Deception

by A. S. Fenichel

  Dr. Emily Barns made the long trek once a month if there was a need. It was time The Company invested in a second doctor. Lillian had a feeling the wounded would be increasing in the short term.

  His chest lifted as he sighed deeply. “I would rather not. Tell me why you were in such a fit of temper when you came in here?”

  She paced the carpet. “I nearly cut the head off of our host in the meeting downstairs. I imagined his bulbous crown rolling down the table and landing in Cullum’s lap. He is insufferable, going on and on about how we have jeopardized all of England because we chose to save Belinda. The fact that he didn’t provide us with enough information to destroy, or even trap, the master never entered into his tirade.”

  “Do you think that could be why he’s going overboard with blaming us? Is he covering up his failure?”

  Lillian saw fear behind the earl’s bluster, fear that needed an explanation. “I think it’s more than that, Reece. He’s hiding something. We saved his daughter’s life, and he is completely ungrateful for our effort. In fact, he accused Belinda of negligence for not singlehandedly killing the master while she was imprisoned in the Fatum dungeon.”

  “He did not.” Reece’s voice rose, and he scowled.

  “I know he is hiding something, and I intend to find out what it is.”

  Reece’s attention returned to the window. “Would not your time be better spent finding the master and destroying him?”

  Lillian knelt in front of Reece’s chair and took his hands.

  He looked down at her with tired eyes.

  “I know that seems like the thing to do, but if I find him, how do I kill him? I don’t even know if it’s possible to kill the master. Is he even alive? Does he bleed? In my belly, I know whatever Shafton is hiding is a clue to how to win this war.”

  “Wouldn’t he be eager to tell us something that might help us defeat these demons?”

  “I don’t know. He is a proud man, too proud. Look at how he endangered Belinda to keep his secrets. I don’t trust him.”

  Reece kissed her forehead. “You have the best instincts of anyone I’ve ever seen, my sweet. If you are sure discovery of Shafton’s deception will better our cause, then I support your quest. I only wish I had the strength to accompany you.”

  “Thank you.” If Reece supported her, she could go hunting information with a clear conscience. Her gut told her she was on the right track. The earl’s anger was out of proportion with the facts, and there had to be a reason for it. She hugged Reece.

  His arms came around her, and he patted her back.

  She longed for his strength but settled for the light comfort.

  “You are my dearest friend, Lilly. Never doubt I am on your side.”

  She pulled away and looked him in the eye. “It’s not that I doubt you. I’m unsure of this path because it’s not in line with headquarters’ orders. I was told to stay here and wait for a partner to be assigned to me. I’ve never disobeyed reasonable orders before, Reece. What if Cullum tosses me from the demon hunters? Where would I go?”

  A man cleared his throat behind her.

  Startled, she turned.

  Belinda and Gabriel stood inside the doorway.

  Embarrassed, Lillian rose brushed out her skirts and pulled her shoulders back.

  Gabriel closed the door behind them and ushered his lovely wife forward. A bump preceded Belinda’s normally athletic figure, evidencing the coming of the couple’s first child.

  “We did not mean to eavesdrop, but since we overheard the last of your concerns, I have something to add.” Gabriel Thurston had been a soldier in the king’s army and fought bravely in France. He’d survived capture and imprisonment only to come home to London and find Belinda, his fiancée, altered from the sweet girl he’d left behind. The earl had taken a leap of faith to join them on a hunt and afterward join The Company.

  How any depth of feeling survived the madness of a hunter’s daily life was beyond explanation. Demons brought nothing but death and mayhem with them, yet they had found beauty in the midst of disaster.

  Lillian straightened her spine. “Say your piece, my lord.”

  “My name is Gabriel, as you well know, Lillian, since you have called me by that name on many occasions.” He flashed a crooked smile. “I speak for my wife and myself when I say, should the demon hunters ever be foolish enough to dismiss you, you shall always have a place with us. I could not work for an organization that showed you disrespect after all you have given to this cause.”

  Her vision clouded and her throat clogged. “Perhaps you should know what I’m about to do before you make such a blanket statement.”

  Belinda stepped in front of Lillian. A smile lit her eyes, and she brushed blond hair back from her forehead. “It makes no difference to us, Lilly. We are confident whatever mission you choose will always be for the cause of good. If you need our help, you have only to ask and we are at your service. I would be dead now, or worse, living in the hell of the demon realm if you had not risked your life to help save me.”

  Lillian took her hands. “I appreciate the thought very much, Belinda, but you might not feel that way if you knew.”

  Gabriel said, “You underestimate our powers of deduction if you think we cannot recognize Shafton has something to do with whatever you intend.”

  “He’s your family. I do not want to put more strain on your relationship with your father, Belinda. You have just become reacquainted.” Even though they were not her blood, they were the only family she knew. She didn’t want to lose them, but some things were more important than what she wanted.

  A deep frown marred Belinda’s pretty face. “My father overreacted in the dining room. Everyone at the table saw it. I hope my father is not so foolish as to harm the hunters or England, but my relationship with him is tentative at best. We shall stand behind you no matter the outcome.”

