager to question his uncle. He was also eager to see Imogen again, for he could not deny his response to the kiss they had shared.
She had wanted to be kissed with love.
He had only meant to kiss her with heat—just heat, no hearts involved.
Somehow, she had gotten that love kiss out of him.
He was still reeling from it.
And not happy about it.
Imogen was standing in the front courtyard, playing with Parrot, when he rode up. Draco watched her toss a stick, which the dog then loped off to find and drop back at her feet. Parrot barked with glee upon noticing him.
Imogen did not appear overly pleased, but she greeted him politely. “Good morning, Lord Woodley.”
The sun chose that moment to appear from behind a cluster of tufted white clouds and shine down on her.
His breath hitched.
She had looked spectacular as a butterfly yesterday, and looked even more so now with her mass of unruly curls shining a deep, rich copper under the sun and her eyes sparkling like gemstones the color of tropic waters.
He had thought her body magnificent in that butterfly costume. Today, she wore a simple yellow day dress that somehow accentuated her exquisite features despite being modest. Well, it was just the way she was shaped and how the fabric seemed to pour over her body like warm honey over freshly baked bread.
Her every curve enticed and teased.
How was it possible this girl had not yet been claimed?
Or ever kissed before last night?
He dismounted and strode to her side, once again thinking of their kiss. He knew he had behaved unpardonably and was not certain how to make it up to her, especially since he wanted to kiss her again. “How are you, Imogen?” he asked gently. “For that matter, how is my cousin? Did she sleep all right? Did you?”
Parrot leaped up and down in front of him as he tried to converse with Imogen, so Draco took a moment to playfully tickle his dog while Imogen responded. “Deandra slept well. She shared my room. It was no inconvenience at all, since I am usedto sharing quarters with my sister, Ella. But Ella is married now and resides with her husband in London. Do you know Caden Seaton? He goes by Lord Mersey. His grandfather is the Duke of Seaton.”
Draco nodded. “I know Caden. England’s hero? Everyone knows of him. Do not tell me your sister is the Society diamond who claimed his heart? It was quite the gossip at the time. She must be someone very special.”
“She is,” Imogen said with noticeable fervor. “No one ever had a better sister. Do not believe any of the nasty lies written about her in the gossip rags. She is an angel, and never had a cross word for me or anyone else.”
