Something in his tone she couldn’t quite define triggered an internal alarm. “I have no reason not to.”
“We suspect he has not told you the full truth,” Colton said. “You are in danger, Alexandra, and we must find out why. Marlsbrook’s inquiries since he’s returned to London indicate he’s come back for a reason other than watching over you. He’s after something.”
“He was trailing that vile man named Rooney,” Alex said.
“There is more to this story. Of that, I have no doubt,” Colton went on. “I take it you are aware of the deaths connected with him—and with Professor Stockwell.”
“Yes, I have been informed. Quite tragic.”
“At this time, we suspect Marlsbrook is a target. But we cannot rule him out as a conspirator in the crimes.”
“That cannot be,” Alex said with a gasp. “You cannot possibly believe he has played a role in these deaths.”
Colton’s expression was grim. “Marlsbrook is after something. The man came to your defense. That much cannot be disputed. But there is a complication you should be aware of—I tell you this in the strictest confidence…this can go no further than this room. One of the men who died, an Egyptian with Stockwell’s expedition, was working for the Crown.”
“Good heavens—the professor’s guide.”
Jennie’s forehead creased in confusion. “You know of him?”
Alex nodded slowly, composing her thoughts. “Marlsbrook spoke of him—of his death.”
“The agent was gathering intelligence on a cadre of smugglers operating out of Cairo,” Colton explained. “If Marlsbrook was involved with the criminals, he would have had motive to silence him.”
She dragged in a steadying breath. “Benedict is not a murderer.”
Colton’s dark eyes narrowed. “What did Marlsbrook tell you about the dead man?”
“There were symbols left behind…as the Egyptian lay dying. Marlsbrook gave me a photograph that depicts the glyphs. He’s asked me to interpret them.”
Jennie frowned. “Why didn’t you share this with us?”
“I’d no idea if the image was genuine. Given the circumstances, I needed time to make sense of it all.”
“I trust you will provide the photograph to our agents,” Jennie said, her mouth taut as a seam.
Alex cocked her chin. Her sister’s slightly imperious tone chafed like a too-tight collar. “In due time. After I’ve completed my analysis.”
“I’ve little doubt it’s real,” Colton said. “One of our agents in Egypt obtained a rendering of the symbols. We will need to compare it with the photograph in your possession.”
“That goes without saying,” Alex replied.
“It is unlikely that Marlsbrook played a part in the killing, but his behavior is out of character and, frankly, suspicious,” Campbell said. “He plans to involve you in his scheme, whatever it might be. I presume you are aware he has secured passage for you.”
“He asked me to come to Egypt with him. It goes without saying that I did not agree,” Alex said, folding her arms in indignation.
“By involving you, he widened the net of suspicion,” Colton said. “There are some who might speculate that you are a part of his scheme”
“Come now, Matthew.” Her sister’s voice took on a crisp edge. “You know that is not the case.”
“Of course,” Colton agreed. “But the fact remains that you are in danger, Alexandra. At this point, there’s no way to know if the person who engineered these killings is in Egypt. Rooney’s taunts lead me to believe the murderer may now be in England. If Marlsbrook is not involved in the crimes, his safety is at risk whether he is in Cairo or London. If the man leaves the country, we will not be able to protect him.”
“What is it you wish me to do? Convince him to stay in London…with me?”
“Precisely.” Matthew Colton set his jaw in a hard line. “It is imperative that we learn what Marlsbrook is after and what he knows of the deaths. And who better to glean that information from the man than you?”
Chapter Nine
Alex paced before the cheval mirror in her bedchamber, questioning her resolve and, to a lesser degree, her sanity. Why had she allowed herself to be brought into this scheme? Heaven knew she’d never counted deception as a talent. Of course, Colton’s plan would not call for her to lie. Not directly, at least, though the thought of leading Benedict on left a bitter taste in her mouth. But her reservations were of little consequence. She had to find out what he knew. She prayed she’d learn enough to clear him of the suspicion that hovered over him.