  Tears spilled and she dashed them away. “It means the world to me to hear you say that. Still, you should stay clear of this. It will be better for everyone.”

  “Are you certain you will be all right working alone? Belinda is not up to a mission, but I could accompany you.” Gabriel’s training as a soldier made his offer tempting. He struck an imposing figure and could get into places she would have trouble.

  If her instincts were off, the fallout could be catastrophic. She wouldn’t risk her friends. “I honestly believe it better if you were not involved. The family connection will only complicate things. I am not going after demons, only information. I will be fine.”

  * * * *

  Dorian Lambert stretched his legs in front of him in the guise of relaxation while Drake Cullum, his employer, circled the large desk and sat behind it.

  “I’m curious, Dorian, what did you think of the little gathering in the dining room?” Drake leaned his elbows on Shafton’s desk and peered over his steepled fingers. There was never any doubt within the demon hunters company about who was in charge. If anyone doubted Cullum’s authority, he had no problem setting the issue straight. A hardness ingrained in Cullum brooked no argument.

  Dorian had been Drake’s right hand man for over two years, and Dorian remained wary of the man. “Is there a particular aspect of the meeting you would care for me to analyze?”

  Drake’s eyes narrowed before he leaned back in the chair. “I was speaking of the confrontation between our host and Miss Dellacourt. Did you note anything in particular about the exchange?”

  Luckily, she worked in London and he in Edinburgh, so their paths rarely crossed and Dorian could keep his wits about him. “The earl seemed a bit overzealous with his reprimands regarding the ascension of the master. Anyone who has read the report knows the hunters did all they could under the circumstances. He had a good fight coming. He’s lucky every hunter did not draw a weapon right there in the dining room.”

  Drake chuckled, and then, as if he had never laughed, his expression intense but unreadable. “I believe his lordship was closer than yo
u might think to finding himself on the receiving end of a very interesting set of blades.”

  “Indeed?”

  “And what do you think of Miss Lillian Dellacourt?”

  Besides his heart pounding harder, tightness in his groin caused Dorian to adjust his seat. He fought the urge to fidget and crossed his arms over his chest. Never show weakness. “She is magnificent.” Damn. Why had he said that? “The name is likely a fake as she looks completely English to me. Her temper is something to keep an eye on. Was there some other aspect of her personality you wanted evaluated, sir?”

  “She is magnificent.”

  Dorian kept his expression stoic and neutral. Was the head of The Company also pining away for Lillian? He struggled to keep his seat and not draw a weapon or jump across the desk and strangle Cullum. “Sir?”

  “If you had ever seen her fight, she is something to behold.”

  “Are you planning to pursue Miss Dellacourt in a romantic fashion, sir?” Why had he asked his boss such a forward question? He was done for.

  “No. Of course not. My interest is strictly business.” Another fleeting grin replaced his stoic expression.

  The tightness in Dorian’s chest eased. “And is there some reason we are discussing the notably splendid lady?”

  “The thing I have always admired about you, Lambert, is in spite of your title and upbringing among those who patter around an issue, you always get directly to the point.”

  “I shall take that as a compliment, sir.”

  “As it was intended.” Cullum, on the other hand, liked to play games. He enjoyed making the people under his command figure things out for themselves.

  Dorian had still not decided if this was an effective tool or some kind of sick torture.

  “The lady is going to venture out on her own.”

  “Is she?” His gut clenched. Was she leaving The Company and where would she go?

  “She won’t be able to leave the matter of Shafton’s overreaction alone. She’ll want answers.”

  “She’s going to disobey your order to stay here until you find her a suitable partner?”

  “I would bet my life on it.” Cullum casually inspected his fingernails. Curious that a hunter’s disobedience should not cause him distress.

  “You want me to stop her.”

  He loosed a short burst of amusement. “I’m not sure you could, though I should like to see that match.”

  Dorian didn’t know whether to be amused or offended. “I’m not without skills, sir.”

  “True, but we shall not test them against another hunter. Those skills are better served fighting the enemy. There will be plenty of demons to destroy before this is over, and perhaps your skills are wasted in The Company office.”

  “Are you displeased with my work?”

  “No. You are an excellent strategist and assistant. I have no complaints.”

  Curiosity wiggled inside Dorian. “My orders, sir?”

  “Follow her. If she discovers something of interest, bring the information to me. Perhaps keep her out of trouble, though I may be asking too tall an order, even for you.”

  He had never seen Lillian in battle, but he had read the reports. Subduing her was not likely within his capabilities and following her—“She’s a hunter. She’ll know within a few miles that she’s being tracked.”

  “Then you had better introduce yourself before one of those interesting blades of hers finds its way to your throat.”

  “Why not just order her to accept me as her partner and assign her to a fact finding mission?”

  “I could do that, but I do not wish to push her away from her instincts. They are flawless. Also, I’m not ready to completely release you from your duties as my assistant.”

  “You are worried about my loyalties, sir?”

  “Not to the cause. Never that. It will be for the best at this time if you continue to work for me directly as opposed to becoming Lillian Dellacourt’s hunting partner.”

  “As you wish. Will that be all, sir?” Dorian stood.

