by Meara Platt
Nicola gasped and took his hand. “Oh, John!”
Damn. Damn. Damn.
Another few hours and they would have been aboard ship, sailing to London. “Is there a back way out of here, Mrs. Wilkins?”
“Aye, m’lord. Come quick and I’ll show ye.” She continued to chatter while he quickly gathered their belongings, stuffing them and the precious book in his pouch. “Not respectable men at all. And to be askin’ about yer darling wife, too. I know quality, I told m’girls. Ye paid yer account without fuss and yer wife chatted with me, sweet as can be. And these men show up with a look of murder in their eyes.”
“They are killers,” Nicola said, her voice sounding frail. “They are as evil as they appear.”
The older woman led them down the servant’s staircase and out a side door hidden behind the inn’s pantry. John realized these men must have spotted Valor. Mrs. Wilkins and her staff would be in danger if they lied about the horse. “Tell them that the stallion is mine and that I’ve left him here for safekeeping. Tell them that we acquired fresh horses and rode off earlier this morning for Edinburgh.”
“Aye, m’lord. That’s what my girls and I will tell them.” She gave a satisfied nod.
He admired the woman’s spirit, but was still concerned that she and her serving maids would come to harm at the hands of Somersby’s hired scum. “Do not turn your back on these men. My wife is not exaggerating. They are hired killers.”
She rolled up her sleeves to expose her beefy arms. “I’m used to drunken louts and their brawling ways. I keep a loaded shotgun in the taproom. I won’t hesitate to use it on those scoundrels if they dare harm any of my girls. Get on with ye, now. I’ll keep ’em distracted as long as I can.”
John grinned. “If I weren’t already married, I’d propose to you on the spot.” He bowed over her hand, bringing a girlish blush to her plump cheeks.
“Aw, get off safely. That’ll be reward enough for me.”
He and Nicola had almost made it to the hired vessel when more of Somersby’s men caught sight of them. Perhaps they were the same men who had called upon Mrs. Wilkins. No matter, they had been noticed. John thrust Nicola none too gently behind him.
“Ack! What are you—”
Her question was interrupted by a round of shots fired at them. An innocent passerby was grazed in the leg, but John quickly assessed that the man was not too badly harmed. “Run, Nicola. We’re in sight of the Avalon. Climb aboard and stay there. Tell the captain to be ready to sail at once. I’ll be along as soon as I take care of Somersby’s men.”
“But John—”
“They’re busy reloading their weapons. Do as I say. Blast it, Nicola. Run!”
To his relief, she obeyed and made her way up the gangplank as fast as her legs would carry her. More shots rang out. He felt one bullet fly past his ear, a little too close for comfort. But it also meant they were concentrating their attention on him and ignoring Nicola for the moment.
He waited until she was safely aboard the Avalon, and then withdrew his knife from its sheath in the lip of his boot. He turned to face the villains. Although he’d served as an agent of the Crown for many years, he was not a man who ever took death lightly.
But these men would kill Nicola unless he stopped them.
So that’s what he was going to do… kill them first.
CHAPTER 14
NICOLA REMAINED ON deck, worriedly peering through the ship’s railing and careful to keep herself out of harm’s way. The whiz and pop of shots being fired had sent everyone on the dock scampering for cover and she could no longer see John. This latest round of gunfire seemed to be coming from one direction, all the shots aimed at the spot where she’d last seen him.
John wasn’t firing back.
Had he been hit? Was he hurt?
She ground her teeth in frustration, wishing she could do something to help him. All she had was a thick wooden oar that she’d grabbed off a small rowboat strapped to the ship’s prow. The vessel on which John had booked passage for them was a sturdily built northern whaler, one of many that regularly sailed out of Aberdeen. “John, where are you?” she whispered, knowing he’d be angry that she’d remained on deck instead of hiding below and angrier if she were to leave the vessel to find him.
She wouldn’t leave for fear the captain might hoist anchor and sail off without them. So, she had to remain in her hiding spot, ready to crack the man’s skull in two if he dared raise the gangplank before John was aboard.
But a wooden oar that was too heavy for her to lift did not make for an effective weapon. She’d seen several small harpoons stowed in the rowboat where she’d found the oar. Hurrying back to the rowboat, she grabbed two of them and then quickly returned to her hiding spot and tried to catch sight of John.
The sun shone brightly overhead. It took Nicola a moment to realize the flashes of gold that appeared to be moving among the crates lining the dockside were glints of sunshine reflecting off John’s hair. “You’re alive. Thank goodness,” she whispered, and watched him slip between those crates.
He was quietly making his way behind the assailants. Those villains were unaware and still concentrating their shots in the direction they believed they had him pinned down. Nicola flinched when a burst of shots suddenly erupted, and then all was silent.
Where was John?
Had he been wounded?
She was about to go in search of him when he suddenly came into view. Several dock workers ran over to him, offering assistance. One of them had been struck in the arm. John took a moment to make certain the man’s injury was not serious.
He then turned to the others and spoke to them briefly, but she was too far away to hear what he was saying to them. It appeared he was leaving them to deal with Somersby’s men.
Nicola shuddered.
