Page 11 of Cruel Shame

While the older doctor checked my hearing and tested me for signs of a concussion, the younger examined my wounds and determined that none of the cuts were deep enough to warrant stitches. They glued some of the longer cuts together to prevent scarring.

When they left, Gideon leaned forward and frowned. “Are you alright? Nevis says that Myra Highmore was sent by Lady Liddell to commit murder.”

My face twisted into a grimace. “Elizabeth’s mother handed her the gun and told her to get me to confess.”

“About the curry?” Gideon wrinkled his nose.

“And all the other stuff.”

He rubbed his chin. “I can’t see threats working on you.”

“Neither could Lady Liddell,” I muttered. “My guess is that she wanted to get rid of two problems in one crazed attack.”

Gideon winced. “Your claim to the title and the girl supposedly preventing Elizabeth from forming a union with a suitable young man?”

I reared back. “You knew about them?”

“I had my suspicions.” He tilted his head to the side and frowned. “It’s not my place to out anyone, regardless of how much I despise them.”

“Right.” I stared at my hands, not knowing what to say. As long as it wasn’t me Elizabeth was trying to kiss, I didn’t give a shit that she was into girls. And being best friends with someone didn’t mean they had to share sensitive information that might get someone hurt.

“Lilah?” The concern in Gideon’s voice made my head snap up.

I met his ebony eyes and smiled. “I’m glad you didn’t gossip about them. It just proves that you’ve got principles.”

“The mark of any good consigliere,” he said.

Warmth spread through my heart, which melted at his words. I reached out and placed my hand on his. “Thanks for sticking by my side.”

Leaning forward in his green seat, Gideon pursed his lips. “We’ll need to play things very carefully if you’re going to survive the next few months. No confrontations or unfounded accusations until we gather irrefutable proof.”

“That doesn’t mean I won’t punch Elizabeth in the face if I ever see her.”

“Not if,” he said. “When.”

Dread lined my belly with what felt like stones. I sat back on my pillows and stared at my friend, hoping he wasn’t about to share some horrible news. “What do you mean?”

“Now that Myra has been caught with a gun, who do you think will get the blame for all the cocaine-related activities?”

I groaned. “And Elizabeth will be let loose into the academy?”

“Hopefully not without some time in rehab, but expect to see her soon.” The door opened, and Mr. Burgh stepped inside looking exhausted. Gideon stood. “Will I see you tomorrow?”

“Aren’t you going to visit friends in Glasgow?” I asked.

His face dropped. “I couldn’t leave you—”

“Go.” I squeezed his hand. “We can catch up during the week.”

“Alright.” Gideon leaned down and placed a kiss on my cheek. After straightening, he gave Mr. Burgh a nod of greeting and walked out of the room.

The door clicked shut. Mr. Burgh crossed the room and sat at my bedside. “You’ve made an excellent friend there.”

“He’s the best,” I said with a smile.

“Do you know that the Deloraine twins are standing outside the room with Mr. Nevis?”

“I think the doctors kicked them out while I was sleeping.”