Page 105 of Ruthless, But for Her

De Grey stood.

The hall quieted much more quickly for him.

“Lady Heron admits these men took her from her husband's ship. And yet you ask this gathering to believe you speak freely for them now?”

His tone was meant to frighten her. She was tempted to tell him she'd met men much more frightening than him, but that would not serve her, or the Black Sails, well. Instead, she said, “I ask no one to believe anything but what I witnessed.”

His mouth tightened.

“Your husband is dead.”

“Aye.”

“And the men responsible for taking his wife remain free.”

“That is not the accusation being heard,” the sheriff said.

This time the reaction in the hall came from everywhere.

Even McGarron moved, turning his head slightly toward her. He didn't smile, exactly, but his face was friendly. More friendly than most in the hall.

The sheriff leaned toward the clerk, speaking quietly before he turned to McGarron. That discussion was brief.

Finally, the sheriff straightened.

“There is no testimony before us that says Sir Roland Heron was struck, pushed or otherwise caused to fall to his death apurpose.”

De Grey opened his mouth.

The sheriff continued.

“There is no murder proved here.”

Cassia had expected relief on hearing such words. Instead, her legs nearly gave out.

The clerk moved to the next parchment. Already, another grievance waited. Cassia sat.

Another theft. Another injury. Another story for the men in this room to settle.

Eventually, she was asked to step away from the table.

As she did, Cassia looked once more toward de Grey.

He was still standing. Still watching her.

But Cassia was far from in the clear. She needed to get back to Grantchester safely. And that meant leaving Norham before de Grey decided to stop her.

CHAPTER 58

Ashton

Norham Castle was massive. It was chosen for the Day of Truce for a reason.

Ashton left his mount with the other horses. From petitioners and retainers, escorts and servants, and even nobles from both sides of the Border, the castle grounds brimmed with activity. Thankfully, the sky cooperated with light rain that made his hood inconspicuous among others wearing the same. More concerned with keeping themselves clean from mud, men came and went, none sparing him a glance.

He’d positioned himself near the outer gate used by those leaving the hall. From there, he could watch the inner ward entrance and the horses both.

Asking a servant who passed him carrying two buckets of water for the state of things, he was told little of consequence. Ashton didn’t dare mention Cassia by name. He would trust she was still inside.