If Somersby’s men were not dead, they would be by the time the authorities were called in. These workers were not to be trifled with. They’d seek justice for what those villains had done. They’d shot at least one of their workers as well as the bystander wounded earlier.
Retribution would be swift.
That gave Nicola no comfort. Somersby’s men were everywhere, seemingly able to find them no matter which road they traveled. John must have been thinking the same, for his expression, as he gazed at the Avalon, was grim.
He ran a hand through his hair and began to walk toward the ship. Nicola stepped out from her hiding spot and was about to meet him on the gangplank, when Selena, pistol in hand, darted out from behind some crates and intercepted him as he was about to climb aboard. “I’ll need that book, darling.”
John’s expression turned thunderous. “You told Somersby’s men where to find us. You might have gotten Nicola killed,” he said with a growl, ignoring the pistol she now had pointed at his chest.
The wind carried John’s words upward so that Nicola could hear what he was saying. His concern warmed her heart. But Selena’s response, filled with haughty disdain, left her cold. “So what? I ought to shoot her for the trick she pulled.”
John made a choked sound and shook his head in disbelief. “The trick she pulled? And what about you? I ought to turn you over to the local magistrate for what you did. Do you realize what’s at stake? You led those men to us. And for what? The sake of your vanity?” He took a step toward her. “Put down your weapon and climb aboard.”
“No. There’s no going back to London for me without that book.”
John seemed to have ice flowing through his veins, for he did not so much as flinch when she cocked her pistol that was still pointed at his chest. “Enough, Selena. You’re only making matters worse for yourself. Tell me what you did to infuriate Prinny. I’ll do my best to smooth your way back into his good graces.”
She shook her head and gave a laugh that sounded quite desperate to Nicola’s ears. “It’s too late, my darling. Prinny will have nothing more to do with me. My only hope is to bring him whatever it is that Somersby’s desperate to r
ecover. Forgive me, but I must have that book.”
“I know you, Selena. If he refuses you, then you’ll sell it to the highest bidder. I can’t let you do that.”
“I promise to return it to Prinny. There, satisfied? I don’t want him to be angry with me anymore.”
He shook his head slowly. “As I said, I know you too well. You’ll auction it off and then disappear, leaving the monarchy in upheaval while you live in luxury off a fat purse somewhere out of Prinny’s reach.”
“I won’t, John. I give you my word of honor. I’ll return it to Prinny.”
“If that’s true, then put down your pistol and let me pass. You’re not going to interfere with my investigation. That book stays in my hands. We’ll turn it over together.”
“No.”
“Don’t do this, Selena. Go into hiding and keep yourself out of trouble while I deal with Prinny on your behalf. You have my word of honor that I’ll attend to it at once. But you won’t get your hands on that book.”
“Ah, my darling. I’m afraid that won’t do.” Her expression hardened. “Give it to me now, or I shall be forced to kill you and your simpering wife.”
Simpering? Nicola sorely wanted to throttle this woman. No, that was too mild for what she deserved. She wanted to pound her fist into her elegant nose.
What could she do to help John? Selena still had her pistol pointed at his chest. The oar was too heavy to toss at her. It would fall straight into the water. But those small harpoons might be of use.
Nicola picked up one and was about to shoot it at her, when Selena suddenly lowered her pistol, gave it over to John, and flung herself into his arms.
Nicola still wanted to hurl those harpoons at her, but for completely different reasons now. Then she wanted to hurl one of those harpoons at John, for he was actually consoling Selena. Never mind that she’d threatened to kill him only moments ago. Her body was pressed so close to his that not a single ray of light could pass between them.
John did not seem to mind. Indeed, he did nothing to push the odious woman away, even when she boldly threw her arms around his neck and drew his head down to kiss him hungrily on the mouth.
Nicola resolved to skewer both of them when they came aboard.
Why wait? She was tempted to hurl the harpoons at them while they were still kissing.
To Nicola’s surprise, John boarded the ship alone only moments later. She met him at the top of the gangplank. “I thought Selena was coming with us.”
“No.”
She could not tell whether he was disappointed or relieved. “But the two of you put on such a tender display.”
“Because she kissed me?” He shrugged. “That’s what Selena does, and it’s best to just let her do whatever she wants. Had I rejected her, she would have flown into a jealous rage and done something to harm you.”
“So you were actually thinking of me while kissing her. How generous of you.”
“She kissed me.” His eyebrow shot up as he nodded cautiously. “Why are you holding harpoons?”
“I was going to use them to rescue you.” She sighed. “Then I wanted to shove them between Selena’s ribs.”
He groaned. “And mine, too.
“The thought had crossed my mind.”
He eased the harpoons out of her hands and set them back in the rowboat. “She’s going to pick up Valor and bring him down to London for me.”
Nicola’s eyes widened in surprise. “And you trust her to do that?”
“No, but I don’t want her on this vessel with us. I had to give her a task to keep her devious mind occupied. She knows I’m testing her loyalty. I’m not sure what she’ll do. I’ve never seen her this scared. I hope she’s ready to atone for whatever mischief she caused to infuriate Prinny. But as I said, one never knows what Selena will do.”
