AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I believe I have always sounded like Mother and Isla on such matters.”
“Dr. Gray?” I say. “Please. I am concerned about your injury.”
“And I am concerned about my life,” Annis snaps. “Which is in danger.”
Gray looks over sharply. “Your life is in danger?”
“It will be, when I am arrested for the murder of my husband.”
The yard drops to silence. Gray and I glance at one another as if each thinking we’ve misheard.
“The murder of Gordon?” Gray says.
“He is the only husband I have, thank heavens.”
“Gordon is… dead?” Gray asks carefully.
“Not yet.”
We exchange another look.
“I… don’t understand,” Gray says.
“No, of course you do not. Because while you are brilliant at some things, you can be quite a dunce at everything else.”
“Hey!” I say, rocking forward.
Gray lifts a hand to warn me back, and when Annis casts a look my way, he intercepts it with a subtle side step.
“Your husband is not dead,” Gray says. “Yet you fear being arrested for his murder. You have come for my advice, which I am happy to provide. If you do not wish to be arrested for his murder, then you ought not to murder him.”
He lifts a hand. “No need to thank me. I am quite happy to provide such advice, free of charge, to a family member. Mallory? Come along. We shall leave Annis to her murder-free evening and—”
“That’s supposed to be witty, is it?” Annis says.
“I thought it was,” I murmur.
“I am not planning to murder my husband, Duncan. He has already been murdered. He merely has not yet succumbed to the notion, stubborn ass that he is.”
Gray opens his mouth, but she keeps talking. “I did not come for your advice. I came because I want you to summon that detective friend of yours. I would have done it myself, but I cannot remember his name.”
“You have known Hugh since he was in short pants, Annis.”
“I am supposed to remember the names of my brother’s friends? My coach is down the lane. We shall collect your friend, and together you shall attend my husband. You are a trained doctor, and so it will make sense that I have summoned you to save his life. I would prefer you did not, but if your friend thinks I am indeed liable to be arrested for his death, then you may.”
“Save Gordon’s life?” Gray says slowly.
“If you must.” She looks toward the darkened mews road. “Enough of this chatter or the fool will be dead before we return.”
“I really do need to be stitched,” Gray says. “Go on ahead, and I will collect Hugh, if I can find—”
Annis flutters her hands and then strides away, as she says, “The one time I come to you for help, and this is what I get.”
“Annis,” he says, taking a step toward her.
I catch his arm. I don’t grab it or hold it. He could continue after his sister if he wanted, but at my light touch, he stops.
“You know where she lives, right?” I say.
