Chapter 173 - Hundred And Seventy Three
Fully dressed and with breakfast plates cleared, the couple settled into their respective tasks. Ryan resumed his investigation, his brow furrowed in concentration as he pored over documents and reports. Suzy, meanwhile, began to organize the plans for the orphanage jubilee, her mind buzzing with ideas. She drafted lists for the auction items, the guest invitations, and the entertainment schedule, her quill scratching across the parchment with concentration.
The hours passed, marked by the gentle rhythm of the rain and the quiet rustle of papers. The soft breeze drifting in through the open window lulled Suzy into a state of drowsy contentment. Her eyelids grew heavy, and she found herself nodding off, her head falling gently onto the papers spread before her.
Ryan, noticing her slumber, smiled to himself. He rose from his chair, his movements quiet and careful, and gently lifted her into his arms. He carried her to the bed, laying her down softly, and then pulled the covers over her. He lingered for a moment, watching her peaceful sleep, before returning to his work.
He sat at his desk, his mind preoccupied with the investigation. "What would Evan gain by killing the nobles? What would he gain in doing all these things?" he asked himself, his voice a low murmur, careful not to wake up Suzy. He began to draw patterns, trying to connect the dots, to find a link between the seemingly random murders and previous investigations. "He must have a spy here," he concluded, his brow furrowing. "That’s how he’s always ten steps ahead of me."
His gaze fell upon the letter that Davis had delivered earlier. He picked it up, his curiosity piqued. He unfolded the parchment and read the message, his eyes widening slightly. "Check Her Grace’s study for a gift specially wrapped for her."
He paused, his mind racing. A gift? What kind of gift? And why was it in Suzy’s study? A sense of unease settled in his stomach.
He quickly left the room, his footsteps echoing down the hallway. He found Davis nearby and called him over. "Davis," he said, his voice urgent.
"You called, Your Grace?" Davis asked, walking quickly to his side.
Ryan held up the envelope and parchment, ensuring Davis could see them. "Do you know who delivered this letter?" he asked, his voice sharp.