Bobbi Smith Read Online Free PDF Page B

to Professor Enoch Parker, a man whose love and appreciation of Egyptian history and legend was as strong as his own. The second, he addressed to Matthew McKittrick. Though he’d never met McKittrick, they’d carried on extensive correspondence about the crown for the past six years. Lawrence had discovered him to be not only brilliant, but daring as well. Though the man made his living as a bookseller in the city of Boston, he’d also made several treks to Egypt trying to prove the legend and find the treasure. His feelings for the Crown of Desire were as intense and personal as Lawrence’s own, and he knew McKittrick could be trusted with the second book. The last and most important book he addressed to Edward Bradford. Though Edward had joined the priesthood as a young man, he’d still always remained Lawrence’s best friend and confidante. There was no one Lawrence trusted more. His work done, he returned the books to their hiding place and shut the drawer.
    Lawrence sat quietly reflecting on the ugly fight he’d just had with his sons. For many years he’d held out hope that his sons could be redeemed—that there was some good in them—but today’s confrontation had dealt the final blow to his hope. He felt nothing for them now. So foreign were their ways to him that he had trouble believing they had sprung from his and Caroline’s great love. As soon as he could contact his barrister, he would change his will. It was over. He no longer had any sons.
     
     
    The mood in the smoke-filled game room at Merryfield, the Fulhams’ country estate, was one of hushed anticipation. The gambling had begun after the late meal at seven o’clock, and now, as it neared four in the morning, only three players remained—Justin Davies, Charles Fulham and Winn Bradford. All were peers of the realm, wealthy men, and shrewd gamblers. The crowd of onlookers pressed in close, eager to see which man would triumph.
    “Isn’t he wonderful?” Lucy Cardwell whispered to Amelia Bernard, her gaze fixed on the darkly handsome Winn. She’d been watching him all night and was determined to have him in her bed by dawn.
    “Lucy, control yourself, for heaven’s sake. You’re a married woman!” Amelia said.
    “Frederick doesn’t care what I do as long as I’m discreet.” She dismissed her friend’s admonishment without a further thought.
    Amelia knew there was no reasoning with Lucy when she set her mind on having something or someone. She was as headstrong as she was beautiful and spoiled, her blonde good looks having gotten her whatever she wanted in life.
    Amelia had to admit Lucy did have good taste in men, though. Tall, lean, and muscular with black hair, a mustache, and arresting green eyes, Winn Bradford was the best-looking man there—next to her own husband, John, of course. Amelia quickly amended her wayward thoughts. Were she not madly in love with John, she might have tried for Winn herself. He was, after all, rich, titled and available.
    “Damn you, Bradford!” Justin Davies swore as he stared at the cards Winn had just spread out before him. He slammed his own hand down in defeat, not even bothering to show them. “You have all the luck!”
    “Luck or skill, Justin, old boy?” Charles Fulham chided with good humor, conceding his own defeat by tossing down his own cards.
    “I knew Winn wouldn’t lose!” Lucy whispered excitedly to Amelia. She slipped from the room unnoticed as the others moved in closer to congratulate Winn.
    “Well done, Bradford.” The onlookers murmured their approval.
    Several of the men clapped him on the back, impressed by his daring. They’d been wise enough to stay out of the game for they knew they were no match for him. He played with abandon, knowing he could afford to lose and not caring if he did. When a man entered a card game with that attitude he was a dangerous opponent.
    Winn smiled slightly in acknowledgment of their praise as he raked in his winnings. It had been a