“You sound so casual about it. She almost got us killed. How can you so readily forgive her?”
“I owe her. She’s saved my life more than once. She was a loyal and effective agent at one time. I don’t know what has happened to change that. Can we discuss her later? I want to get us out of here while we have the tide.”
They stood on deck, out of the way of the ship’s crew as they hoisted sail and quietly left port. “Only two of ye,” the captain remarked in his thick, Scottish brogue once they were well underway. “Ye booked three passengers and two horses.”
“And you’ll have full payment once we reach London,” John said with a casual confidence that belied his concern. But Nicola knew he was worried, for he’d spent the last of his shillings and they’d have no funds until they reached London.
Of course, since John was an earl, he’d be extended credit at any bank and most shops, inns, or other establishments along the way. But they were on the whaler now and every request, even so much as asking for a cup of tea, would be a negotiation with its tight-fisted captain.
Nicola was more than willing to sacrifice the silk gown she’d worn on the night of Somersby’s party. She’d mentioned it to John several times before, reminding him that the silk and the pearl beading on it had to be of some value.
She was never going to wear that gown again, so why wouldn’t he accept it?
John remained by her side, but they stood together in silence. She wondered what he was thinking about. In truth, she was afraid to ask. Likely, he was thinking of Selena. The woman was beautiful and smart, and could hold her own against any man. That she was also mad as a hatter did not seem to bother John. Most men were quick to overlook a woman’s failings, especially if the woman was as beautiful as Selena. Indeed, sometimes that unpredictable nature intrigued them.
Sometimes it ensorcelled them.
John turned to her when she shivered. “You must be cold. Let’s go below deck. The wind will be brutal once we’re in open waters.”
She made no protest when he took her arm to escort her to their cabin. The air changed the moment they descended the stairs. The scent of whale blubber permeated the ship’s lower decks, overpowering her senses.
“It stinks, I know,” John said with a grimace. “At least we’re alive and Somersby can’t hurt us while we’re at sea.”
She was too busy holding down the bile in her throat to respond. He mistook her silence for anger. Well, she was hurt and angry, and more than a little envious of the bond Selena and John obviously shared, one built over the years while working as agents for the Crown.
John cleared his throat. “How about we decipher the rest of the book that you so cleverly hid from Selena? She’s still mad as blazes that you tricked her into taking the wrong one.”
“How can you find any of this funny?” she asked, frowning at him when he dared to smile. That it was a gentle, affectionate smile did nothing to calm her down. “Her actions aren’t cute. They almost got us killed.”
“I know. I was thinking of your cleverness, not her demented antics.” He opened the door to their cabin and led her inside, then shut the door and turned her to face him. “I’ve faced death too many times to count. Perhaps I’ve grown numb to it by now. But if you think I am not torn apart with worry over you, then think again.”
“John, I—”
His hands tightened on her shoulders. “Killing a person is no easy thing, no matter how evil that person is. You tell yourself it’s all right, that by taking an evil life you’re saving hundreds of good lives, and perhaps that is how we keep ourselves from descending into madness. Obviously, Selena doesn’t believe it any longer. Perhaps she accidentally killed an innocent. Whatever the reason, she’s lost her solid footing and is frantically trying to find her way back to firm ground.”
He released her and gave a heavy sigh. “She’s been a good and trusted friend to me all these years. A friend, never a bedmate. Don’t ask me to turn my back on her now.”
Tears welled in Nicola’s eyes. “I won’t. But don’t let your need to protect those you love blind you to the obvious. Stealing the book is one thing, but leading Somersby’s men to u
s is quite another. I don’t want to fight with you, John. I’m quite shaken from this latest attack and thankful we’re both alive.”
He took her back into his arms. “I know. You’ve been strong throughout this ordeal. Get some rest while I continue with those page entries. It wasn’t my intention to force you to work on them.”
“No, I’m fine. Or I will be once we start. I’d prefer the distraction.” She eased out of his embrace and took a moment to look around their cabin. To her surprise, it was quite well appointed. The bed was in a nook against the wall and had a nightstand beside it. A small writing desk stood against the opposite wall and a shelf of books hung above it. The cabin also held two chairs made of sturdy oak that were placed near the desk.
Nicola crossed to the large porthole that could be opened if the heat and odors became stifling. She tugged on its latch and managed to nudge it just enough to allow the sea breeze in. They were high enough above the waterline that very little spray from even the strongest waves crashing against the ship’s hull managed to spill in.
John lit the lamp that was perched atop the nightstand, and then withdrew the book from his pouch. He placed the lamp on the writing desk and pulled both chairs in front of it. “Ready, Nicola?”
She nodded and scampered to his side. “I’ll take the entries on the right.”
“We’ll compare as we finish deciphering each page. Let me know if any name sounds familiar to you.”
Nicola did not think more than an hour had passed before her eyes glazed over and she could read no more. She pushed away from the desk, her stomach now feeling queasy, so she rushed to the porthole and began taking in great gulps of sea air.
John rose along with her. “Are you all right?”
“My stomach… it’s roiling with the pitch and roll of the ship.”
He put his arms around her and held her steady until she calmed. “The delightful scent of whale blubber can’t be helping.”
