Page 43 of The Moonstone Pirate
But the affectionate hound leaped on him with such joy that Draco felt bad about consigning him to Imogen again. However, Parrot liked her, too. More important, Draco wanted her to be protected while this murder was still fresh, especially with Healey and Burke still in town and staying across the street at the Kestrel Inn. “I’ll take you back home with me tonight, but keep watch on Imogen until then.”
Parrot barked his assent.
“I know you’re a good boy.” Draco gave him some quick belly rubs.
Despite the efforts of Imogen and Deandra to undermine all his training with their doting attention, Parrot was actually quite disciplined and rarely had to be given an instruction twice. If only Imogen could obey his orders as enthusiastically as his own dog, Draco mused.
He wasn’t trying to be an ogre about confining her to the Burness home. His concerns were legitimate. Someone had been murdered. They did not have the culprit in custody yet. Nor did they knowwhothe culprit was orwhyhe had taken Driscoll’s life. Among the suspects were Driscoll’s friends, who had been eyeing her too avidly. What if one or more of them returned? What if they noticed Imogen in the village?
Not to mention the matter of McTavish and his connection to Healey and Burke, who were still in town and likely on edge because of Driscoll’s murder, especially if Healey had been the one to do Driscoll in.
“Blast,” Draco muttered, for the more he learned, the more confused this investigation became. This murder was not as straightforward as it had first appeared.
Imogen laughed lightly at something Deandra said.
Draco frowned again.
She had a pleasantly lilting laugh, but right now it only riled him. He had asked Imogen to stay close to home, and yet here she was traipsing about town with his family. He did not believe for a moment that her only purpose in coming here was to show them the army hospital or to have tea and cakes.
He allowed Parrot to scamper into the Burness carriage, assisted his uncle and Deandra into the carriage, then drew Imogen aside. “All right, what else have you learned, you little spy?”
Her eyes widened. They were the loveliest shade of azure blue mixed with vibrant swirls of green, and they ensorcelled him.
He silently chided himself.
Imogen continued to cast him that innocent gaze. “Um, what makes you think I asked any questions? I was merely showing your family around the village.”
“I was not born yesterday, Imogen. How many times must I warn you?”
She cast him another innocent look. “Are you going to abduct me again and kiss me?”
He groaned. “No, I am not going to kiss you.”
“Oh, because of our marriage pact.”
“Pact or no pact, if I want to kiss you, I will. I am prepared to accept the consequences,” he muttered.
This admission obviously surprised her. “Truly?”
He ignored the question, for he was not about to have a conversation about marriage and commitment now. He neededto know what else she had uncovered. “What have you found out?”
“Those men in my drawing, the one of the three men by the harbor. It fascinated you…”
He nodded. “Go on.”
“Well, these men were also here this past April. Do you not find this suspicious? An Irishman and two English lords. What have they to do with each other? Do you think they were involved in Driscoll’s murder? I don’t have the name of the Irishman yet, but the two Englishmen are—”
“Lord Healey and Lord Burke.”
She frowned at him. “You already knew.”
“The more important question is, how in bloody blazes didyoufind out about them?”
“Thaddius Angel told me.” She cleared her throat. “Before stopping here, we popped in at the inn because it is such a beautiful place and their cook is a wonder. I thought your cousin and uncle would enjoy dining there tomorrow. I took the liberty of making a reservation, and included you in our party, since I was sure you would want to join us.”
Draco realized that she must have spoken to Thaddius while he was in the back office reviewing the guest registries. So much for the innkeeper swearing up and down he would keep hisbloodymouth shut. “Can no one in Moonstone Landing keep a secret?”
Imogen regarded him sympathetically. “Alas, no. Is it not obvious by now? No secret is safe here.”
