The Secret of Hollyfield House, Jude Bayton [books for 20 year olds txt] 📗

things become murky, Jillian. There is evidence in the scrap of paper found that Flynn was a blackmailer. But as Victor points out, we would have to compare the writing to identify him as its author. If it is proved he wrote the note, then who was it sent to? As far as Victor is concerned, Louisa Mountjoy is his only victim. We cannot name her in a court of law and expose her relationship to the blacksmith.”

It was my turn to sigh. “And you cannot tell Victor about Evergreen and Flynn’s relationship, or what we know of Perry and Marik, all three potential blackmail victims, without exposing everything and disgracing the family.”

“Not to mention Perry and Marik breaking the law. The scandal would ruin Victor, and possibly be the downfall of his business too.”

“But those are the most incriminating reasons for Flynn to have been killed—wouldn’t that, and other evidence of his gaming debts be enough to introduce doubt of Billy’s guilt?”

“Yes.” His tone was resolute. He assuredly had dwelled on this information since speaking to Victor.

“So, we are stuck.”

“It seems we are. At least for the time being. The trial date is coming up. If only we could find another person besides Peggy who saw Billy that day, and could place my brother away from the murder scene—” The utter frustration in his voice tore at my heart.

“Well then, Mr Wolfe.” I smiled with a forced bravado I did not feel. “I suggest we get busy.”

MY UNCLE HAD COME HOME WITH a new project from Leicester University which totally absorbed his thoughts. Upon his return he gave me a perfunctory kiss on the cheek and then disappeared into his study, simultaneously exclaiming, “I shall take all my meals in here until I am finished with this damnable essay.” True to his word, he remained closeted for the entire evening, even chasing away Mrs Stackpoole, who was completely affronted by the rejection. I soothed her frayed ego with a cup of tea and kind compliments about the fabric of her dress, counting each moment until she would settle. I desperately wanted to go up to my room and think without interruption. Perhaps I was a little like my uncle, after all.

Later that evening, I sat at my small writing table studying the blank piece of paper before me. I was not sure where to start. There were so many loose ends to this puzzle. If I could just write it all down, then I might see a pattern. I began to note everything I had learned since first meeting Evergreen. As I listed the names of the people I had met, and the events which had taken place, I noticed her name more than any other kept cropping up. Could Evergreen LaVelle be the link between everyone?

There were obvious people with reason to take issue with Jareth Flynn and subsequently wish him dead. But wanting someone dead was still a far cry from perpetuating murder. I sighed. This was a messy tangle indeed, and the days were passing swiftly. Before too long, Billy Wolfe would be on trial, and his life hung in the balance.

If I had ever suspected Billy of murder, those suspicions had been vanquished time and again as we discovered many others had their secrets. It was despicable for the killer to target the poor boy, lay the blame at his feet, knowing he would have no chance of proving his innocence.

Therefore, I should look at it this way. Who stood to gain by getting rid of Billy? Were they killing two birds with one stone? I made a mental note to talk to Dominic about this new theory. After all, it really did make sense to look at it from a fresh angle.

Billy Wolfe. I had met him only briefly, and I did not know his personality other than what had been relayed by others. But if I could speak with him, then surely I would get a better understanding of who he was? That, in turn, might help me determine who his enemies were.

It was apparent the LaVelle children did not care for his association as half-brother to them both. Neither Evergreen nor Perry acknowledged Billy. Moreover, Evergreen made no secret of her disdain for the boy. But it would be an exceptionally cruel and vindictive person who would label him a murderer and watch him hang on the end of a gibbet. Owning a blood relationship to a mentally challenged sibling might be burdensome for a perfect family like the LaVelles. But watching an innocent boy swing was evil beyond redemption.

I concluded that I would ask Dominic to take me with him on his next visit to the Kendal Gaol. Would he be comfortable with my request? I did not know. Perhaps he might enjoy the company on what must be such an emotionally arduous task.

Dominic’s visage filled my thoughts. I held great admiration for him. Other than the undeniable pull of attraction between us, as I watched him navigate this worrisome and challenging time with his brother, it brought home to me what an unusually good man he was. Dominic had lost his only opportunity to become a successful artist in London by returning to care for Billy after their parents’ death. Now he faced a terrifying consequence should Billy be found guilty. Yet, somehow, he still maintained a sense of decency and tried to keep things as normal as possible. Was I in love with Dominic? Did I see him through the bewitched eyes of one under his spell? Possibly.

It was little wonder a man like him could interest me. I knew myself to be on the precipice of a new journey in life now both my parents were gone. I had no family, save Uncle Jasper. And by the looks of things, his relationship with Mrs Stackpoole continued to prosper. At some point, I would need to reconsider my prospects and where I might live, should the two of them