Page 56 of Inventing Vivian

The inspector took the folder back, shuffling the pages inside and closing it.

Raised voices came from the outer room, and a moment later, Sergeant Abner came to the office door. “I apologize, Inspector. Lord Covington’s here. Demands to see you, sir.”

Vivian stood, relieved. “He’s here about Mr. Li.”

“Of course, Sergeant. Bring him back—”

Lord Benedict was already pushing his way into the room. “Inspector, there has been a mistake.” His face was pale.

Inspector Graham stood. He looked at the women and nodded. “So I’ve been told, Your Lordship.”

Lord Benedict followed his gaze, his eyes widening when he saw Vivian. “Miss Kirby? What are you—?”

“I heard about Mr. Li,” she said. “I came right away.”

The tension in his expression relaxed just a bit, and his eyes warmed, looking into hers with a gratefulness that made her heart jolt. “Thank you,” he said.Vivian felt a surge of concern for the man. He was nearly frantic with worry for his friend. She reached a hand toward him, then pulled it back quickly, heat bursting over her cheeks. She realized she was still standing, and she sat back in the chair, spending a moment arranging her skirts while the heat in her face dissipated.

Lord Benedict cleared his throat. “Now, Inspector, I insist upon seeing my friend. And how do we go about arranging his release?”

Inspector Graham sighed again. He moved to the far side of his desk and motioned toward his empty chair. “Please have a seat, my lord. We need to talk.”

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