Page 41 of Betrayal from Beyond
He rolled over onto his back. “Only sixteen representative Scottish peers are elected to sit in the Lords at Westminster. Who knows how long it will be before I am known enough, or reach a level of approval high enough to even stand for election?”
“You know the government and the royals are watching you. If they respect the way you handle yourself, they could grant you another title. An English one. One that comes withallthe benefits and responsibilities.”
“Again, when?” he asked, sounding exasperated. “Petra is a dangernow. And I would give up a hundred titles to keep you all safe from her.”
Scooting closer, she curled up against him. “I know that. I do. I just wish we had some other way.”
A quiet knock on the door surprised them both.
“Your Grace?”
“Elsie? Come in.” Kara sat up and regarded her dresser with raised brows. “What is it?”
“Oh, Your Grace! We must make you ready. There is a constable downstairs! He’s come to fetch you, and he says you both must come to London at once.”
Kara rolled out of bed. Niall made to do the same from the other side, but he clearly recalled his state of undress and paused. “Has something happened? Has the constable said anything?”
“Oh, yes, sir!” The maid regarded them both with eager eyes. “He says Petra Scot is dead!”
*
Constable Berne tookthem straight to Scotland Yard, where Inspector Wooten awaited them in his office.
“It’s true?” Niall asked, moving to shake the man’s hand.
“It is.”
“What happened?”
“She drowned,” Wooten said.
“Drowned?” Kara asked in shock.
“She was found washed up before the first lock in Teddington, late last night. We had sent out a description of her by telegraph, so they knew we were looking for a woman like that. They were quick to bring her straight here.”
“We saw her down by the docks the night before last,” Niall reminded him. “She must have headed up river right after we saw her.”
“Perhaps. The Thames isn’t tidal after Teddington, so she could have gone in anywhere past there, even as far as Hampton Court, and been swept back that way.”
“I would worry about the particulars if it was anyone else, but I confess, I’m just glad we won’t have to worry about her any longer.”
“Are you sure it’s her?” asked Kara.
“It’s her,” Wooten said quietly. He crossed the office to bend over her hand. “I thought that, considering everything that has happened, you both might wish to view the body.”
Niall certainly did. “I do appreciate your consideration, Wooten. Will you smooth over a visit with the coroner?”
Wooten’s mouth tightened. “We have not sent her to the coroner’s. After her escape from custody last time, I’m not taking any risks. Imagine the ruckus if the body disappeared, too.”
“Where is she?” asked Kara.
“Downstairs.” Wooten waved a hand toward the door. “I’ll take you if you are sure you wish to see her?”
“You don’t have to, Kara,” Niall said gently. “I’ll look and be sure enough for both of us.”
He saw her hesitate a moment, but she shook her head. “No. I think I need to know for myself.”
They followed Wooten through the busy main office, filled with detectives, constables, petitioners, and desk after desk piled high with strewn papers and files. At the back of the building, they took a narrow set of stairs down to the basement. The inspector used a key to unlock a small room and ushered them in.
