A Study in Revenge Read Online Free PDF Page A

the family with another riddle. The perfect ending to an imperfect life.”
    “Really, Jason. I don’t think this is the time for one of your … commentaries.”
    “You’re right, dear, how untoward of me. Please excuse my disappointment, Mr. Grey, though I’m sure yours must be running quite high at the moment as well. I’m not certain what there is for you to do from here, but good luck to you.” Jason smiled and nodded to the pair of them before he slipped out the door.
    “I truly must apologize for both my uncles, Mr. Grey. I heard Euripides bellowing downstairs earlier. My grandfather’s condition has frazzled all our nerves.”
    “There’s no need for you to apologize, Miss Webster. A man’s character is only what he chooses to make of what he’s been given. Your uncles’ characters would have been firmly set long before they ever had the opportunity to benefit from your acquaintance.”
    “You’re most kind. I suppose we all know what it’s like to deal with an odd assortment of family members.”
    Grey said nothing at first, but Phebe’s eyes called for an agreement, and he answered, “I can imagine.”
    “Well, I suppose I ought to check in on my grandfather again. If you don’t mind?”
    “Not at all. But before I go, and I hope you don’t mind my asking, when he said ‘Help her,’ do you suppose your grandfather was referring to you?”
    Phebe seemed happy to have a reason to smile. “I can assure you, Mr. Grey, I am not in need of your assistance. Thank you all the same.”
    She seemed genuinely amused by him, which was not a sentiment that Grey was particularly used to. He was more accustomed to initial encounters where people reacted with some level of discomfort. They weren’t always sure what to make of him. His mannerisms, tailoring, and choices of phrase were not what white people would let themselves expect from a man with his deeper skin tone.
    “I’m sorry you’ve used up your morning for a mere four words,” Phebe said. “Seems rather a pointless errand for you after all.”
    “Perhaps. I’ll reserve judgment for the time being. Four words could prove to be quite telling. Countless men have used far greater numbers to say far less.”
    “You have a fascinating way of seeing things, Mr. Grey.”
    “It’s been my experience that there’s no limit to what you can see if you’re willing to look close enough.” Grey’s eyes were fixed on hers.
    “Words to make any woman nervous.” She gave a small chuckle. “I’ll have to remember to keep you at arm’s length. Life’s a bit more comfortable for all of us if you men let us have our little secrets.”
    Phebe bade him good day and slipped back into her grandfather’s room. Grey made his way down to the front hall, where the butler handed over his hat and walking stick. Once on the sidewalk, Grey slid his hand into his pocket to recover the letter left for him from Horace Webster’s attorney. He broke the seal and pulled out a single handwritten page on letterhead from the firm of Dyer & Fogg, Counselors-at-Law.
    Mr. Grey
,
    My apologies for not being present to shepherd you through your meeting with the Webster family. I trust you survived relatively unscathed. I am sure you have questions that remain unanswered, and I am afraid they will remain so for a short while. I do have additional information to provide you regarding the business arrangementthat Mr. Webster is proposing. However, I request a further bit of patience from you. Given Mr. Webster’s uncertain condition, I am understandably preoccupied with various legal matters that require prompt attention while my client is still of sound mind. Please indulge me a few days longer, and I’ll contact you again at the first practicable opportunity
.
    Regards
,
    Albert Dyer
    Grey glanced back at the house, and his eyes were drawn to a slight motion in one of the two central windows on the second floor. He made the mental calculation and determined that these