Lethal Legend by Kathy Lynn Emerson Read Free Book Online Page B

“but over the last few days Graham has convinced himself that I must be mistaken. He didn’t want to believe me to begin with, since we could discover no reason why anyone would want to kill those men, and since nothing else has happened ....”
     “And yet he posted guards.”
    “A compromise. I wanted him to send for the sheriff. He agreed to ban visitors from the island and assign two of the groundskeepers he employs as watchmen.” He sent a wry grimace in her direction. “Apparently more stringent measures are needed. If you managed to land on Keep Island unseen, making no effort to hide your presence, then any number of strangers could have arrived in secret before you did and even now be lurking in the bushes.”
    She placed one hand on his arm and waited until he met her questioning gaze. “Perhaps the poisoning had more to do with Mr. Somener than with the victims.”
    “Meaning?”
    “A few years ago, your friend was responsible for the loss of innocent lives.” Diana watched his face carefully for a reaction, but Ben merely looked sad.
    “That was a great tragedy, but not Graham’s fault. There were no charges brought. Ever since, he has lived very quietly here and avoided calling attention to himself, which is precisely why he asked for my assistance. He didn’t want any foolish rumors to get started.”
    “Too late for that.”
    “What have you heard?”
    Diana hesitated, but she saw no alternative to telling him about the visit from Justus Palmer. As briefly as possible, leaving out Maggie’s comments and her own strange feeling that there was something not quite right about the man, she repeated what Palmer had said.
    “Illegal activities?” Ben’s look of astonishment was almost comical. “Absurd.”
    “You’re certain? You haven’t seen him in some time and he does seem to have a penchant for secrecy.”
    “Only because he was hounded by the press over that building collapse. And because he doesn’t want wild rumors about the archaeological excavation to attract treasure hunters.”
    “Is there a chance of treasure?” Her interest piqued, Diana shifted position on the boulder that served as a bench until she could see Ben’s face more clearly.
    “Doubtful. The archaeologists are seeking evidence of an early settlement on the island. But perhaps you should hear about that from the horse’s mouth.”
    She sent him a searching look. “I’d like that. Especially since I gather the archaeologist is a woman.”
    “How did you—ah, you talked to the captain of the Miss Min .”
    She nodded.
    “Miss Serena Dunbar. A most unusual woman. You’ll no doubt find her fascinating. You’ll meet her shortly. Graham likes to dine promptly at one.”
    “I’m not sure—”
    “He won’t bite,” Ben promised, “and we can’t leave here until the Miss Min returns at around four. You’ll be half starved if you don’t eat before then.”
    “I’m half starved now.” It was just past noon and she hadn’t eaten since early morning.
    “Then Graham will have to feed you. First, though, I need to check on my patients one last time. I set up a temporary infirmary in the old nursery on the top floor of the house. Would you like to accompany me?”
    Diana felt as if a great weight had been lifted off her heart. He’d said they could leave. He was coming with her. Even better, he hadn’t balked at answering her questions.  Without hesitation this time, she went with him into Graham Somener’s mansion.
    “You’re certain none of these men has an enemy who’d try to kill him?” she asked as they stepped into the foyer. Fresh flowers of a variety she did not recognize filled vases in the corners and on a small table, suffusing the space with a sweet, pungent scent.
    “I’ve questioned them thoroughly. They had no information to offer. They saw no strangers, noticed no one tampering with their provisions, have no enemies they know of. They just fell ill.”
    “I am surprised they’re