Bobbi Smith by Heaven Page B

gentlemen.”
    With all the dignity of a man of his rank and privilege, he turned his back and walked away to climb into his waiting carriage.
    Philip and Robert stared after him, cursing beneath their breath. This damned arrogant nobleman was going to ruin everything. They had only one day left—one day to find the books that would secure their future.
    “We’re supposed to wait until we hear from him?” Robert sputtered angrily.
    “We’ll give him twenty-four hours, and then we’ll take action.”
    “What kind of action?”
    “You’ll see,” he promised.
     
     
    Winn sat at his desk, holding the letter and book that Arthur had just given him. Apparently, they’d been delivered while his uncle lay dying, and Arthur had just remembered them now that the confusion of the funeral was past. Curious to see what it was the brothers were so eager to get their hands on, Winn opened the letter first and began to read.

    My dearest Edward,
    It is with great sorrow and heaviness of heart that I am writing this letter to you. I have decided on this day to disinherit Philip and Robert. I had long hoped that I could change them—make them contented with what they had and appreciate life for what it really is, and not for the money that they think so important. Unfortunately, I have failed. They are greedy, shallow men, who, I’m certain, will come to no good. It shames me that they bear my name.
    You will only receive this letter after my death. I have instructed Henry to deliver it, and this book, upon my passing. Let me say that your friendship has been a balm to my soul, and your faith has been a light for me in the darkness of my life.
    There is one treasure in my collection that has meant more to me than all the others. It is the Crown of Desire, an ancient Egyptian relic that was supposedly cursed by the last princess to possess it. Those who claim it in greed are also said to be cursed. Only those whose love is pure can possess it without danger. That is why I have chosen you, my dear Edward, to lead the search to find the crown, which I’ve hidden away. Many would steal it, if its location were known. I hid it several years ago with the intention of making true men of my sons in the hunt for it. They are, however, far beyond any hope of redemption, and so I have left the books with the clues in them to the three people I know who would own the crown for the right reasons. All of you must work together to find the prize. The books are numbered and clues in each must be followed in order.
    It is essential that you lead the hunt. Your faith has marked you as a man to be trusted. Without you, the others will not be able to achieve their goals. There are three books. One has been sent to you; one to my friend Professor Enoch Parker in Boston; another to Matthew McKittrick, also of Boston. I have enclosed their addresses below.
    Go to Enoch first. He is a scholar of the first order who works with an assistant named Alex. I’m sure they will be thrilled to hear from you. They have been hunting for the crown for many years, as has Matt McKittrick. He, too, will be glad to work with you. They will know about you, but I have not told them about each other.
    Know that I have chosen you for your faith, your eternal optimism, and your unshakable, undying love. You are a leader, Edward, and I’m sure the others will follow you without question. I trust you, my friend, with my greatest treasure. Find the crown and use it for good works. It is a beautiful relic that deserves a prominent place in the annals of history.
    Please beware of my sons. Since I have disowned them, it would not be safe for you to trust them. I have often felt that the crown’s curse was played upon me through them, for they have brought me nothing but heartache and misery all these years.
    Thank you for your friendship and love, Edward. I hope the Crown of Desire brings you the peace and joy I’ve never experienced.

    With warmest affection, your friend,