Page 109 of Unmasking the Diamond
Alcott lifted a brow. “How did you know we were bound for the duke’s residence?”
Rupert smirked faintly. “Your butler told me as much. I rode ahead since it is much easier to maneuver a horse through London traffic than a coach.”
“Fair enough,” Alcott muttered.
Luca leaned forward, his tone clipped but purposeful. “There’s something I need you to do. A maid by the name of Martha—she worked at Alcott’s townhouse. She was the one who betrayed Charlotte’s trust, allowing her to be taken.”
Rupert’s brow furrowed. “And she’s not in prison because…?”
“She claims a man threatened her family,” Luca replied. “But she insists she never saw his face.”
Rupert tilted his head. “And you don’t believe her?”
Luca hesitated before answering. “It feels… too convenient. A frightened maid, an unseen man, and an abduction that was executed far too efficiently. Something doesn’t add up.”
“Then why didn’t you press her harder?” Rupert asked.
Luca met his gaze steadily. “I should have, but we needed to get to the duke’s house before he retired for bed. You have a talent for extracting the truth where others fail. Use it.”
Rupert gave a short nod. “I’ll find her and I’ll make her talk. How long has Miss Winslow been missing?”
Alcott’s voice was hoarse when he answered. “Hours. And no ransom note. That tells me this isn’t about money.”
Luca nodded grimly. “No, it’s about the investigation. Someone wants to silence her.”
“Or you,” Rupert countered. “You must have gotten too close to the truth.”
Alcott shot him a sharp look. “You knew about the investigation, too?”
“I did,” Rupert said. “I was asked to assist. My methods are less… diplomatic.”
Alcott muttered under his breath, “Apparently, I’m the last to know anything in my own household.”
Rupert opened the door, one boot already on the cobblestones. “I’ll find Martha. You two handle the duke. But be careful—he’s not a man known for civility.”
“Nor am I in the mood for it,” Alcott said.
“After you find Martha, I need you to do one more thing for me,” Luca said. “There is a chance that Charlotte is being locked away at The Chelmsford Asylum.”
“Good gads, no!” Alcott exclaimed.
“We don’t know for certain, which is why I was hoping Rupert would go speak to the staff and use his particular set of skills for interrogation,” Luca said.
“I will do it,” Rupert responded.
Once Rupert disappeared into the night, Luca climbed down and lifted his gaze towards the townhouse. The three-storied residence loomed like a fortress. Two towering columns flanked the entrance, and the golden glow of candlelight spilled from the windows. It was the home of a man who believed himself untouchable.
They mounted the steps, and Luca knocked sharply.
After a pause, the door opened to reveal an elderly butler whose white wig was slightly askew. His expression was as frosty as the evening air. “May I help you, gentlemen?”
Luca drew himself up to full height. “We are here to speak with the Duke of Brackenford.”
“And you are?” the butler demanded.
Luca produced his calling card and handed it over. “Lord Luca Dexter.”
The butler’s gaze flicked to the card before returning it, unimpressed. “His Grace is not receiving callers this evening.” He began to close the door.
