Page 54 of Unmasking the Diamond
His friend frowned. “And why are you telling me?”
“Because I need a favor,” Luca said. “Your particular set of skills in interrogation.”
Rupert’s brows lifted, though his expression betrayed a flicker of unease. “And who, pray tell, do you wish me to interrogate?”
“The solicitor for the Ravenhurst Trading Company,” Luca replied. “He is expected tomorrow to collect the company’s mail. If anyone knows who stands behind this façade, it is him.”
Rupert leaned back, studying him. “And what has the poor man done to earn your suspicion?”
“I cannot say,” Luca admitted. “But everything about this reeks of corruption. Why keep the true owner hidden, unless there is something to conceal?”
“And if you are wrong?” Rupert asked.
“I am not.” The words left Luca, flat and certain, conviction hardening his jaw.
For a long moment, Rupert considered him, then finally nodded. “Very well. I will do it. But you must not interfere with my methods. Interrogation is not for the faint of heart.”
Relief loosened the tight band around Luca’s chest. “Thank you, Rupert.”
His friend tipped his head. “Consider us even for what you did for Alcott and me when our lives were at risk. You could have written about us in your newssheets, yet you didn’t.”
“There are things more important than a story,” Luca said.
Rupert’s eyes glinted knowingly. “Such as a certain diamond?”
Luca stiffened. “She hates me.”
“It doesn’t look that way, considering the two of you have been seen together all over Town,” Rupert countered.
“We are engaged.”
Rupert blinked, then stared. “Engaged? You cannot be serious. I thought you said she hated you.”
“She does,” Luca replied grimly. “It came about only because I sought to save her from the Duke of Brackenford. I was the lesser evil, so to speak.”
“Ah,” Rupert drawled. “The noble sacrifice.”
Luca retrieved his glass and took a slow sip. “Blasted good sacrifice it was,” he muttered, though the bitterness in his voice betrayed the truth.
Before Rupert could answer, another presence approached. Luca glanced up to find Lord Alcott striding towards them, his expression taut.
“I thought I would find you here,” Alcott said.
Luca’s blood chilled. “Is something wrong with Charlotte?”
“No.” Alcott shook his head. “She is well. But we need to talk.”
Rupert made to rise. “I should go?—”
“No,” Alcott interrupted firmly. “You may stay. We are friends, and we keep no secrets.”
“That you know of,” Rupert quipped, but the humor didn’t quite reach his eyes.
Alcott settled into an armchair, his gaze settling on Luca. “I wish to apologize for Charlotte’s outburst this evening.”
Luca held up a hand. “There is no need. I was equally to blame. I chose my words poorly.”
“I don’t believe there was a better way to say what you did,” Alcott responded. “It was the truth, but Charlotte did not want to hear it.”
