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a large key fell out of Boothe’s pockets onto the table and into the blood that had pooled underneath the wound. The back of the linen jacket was saturated. “The blade went all the way through,” Rees murmured in astonishment. “Hold him, please.” While the doctor steadied the body, Rees used his knife again to slit first the jacket, and then the waistcoat and shirt, up the back. Both men regarded the exit wound, a long bloody gash fringed with flesh, in silence.
    â€œWhatever the weapon was,” Rees muttered, “it was wicked sharp. Not a knife either. More of a sword?” His voice rose as though asking a question.
    â€œHe bled to death,” the doctor said, his voice shaking. “Dear God. And it wouldn’t have taken long.”
    â€œBut what was he stabbed with?” Rees asked. “Saber? Sword? Not an ordinary knife, surely.”
    â€œNo. The cut is too extensive. I’m not sure,” the doctor muttered, leaning forward to peer at the wound. “The blade was both long and sharp. Squarish. And whoever wielded the weapon must have been strong. Piercing a human body in this manner would not be easy.”
    â€œWhat the Hell are you doing in here?” a strange voice demanded.

 
    Chapter Four
    Rees jumped and spun around. Two young men stood just inside the door. The eldest, in his mid-twenties by the look of him, and with a close enough resemblance to the man on the table to identify him as a relative, stepped inside. His hair was not quite as dark as his father’s, and he shared Peggy’s long-limbed build and angular features. His face was dusky with anger.
    â€œI’m sorry, William,” the doctor began.
    The younger man, a shorter, fairer version of his brother, paused in the hall. He looked at his father and his face went white. “I’m going to be sick,” he announced, gagging.
    â€œGet Mattie out of here,” William shouted over his shoulder. Two servants grasped the young man under his armpits and hauled him away.
    â€œI’m Will Rees,” Rees said as he and the doctor carefully lowered the body to the table beneath. “Xenobia asked me to speak to your sister, Margaret.”
    â€œDid she now?” William’s voice trembled.
    â€œBe calm, William.” The young woman Rees had seen at the jail strode rapidly into the room, accompanied by Twig. She wore a ruffled black gown that, although obviously mourning weeds, still managed to appear feminine. It was totally unsuited to her and she kept plucking at the ruffles as though she wanted to rip them away. “That idiot Swett arrested Xenobia. Mr. Eaton assures me Mr. Rees can help.”
    â€œBut Peggy, this stranger.” The elder brother gestured to Rees in disdain. “How can he possibly help?”
    â€œNo woman, and few men, would have the strength to cause this wound. Or the skill,” Rees said with certainty. “I venture to say the good doctor will agree with me; Xenobia could not have done this.” The doctor nodded.
    â€œThat is so. Xenobia, who I have had occasion to meet several times, is a small woman.”
    For the first time Peggy noticed her father lying upon the table. Her eyes widened and filled with tears. The doctor hastily re-covered the body with the canvas as William, shooting Rees a glare, put his arm around his sister and made as if to urge her from the room. Peggy angrily shrugged off her brother’s arm.
    â€œDon’t baby me, William. I can manage. We must see that Xenobia is freed from jail without delay.”
    â€œPerhaps we should continue this conversation elsewhere,” William said, turning toward the door, but not before Rees saw William’s eyes glitter with moisture. He took out a white handkerchief and wiped his eyes. Straightening his shoulders, he motioned everyone to the hall outside.
    â€œVery well. In the morning room,” Peggy said, dashing away her tears with an