Chapter 44

Benedict was silent for a moment. He sipped his wine then set it down next to his chair. “We would have to keep her in custody. You speak as if she is returning or has already returned?”

Hester smiled weakly. “If only she had Ben. I hope that she is out there somewhere and I wanted to ask if you could make an announcement asking her to return. But I do not want her to feel betrayed. If she is to return to be taken into custody then she will not return. I ask because I miss her. She is my daughter and my flesh and it kills me not knowing what has happened to her. But if she returns, tells the truth and is still not believed by you, where does that leave her?”

Benedict did not answer. Instead he looked out the window his jaw set firmly.

“Would you torture her?” Hester asked sensing what Benedict could not say.

“If I had to,” Benedict replied almost whispering.

Hester’s hand flew to her mouth. “Why? I would help to make sure she tells the truth.”

“That would not be advisable Hester.