  “Yes. You likely have some packing to do. I imagine she will be leaving before first light.”

  “Is there anything else I should know?”

  “No. I trust you will do what is necessary for the betterment of The Company and England.”

  “Of course, sir.” Dorian walked out of the study and rushed up the steps to his chamber. He had much to do, and he needed to speak to his brother before he left the castle.

  Chapter 2

  Near dawn, Dorian followed Lillian from Castle Brendaligh. Fearlessly, she drove the team of two fine black horses as if the devil were on their heels, and better than most men. A slower phaeton might be more appropriate for a lady. A woman travelling alone was enough to raise eyebrows. Why hadn’t she disguised herself as a man?

  Her vehicle was generally a man’s conveyance.

  Ten miles into the journey, she pulled her carriage to the side of a deserted road.

  Still as a statue, Dorian hid in a thick tree line.

  Lillian walked behind her carriage, raised her arms above her head, and interlaced her fingers. Her breasts pushed forward and her waist narrowed.

  He fidgeted in the saddle, brushing away the ridiculous notion she could disguise her curves. No one would ever believe she was a man, no matter how good her disguise.

  “How long do you intend to follow before you state your business, Mr. Lambert?”

  Dorian maneuvered his horse out of the shadows and onto the road. He brushed aside the wave of guilt. He had his orders. The fact that he enjoyed the view was irrelevant. He jumped to the ground and bowed.

  Her pale green pelisse set off the shimmer in her red hair. When she leaned over, the swell of her breasts went on display.

  No sense denying his attraction to her. Knowing her better would not be a hardship. “I suppose now is a good time to announce myself, Miss Dellacourt.”

  “Your presence has been known almost since the start of the journey. I assume Cullum has ordered you to stop me?” She lifted the end of her skirt, revealing a high boot more suited to riding a horse than having two pull her carriage.

  The revelation of her slender leg, even covered by fine leather, diverted him from her question until a long thin blade appeared from inside her footwear, and Lillian’s intense stare drew his gaze up.

  “Do you intend to kill me, Miss Dellacourt?”

  She took a deep breath, which lifted her full breasts in the most befuddling way. “I would prefer not to. I loathe killing humans.”

  “Yet you do not rule out the possibility.” She really was magnificent.

  “I have someplace to go, and I will not be stopped by you or Drake Cullum.”

  “I’m not instructed to stop you, madam. I have only been ordered to follow and see what it is you find.”

  “And if I find something? What are your orders, Mr. Lambert?” She spun the knife along her fingers so fast the blade blurred.

  A pity she didn’t tuck away the knife. He longed for a second glimpse at those legs. “He has ordered me to make certain any important information reaches him first. I think you underestimate Drake Cullum as well as how much you are esteemed within The Company, Miss Dellacourt.”

  She continued to spin the blade as if the motion was absentminded. Another person might tap her fingers or fidget. “I’m not going to be hindered by you.”

  “I would not think of it.”

  “Do you intend to assist me?” Her head cocked one way and her hip the other, a most charming pose.

  He was as curious as the next man as to why Shafton had been so vehement about blaming the hunters for the master’s ascension. Assisting also meant having the opportunity to get to know Lillian better, a welcome bonus. “I am at your service.”

  She watched him intently. Her eyes, impossibly blue, showed curiosity, determination, even a touch of fear. Sensible girl. Anyone as notably brave as Lillian, should arm herself with a modicum of fear to keep them alert
.

  His mount stomped at the prolonged inactivity.

  “You may ride in the carriage if you’d prefer.”

  Joy erupted inside Dorian. Out of proportion with an offer to sit next to her and yet there it was. He tied his horse to the back of the curricle and offered his assistance to the lady.

  Despite she did not require the least bit of help to mount the vehicle, she accepted his offered hand.

  The touch lasted less than five seconds, yet it sent the thrill of anticipation through his body. Perhaps spending time with this particular woman was a bad idea. He climbed up after her but made no move to drive the vehicle. She was a competent driver and it was her curricle.

  The corners of her lips bowed up in the most delicious way.

  “I’m happy to take the reins if we meet any passing carriages along the road.”

  “That might be wise.” She flicked the leather, and the horses broke into a trot.

  “May I ask, where exactly we are headed, Miss Dellacourt?”

  “Edinburgh.”

  “And our mission?”

  “I’m surprised you do not know.” She focused on her driving.

  “I was informed you intend to investigate Lord Shafton in some way, but I cannot guess what you hope to find in Edinburgh.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “How did Cullum know what I was doing?”

  “He is a man of many secrets and incredible intuition. Plus, we all saw the altercation in the dining room. I supposed it was not difficult to discern your intentions.”

  “I must learn better control over my temper.” She spoke almost to herself.

  “I would not change a thing.”

  She turned toward him. “I heard rumors indicating the entire war with the demons began just outside of Edinburgh. I want to find that location. I am not entirely sure why, but my instincts tell me to go back to the beginning. I’m going to locate the log books, reports, and notes at The Company headquarters.”

  “Instincts? And do you intend to stride inside the castle and demand files? What exactly is the plan?”