Mrs. Wells comes forward with a long rectangular box and places it on a side table. “We wanted to give you this the last time you came, but it wasn’t ready then. Now it’s fixed and tuned for you Your Grace, if you ever want to play again.”

I frown at her words, unable to follow what she’s saying. My eyes drift to Damien standing beside the table. He opens the box and gapes at it. A strange expression crosses his face, one I cannot decipher. I stroll up to him and see him lovingly caress the sides of a gleaming violin.

He swallows before facing his old butler and housekeeper. “Thank you, both of you. I’m honored. But I haven’t played in years.”

Mrs. Wells gives him a gentle smile. “I’m sure it will come back to you, Sir. You only need to try.”

Shutters fall on his face and he closes the box with a loud click.

I gaze at him in surprise. What just happened here?

My suspicion is confirmed when Damien pulls his phone out of his jacket pocket and scrolls through it. He addresses his housekeeper, “Mrs. Wells, please give Miss Singh a tour of the rest of the house. I have something I need to take care of.”

And without a second glance at me, he strides out of the music room.

Damien

MIKE’S MESSAGE COULD not have come at a more opportune moment. Seeing the music room and that violin brought about a rush of unwanted and unpleasant memories to my mind. My right hand twitches as a reminder of them. I deliberately tune all of these thoughts away as I enter the study, which is also my office space here at Heaven’s Gate.

Peter Dighby stands as he sees me. Mike bows his head from his position behind Peter.

“You summoned me, Your Grace.” Peter’s tone is laced with sarcasm.

I take my time to reply, making my way behind the desk. Once seated, I stare at Peter across the vast expanse of the desk.

“Yes, I did,” I point at the chair in front of me. “How are you, Peter? Your arm?”

He rolls his left shoulder and rubs the arm before seating himself. “It still pains from time to time, but it is much better. Thank you.”

I lower my chin. “That’s good to hear. So, coming to the point. Mike’s increased the security measures around the estate and we caught you on one of the camera feeds. However, none of the alarms Mike has put in place announced your entry.”

A flash of anger crosses his face, but he schools his expression. “I didn’t know my comings and goings are monitored, Your Grace. The previous Duke, your father, allowed me free access.”