---- 375.


    PREPARING A CRIME NARRATOR "Francis!" the housekeeper eximed, cutting off her conversation with the gardener mid-sentence.


    The young man dismounted in a single leap, his face drawn and his hair disheveled from the wind.


    "Come with me," he said, almost in a whisper, gripping her arm and dragging her inside the castle.


    Once inside her first-floor chamber, she mmed the door shut and locked it.


    "speak, Francis.


    What happened?" Her son began pacing in circles, running his hand through his hair over and over, his nerves on edge.


    "The Duke knows hes being robbed at the southern borders.


    He discovered the smuggling of goods and...


    and...


    I think he also knows about the gues.


    I dont know how much detail he has, but he found something." "How did he find out? Be more specific!" she snapped, grabbing his shoulders to stop his frantic pacing.


    I dont know for sure, damn it!" Francis shoved her hands away.


    " Itall happened so fast." Keep your voice down!" she hissed, stepping closer.


    "Francis, focus.


    Details!" ---- "We were with my sister...


    Arthur wanted to conduct a surprise inspection.


    You know how obsessed he is with securing his position as general.


    And then...


    Alexia saw that idiot Alvaro." Mrs.


    Prescott paled.


    "what?" she murmured, bringing her hands to her mouth.


    "That wretched man..." "Yeah, him.


    He was pretending to beaborer.


    You know how loyal he is to the Dukeonce she recognized him, they had him arrested.


    But...


    but others escaped." "This cant be!" The woman stepped back, her erratic gaze darting around the room as if searching for an escape.


    "The Duke hasnt returned!" she eximed, her tone more frantic than ever.


    Francis tooka deep breath, struggling to steady himself.


    "I saw the carriage, Mother.


    Theres something elsethat idiot Duchess was returning alone.


    Since when did she grow a backbone? " he growled, filled with hatred.


    Mrs.


    Prescott shot him a withering re.


    what did you do to provoke her? Now more than ever, we have to keep a low profile." "Nothing! I just...


    she was about to listen to Waces prim and proper daughter.


    I think she went to the prison.


    He had sent a note, but I couldnt retrieve it."