Where were they? Had William lied about wanting to find out about his father? Jennie’s head throbbed with unanswered questions. The only thing she knew for certain was that she and Gram were in danger—more now than ever. If William found out that Jennie knew, he’d kill her for sure.
Calm down, McGrady. Jennie took several slow, deep breaths. You have to think this through.
“There you are, Jennie.” William opened the door to the library and stepped inside. “What is it? You look white as a sheet.”
“Wh-where is Gram?” You have to play it cool, McGrady. Don’t let on that you know anything.
William frowned and took a step toward her.
Jennie winced. She hadn’t meant to. “I need to talk to Gram.”
“What’s frightened you?” He came closer.
You. Jennie moved out of the window seat so she could run if she needed to. “I’m not afraid. You startled me is all.”
“I’m sorry. Thought you might want to hear the news.”
“What’s that?”
“We’ve gotten Thomas out of jail.”
“Great.” She managed a smile.
“Yes, poor chap.” His gaze moved to his father’s portrait. “Have you been enjoying our library? My father put much of it together himself, you know. Inherited some from our ancestors, of course, and Declan and I have added volumes over the years. But the bulk of it was his.”
“It’s beautiful.” What have you done with Gram? She wanted to ask but was afraid of what his answer might be. Had he killed Gram and come after her?
“Helen’s father painted his portrait, you know.”
“I … I saw that.” Jennie frowned. He doesn’t know. Jennie wasn’t certain how she had come to that conclusion, but she all of a sudden realized that William had no idea that he and Gram had the same father. “Where did you say Gram was?”
“Having tea with the duchess. Thought you might like to join us.”
Jennie relaxed some. William was no more a killer than she was. Which leaves Declan. That made more sense. Declan was the one in charge of the financial empire. He ran the castle. He’d asked them to stay at the castle. Had he meant to scare them away at first? Declan could easily have gotten Mac to do his dirty work for him. She glanced at her watch. Three-thirty.
Hadn’t Declan said he’d be back around three?
“Is Declan here?” she asked.
“Not that I know of. He should be along any moment. Are you anxious to go riding?”
Jennie shrugged. “Not especially.” Jennie had no intention of going anywhere with Declan. Not now. She had to let Gram know what she’d discovered. But how? And Jennie had no idea how William would react once he knew. You only have one option, Jennie decided. Go to tea and take Gram aside to tell her what you’ve learned. She just hoped Declan didn’t show up before she had the chance.
When Jennie walked into the room, her intuition sparked like a live electrical wire. The hairs on the back of her neck rose to attention, alerting her to some sort of danger. But why? What could possibly be wrong?
Gram sat in a straight-backed chair next to Maude’s chaise lounge. She looked relaxed. So did the duchess. They stopped talking when Jennie and William came in.
“I thought you were going riding.” Gram put her teacup aside.
“Would you like some tea, dear?” the duchess asked.
“I need to talk to Gram.”
“Can’t it wait until we’ve had our tea?” The duchess seemed distressed at the interruption.
“Um … sure, I guess.” Jennie wondered how the duchess would feel about Gram’s being a stepdaughter. It would be awkward, but she seemed the unsinkable type. She’d probably laugh and welcome them into the family.
The duchess’ hand shook as she poured Jennie a cup. Jennie took it and sat down on the floor next to Gram.
Gram dropped her cup and grabbed the arm of the chair. “I—” Grasping her stomach, she toppled out of the chair.
Jennie dropped to her knees. “Gram! What’s wrong?” Looking up at William, she cried, “Call an ambulance! Hurry.”
Gram was doubled over, writhing in pain. She clutched at Jennie’s arm. “Poison. Get … out.”
The world shifted into slow motion. Jennie couldn’t have heard right. Poison?
She glanced at the duchess, who’d turned pasty white.
“Who did it? Who poisoned you?”
Gram didn’t answer.
William stared at Gram, his mouth open. Then he seemed to come to himself. “I’ll call …” He hurried out of the room.
In that moment Jennie knew the horrid truth. It wasn’t William or Declan who had tried to kill them. It had been the duchess. Now it all made sense. She wanted them dead but needed someone she could trust—Mac. Then, to keep him from talking, she’d killed him. Mac had written the note to warn Gram.
“You.” Jennie rose to her knees.
“Your grandmother and I were having the most interesting conversation,” Maude said. She slurred her words, and Jennie wondered if she’d been drinking something other than tea.
“I was telling her I hoped it wouldn’t come to this. You see, I did my best to simply frighten the two of you away. Nothing worked.”
Jennie rose and took a step toward her.
“Stay where you are.” Maude drew a small gun from the folds of her skirt and pointed it at Jennie. “My dear girl, I’m afraid you know too much. You’ll have to die too.”
“No …” Gram tried to stand up. She lunged at the duchess. “Let her go. She doesn’t know.” Gram fell to the floor at Maude’s feet.
“You’ve killed her.” Jennie swallowed back her rising fear.
“Yes. It’s much less messy than a gunshot, but you’ve given me no choice.” Maude raised the gun again, her hand shaking. Jennie dove to the floor as the gun went off.