"She was in the files," Lady Candyce said coldly. "I want to know which ones and why. You told me she was no threat."
Georges shuffled his feet, just enough to show penitence for his mistake. "There was no indication she was lying. Master Vance supported her claims. He appears to care for her."
"I will never understand why. She's gutter trash."
"I believe she will leave if given the choice. She did try only a few days past."
Lady Candyce shook her perfectly groomed head. Her hair flowed exactly where it should, settling into place without effort. "Things have gone beyond the point where she can just walk away. I would have offered her money, but she would not have taken it."
"She could just disappear."
"She has people watching for her. No, even if you could make it look an accident, she can't just disappear. The media is hounding me enough as it is." She spread her hands on her desktop. "Zeresthina has to die, in a public way, one that will never throw suspicion on me. Where are her medical files?"
"They will be delivered tomorrow. The medic claims the test results weren't verified yet."
"We have to find a reason, Georges. She has to go. I cannot abide her presence here any longer."
"So far, there are no indications of a medical problem."
"Then bribe the medic to invent one. I want her funeral to be held within a week. I don't want suspicions about her death. Not even from Vance." She frowned, ugly lines marking her face. "Why couldn't he have just had his way with her and left her in the gutter where she belongs?"
Georges wisely didn't answer. He moved silently through the office, shifting objects on the shelves and unobtrusively watching his mistress.
"Are they gathering here tonight?" she asked after a long moment of silence.
Georges knew better than to ask who she referred to. "They will be here within the hour, lady."
"Ready the garden room. And be sure that that creature is securely locked in her rooms. I do not want her roaming the house tonight."
"Her rooms are secured. She will be watched closely."
"Good." Lady Candyce sat in her chair, her spine erect, her posture perfect. "I wish to be alone. Send Illya to me when they have arrived."
"Very good, lady," Georges murmured as he left the study.