Free The Second Shot (The Dueling Pistols) by Katy Madison

that Lungren hadn't meant to kill himself? Of course it did, but had guilt over abandoning the women of his family got the better of his conscience anyway?
    The more times he read the words, the more sinister they sounded. Had Lungren killed himself at all?
    * * *
    Tony scratched Phys's ears while the dog thumped his tail on the parquet floor. "One good thing: we shall have carpets in India, so you won't disturb any neighbors below us with all your thumping."
    Carpets were hardly a reason to value an assignment in India. But there were fortunes to be made there.
    Even that failed to strike an appropriate enthusiasm for his requested assignment. Tony rubbed his injured leg. It would be months before the wound was fully healed. Besides, he was a bit blue-deviled by Lungren's murder. He refused to think it had anything to do with Felicity's not accepting his gesture of bringing her lemonade. Phys whimpered and put his head in Tony's lap.
    Felicity's being a widow did not matter. All he wanted from her, at most, was an affair. He wouldn't give her another opportunity to jilt him. He certainly couldn't take her with him to India. She may have wanted to see Spain at one time, but India was hot and dirty. She was obviously too elegant, too fastidious for a country like that.
    While an affair was not the most gentlemanly of intentions, a discreet relationship with a widow was not unheard of. They would just have to be circumspect.
    Only when Phys stopped thumping his tail did Tony realize there was knocking on his door.
    "Good grief, Phys. What kind of a dog are you if you don't let me know when there is a guest?
    Phys gave a halfhearted woof.
    "I know, you thought your only duty was to make me get out and walk you." Tony rose from his chair with difficulty and limped to the door. "That is what I get for naming you Physician."
    Tony swung back the door and found Lieutenant Randleton. Just the man he needed to cheer him up. Much better to talk to a man instead of an uncomprehending dog. Although Randy had probably come around so early because he had news pertaining to Lungren's gambling exploits. They'd split up last night to ask around.
    "Did you discover anything?" Tony stepped to the side.
    "No, I didn't learn anything of significance, but Bedford has something he wishes us to see." Randy stepped inside.
    Bedford stood behind him, his pleasant features twisted up tight. What was worrying him? Tony gestured him inside. "I didn't learn anything significant either."
    Bedford about jumped out of his skin as Phys nudged him, as dogs were wont to do. "What in blazes is that monstrosity?"
    It was unfortunate that Phys stood as tall as a small pony and was able to nudge anywhere he wished.
    "Phys, sit." Tony pointed to a corner. "My dog, Physician."
    Phys chose to sit where he stood, in front of the entrance, so Tony waved toward the chairs as he closed the door. Bedford edged gingerly around the dog. Phys started to follow him.
    "Stay."
    Phys gave Tony an objecting look and then made a sound not quite a growl, more of a good-natured protest. Tony stared him down. Phys lay down and assumed a posture reminiscent of the Sphinx, looking eagerly on the men.
    "Don't even think it, Phys. Or I shall have to lock you in the bedroom."
    Phys put his head down sadly on his paws. Tony limped across the floor. Bedford held out a crumpled paper. When Tony took it, Bedford gnawed on a fingernail.
    "What's this?" asked Tony.
    Randy moved to stand beside him and looked at the writing.
    Bedford lowered his hand and stared at it half a second, as if wondering how his finger had gotten in his mouth. "A letter Lungren wrote me, apparently just before his death. Please just read it."
    Tony started to read, but Bedford shifted impatiently from one foot to another. "I don't think he killed himself," he blurted out.
    Tony lowered the letter. His dog seemed to be ready to shower Bedford with canine affection, so the man couldn't be a complete bastard. They might as