Sari Robins - [Andersen Hall Orphanage 01] by One Wicked Night Read Free Book Online

husband of the affair.”
    “Is it addressed to Dillon?”
    He tilted his head. “No, but with the other evidence…” At the dubious look on her face, he added, “Beaumont’s bloodied handkerchief was left near the body.”
    “How do you know that it belongs to him?”
    “It is stitched with his initials, and the merchant confirmed that it was Beaumont’s special design.”
    That was damning indeed, but it still did not change the fact that Dillon was innocent. “That is hardly enough foundation upon which to hang a man.”
    “Men have swung based upon less.”
    “What do you know of the police officers involved, Misters Kim and Kelly?”
    He tilted his head, seemingly impressed that she knew them by name. “They are good men who are thorough in their work.”
    “They are being well rewarded to see Beaumont arrested. Do they receive a bonus if he hangs?”
    Nick crossed his arms, knowing where the lady was headed and not wishing to go down that road. Her frustration shimmered off her in waves. Ivory-gloved hands fisted around her silly parasol as if it were a sword, and her peaches-and-cream cheeks were tinged with red spots of color. Her questions were good, he had to admit, giving her the aura of an avenging goddess, yet it was all based upon myth. Beaumont was guilty.
    He waved to the door. “I am sorry, my lady. But Icannot help you. I suggest that you contact my competitors, Sir Patrick or Mr. Martin.”
    “And if he is innocent?”
    “Then a trial will prove him so.” Nick wouldn’t bet a farthing on it.
    “That is not always the case.”
    “True, but in this instance we are not dealing with someone without the means to defend himself.”
    “A barrister argues facts, Mr. Redford. But he must have them at his command in order to sway the judges. That’s what we need you for.”
    “I cannot be swayed, my lady.”
    Her lush lips pursed. “Is this because of Headmaster Dunn?”
    It was like a black veil lowered over his eyes, and for a moment all he could see was blood. A chill rippled through him, as if a ghost had walked across his grave. He felt every ounce of sympathy he had had for her shriveled to dust. He was never one to suffer manipulation easily, and he was not about to let anyone use his grief over Dunn’s murder for their own ends. “My answer will not change. You can bat your pretty eyes and sashay your hips until dusk, but I will not take Beaumont’s case. Good day.”
    “I have never—” She pressed her lips together, her gaze flashing azure fire. Those gloved hands clenched and unclenched on the meager parasol. “This is not about me,” she whispered. “This is about justice.”
    “Ask Lady Langham’s family about justice,” he retorted. “I have seen too many injustices to worry overmuch about a murdering marquis.”
    She turned away, facing the window. In the glass,he saw the reflection of her glistening tears. He contained his grimace. That old trick never worked on him.
    She certainly had the package to please, though. Petite, so that he could encircle that tiny waist with his hands. She had a derriere that begged to be clasped; its rounded curves enticed a man to imagine treating her as anything but a lady. He could lift her up, carry her downstairs and deposit her in her carriage to get rid of her. The very thought heated his blood to a slow simmer. But if he laid his hands on her, he doubted that he would want to stop with simply removing her person.
    But she was a nobleman’s woman, kept content by gifts, gold and ornament, things he did not possess as of yet. She would never be satisfied with a man who earned his own way. Likewise, he could never be with a woman who had tossed away her virtue like yesterday’s wash.
    “How can I prove to you that Beaumont is not guilty?” she asked, turning.
    “A woman of the world such as you cannot be so naïve.” His tone was gruffer than he intended.
    Her back stiffened. Lifting her chin, she stated coolly, “And if