Half a Mind TO Murder (Dr. Alexandra Gladstone Mysteries Book 3) Read Online Free PDF Page B

Surely you know, sir, that Lucas’ confession means nothing. He doesn’t understand what is happening, and I dare say that under the right circumstances, he would confess to murdering the queen.”
    “ I am well aware of the prisoner’s mental state, Dr. Gladstone.,” Snow said, keeping his tone of voice well controlled. “There is certainly reason to expect that the amount of responsibility that is exacted from him under the law will not be comparable to that of a sane person.”
    “ You are judging him guilty without benefit of due process.”
    He remembered now how, as a student, she could sometimes be rather trying with her constant challenging. “I am neither judge nor jury, Miss Alexandra. My judgment extends only to the point of reasonable suspicion. My judgment also requires me to consider the safety of the suspect.” He was aware that he had used the form of address for her he had used when she was his student, rather than her well-earned title of doctor. He did not apologize or attempt to correct himself, however, in spite of the fact that he could see in her eyes that she expected it.
    He saw her hesitate for a moment before she spoke. “If you are considering Lucas’s well-being, then surely you know incarceration is seldom conducive to health.” It was a brave attempt, but her voice sounded considerably less self-assured. She was obviously aware of the need for Lucas’ safety as well as he. That brief betrayal of weakness gave him the opportunity for the last word.
    “ And surely your profession has taught you that what is or is not conducive to one’s health or well-being is sometimes a matter of degree.” He grasped Lucas’ arm and led him through the doorway to the gaol.
     
    Alexandra saw Gweneth Pendennis to her home and gave her laudanum as a sedative, then stayed with her until she was asleep. It would take more than laudanum to ease her distress permanently, however. She would need reassurance that Lucas would not be harmed and could be returned safely to her. Alexandra left, planning to return early the next morning. She was not at all certain how she would manage to reassure her in light of the undeniably grim prospects for the boy.
    It was very late when she r eturned to her house, yet she was not at all surprised to see a light burning in the parlor—a sign that Nancy was still awake and waiting for her. She would want to know everything that had happened. It was just as well, Alexandra thought, since sleep would not come easily for her now.
    Neither Nancy nor Zack greeted her as she opened the front door, a fact which surprised her. She knew the reason as soon as she stepped into the parlor. Polly Cobbe was still there, seated on one of the damask settees while Z ack rested his head in her lap and Nancy sat across from her. It might have been an altogether pleasant and cozy scene had it not been for Polly’s pale face and the frightened look in her eyes.
    “ What a pleasant surprise to find you still here,” Alexandra said.
    “ I asked her to stay.” Nancy’s voice had a note of defensiveness. “As you can imagine, she’s quite upset as a result of all that’s—”
    “ Forgive me.” Polly pushed Zack’s head from her lap and stood. “Nancy has been so very kind, and she’s right, of course, I am upset, but I know I must be going. I have my work tomorrow. But first,” she added, “please do tell me what happened with young Lucas.”
    Alexandra slumped into a chair, feeling suddenly exhausted. “I’m afraid young Lucas is in gaol.”
    Nancy sprang to her feet. “I was afraid of that. Some people can be so terribly narrow minded.”
    Polly shook her head in disbelief. “That can’t be. Surely no one can believe he would—”
    “ Unfortunately, he as much as confessed.” Alexandra’s voice sounded weary even to her own ears.
    “ Confessed?” Polly looked troubled. “No, not Lucas. He’s an imbecile. No one will believe a confession from him.” She’d grown