A heavy silence settled between them as Lora grappled with the implications. Her emotions churned. Betrayal and anger had taken second place to a growing determination.
“Thank you, Harriet. This changes everything. If there’s a plot against Rockford and possibly the clinic, we must uncover the truth.”
Harriet placed a reassuring hand on Lora’s arm. “We’ll find out what’s truly going on, no matter how deeply it’s buried.”
Lora nodded, a flicker of hope igniting. “But I can’t confront Hastings and Montague, not yet. Not until we know exactly what they are planning. I need to be certain before I take any further steps.”
Harriet squeezed her hand gently. “We, Lora. We need to be certain. We’ll be cautious. Perhaps we can discreetly gather more information. It has worked before. We can speak to those who might know something without arousing suspicion.”
Lora took a deep breath, the tension easing. “Thank you, Harriet. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Her friend gave her a warm look. “I have a vested interest in seeing justice served.”
A hint of a smile touched Lora’s lips. “And what is that?”
“In my heart of hearts, I cannot see Rockford playing you false. There is something more to this, and I will move heaven and earth to help you find what that is. Now, let’s consider our next steps…”
*
Elsewhere, Hastings satin his dimly lit study, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. The news of Lora’s confrontation with Rockford had reached him swiftly. His plan was unfolding perfectly.
“The first act is complete,” he mused aloud, savoring the words. “Now, for the final curtain.”
He reached for a message that had been slipped under his door.All is ready.
He tossed the message onto the other papers on the desk. Of course, all was ready. All he had to do was wait. Tonight. Tomorrow morning. It didn’t matter. As long as he got the results for which he paid.
Hastings leaned back, his eyes gleaming with malice. “By morning, the Duke of Rockford will be nothing more than a tragic memory.”
Chapter Thirty
Rockford paced hisstudy, replaying the scene with Lora over and over, each time more painful than the last.
“I should have told her sooner,” he berated himself. “I avoided the truth.”
A knock at the door drew his attention. “Come in,” he said wearily.
Barrington entered, concern etched on his face. “I came as soon as I received your message.”
Rockford sank into a chair. “She despises me, and she has every right to.”
“You did what you thought was necessary,” Barrington reasoned, his voice heavy with regret. “But perhaps it’s time to trust her fully. I should have insisted on it earlier.”
“I fear it may be too late.” He couldn’t look Barrington in the eye.
“Not necessarily,” Barrington countered. “There’s something else you need to know.”
Rockford looked up, a chill creeping up his spine at Barrington’s grave expression. “What is it?”
“Simms sent word that there is a rumbling of a plot, something more… lethal,” he disclosed. “But still no attribution.”
Rockford’s jaw tightened. “Greene came to see me. I am the target. Hastings is the mastermind. He’s becoming more desperate.”
“We need to be vigilant,” Barrington warned. “Perhaps stay out of sight for a while.”
“I won’t hide.” Rockford shook his head and then glanced at Barrington. “But, if anything happens to me, promise you’ll protect Lora.”
Barrington clasped his shoulder firmly. “We’ll both will protect her. But let’s not let it come to that. Simms and Watts think they may be close to identifying the major people involved. I’m off to meet them. Do you want to come along?”
