Read Online Red Roses Mean Love by Jacquie D'Alessandro - Free Book Online Page A
Authors: Jacquie D'Alessandro
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was in his cups when he said it, I didn't take him seriously."
"Interesting," Justin said, continuing their walk. "Tell me, why did you decide against investing in Lawrence Shipping?"
"I discovered Lawrence was carrying more than textiles in his cargo holds."
"Indeed? What was he transporting?"
A wave of revulsion washed over Stephen. "Apparently our Mr. Lawrence dabbled in white slavery," he said, his voice harsh with disgust. "I had reports he even stole children out of several London workhouses—"
"Say no more," Justin cut in, his repugnance evident. "When did you pull out?"
"Exactly two weeks before the first attempt on my life."
"And a man who would deal with selling people would have few scruples about having you killed."
"Exactly. I turned my findings over to the magistrate and they're conducting their own investigation."
"Why didn't you tell me this before?"
Stephen shrugged. "I didn't really believe someone was threatening my life until this second attempt was made. The first time, I wasn't in the best section of London . The attack could have been aimed at any number of unsavory characters in the area. But this second assault convinced me that I am indeed in danger. Lawrence may very well be our man."
Justin tunneled his fingers through his hair. "I hate to suggest this, but have you considered that it could be someone in your family?"
A bitter laugh escaped Stephen. "Surely you cannot mean my esteemed family? Are you suggesting my father the mighty Duke of Moreland, wishes me dead? Perhaps. But I cannot see him bothering to dirty his gloves with the effort or taking the time out from his adulterous affairs to plan the thing.
"As for Mother, she's too busy with her rounds of social engagements and clandestine meetings with her numerous lovers to notice me at all. Besides, if I were dead, she'd be obliged to wear mourning, and you know how she utterly detests encasing herself in black. While Gregory would inherit should I cock up my toes, my dear brother is usually too drunk even to see me, let alone kill me. And I hope you're not considering Victoria a suspect. Not only does my sister stand to gain nothing from my death, she is also your wife. I would hope your opinion of her is better than that."
"I was actually thinking about Gregory," Justin said quietly. "Your death would leave him a marquess, heir to a dukedom, and incredibly wealthy."
"I considered that possibility, but I think it unlikely. Gregory is too involved with his own dissolute life to possess the stamina or cunning to kill me off."
"He's also greedy and selfish," Justin pointed out. "It would not require much stamina or cunning to hire someone to kill you, and those bastards who left you for dead were obviously hired men."
Stephen shook his head. "Gregory doesn't want the responsibility of the dukedom. All he requires is money. A great deal of money. He wouldn't know what to do with the endless duties attached to the title. Besides, Father gives him a staggering yearly income to spend on his debauched pleasures."
"Your father refused to bail him out the last time," Justin reminded him. "Gregory was forced to marry Melissa to get himself out of trouble. If he should run through Melissa's fortune, he'd need one of his own. If your father refused to subsidize his losses, then…" Justin's words trailed off, and Stephen drew the inevitable conclusion.
"Then Gregory would need another source of money," Stephen finished. "I see your point, but still I cannot fathom—" Stephen froze, his words coming to an abrupt halt.
Justin stared at him. "What? What are you thinking?"
"I was attacked on my way to my hunting cottage. I had only decided that morning to go there."
"Yes, I know. You told me your plans that afternoon."
"Very few people know about that lodge. As you know, I keep no staff there—it's a private place for me alone."
"I'm aware of that."
Stephen looked at Justin, his gaze boring into his friend's eyes. "I told someone
"Interesting," Justin said, continuing their walk. "Tell me, why did you decide against investing in Lawrence Shipping?"
"I discovered Lawrence was carrying more than textiles in his cargo holds."
"Indeed? What was he transporting?"
A wave of revulsion washed over Stephen. "Apparently our Mr. Lawrence dabbled in white slavery," he said, his voice harsh with disgust. "I had reports he even stole children out of several London workhouses—"
"Say no more," Justin cut in, his repugnance evident. "When did you pull out?"
"Exactly two weeks before the first attempt on my life."
"And a man who would deal with selling people would have few scruples about having you killed."
"Exactly. I turned my findings over to the magistrate and they're conducting their own investigation."
"Why didn't you tell me this before?"
Stephen shrugged. "I didn't really believe someone was threatening my life until this second attempt was made. The first time, I wasn't in the best section of London . The attack could have been aimed at any number of unsavory characters in the area. But this second assault convinced me that I am indeed in danger. Lawrence may very well be our man."
Justin tunneled his fingers through his hair. "I hate to suggest this, but have you considered that it could be someone in your family?"
A bitter laugh escaped Stephen. "Surely you cannot mean my esteemed family? Are you suggesting my father the mighty Duke of Moreland, wishes me dead? Perhaps. But I cannot see him bothering to dirty his gloves with the effort or taking the time out from his adulterous affairs to plan the thing.
"As for Mother, she's too busy with her rounds of social engagements and clandestine meetings with her numerous lovers to notice me at all. Besides, if I were dead, she'd be obliged to wear mourning, and you know how she utterly detests encasing herself in black. While Gregory would inherit should I cock up my toes, my dear brother is usually too drunk even to see me, let alone kill me. And I hope you're not considering Victoria a suspect. Not only does my sister stand to gain nothing from my death, she is also your wife. I would hope your opinion of her is better than that."
"I was actually thinking about Gregory," Justin said quietly. "Your death would leave him a marquess, heir to a dukedom, and incredibly wealthy."
"I considered that possibility, but I think it unlikely. Gregory is too involved with his own dissolute life to possess the stamina or cunning to kill me off."
"He's also greedy and selfish," Justin pointed out. "It would not require much stamina or cunning to hire someone to kill you, and those bastards who left you for dead were obviously hired men."
Stephen shook his head. "Gregory doesn't want the responsibility of the dukedom. All he requires is money. A great deal of money. He wouldn't know what to do with the endless duties attached to the title. Besides, Father gives him a staggering yearly income to spend on his debauched pleasures."
"Your father refused to bail him out the last time," Justin reminded him. "Gregory was forced to marry Melissa to get himself out of trouble. If he should run through Melissa's fortune, he'd need one of his own. If your father refused to subsidize his losses, then…" Justin's words trailed off, and Stephen drew the inevitable conclusion.
"Then Gregory would need another source of money," Stephen finished. "I see your point, but still I cannot fathom—" Stephen froze, his words coming to an abrupt halt.
Justin stared at him. "What? What are you thinking?"
"I was attacked on my way to my hunting cottage. I had only decided that morning to go there."
"Yes, I know. You told me your plans that afternoon."
"Very few people know about that lodge. As you know, I keep no staff there—it's a private place for me alone."
"I'm aware of that."
Stephen looked at Justin, his gaze boring into his friend's eyes. "I told someone
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