by Kim Allred
"Into what?" Finn asked.
Beckworth tugged at his sleeves and walked to the dressing room. They followed him. He removed a white silk robe from a hook by the door. "This."
"Of course. They would wear robes during a ceremony." Maire glanced at Beckworth, somewhat in awe of his foresight.
"One last place." Beckworth stomped to the back of the dressing room. "I didn't think Dugan was aware of this particular secret, but now that I think about it, the duke saw me pry the floorboard up once. It's possible he told Dugan of my known hiding places." At the back of the dressing room, a trunk sat next to the back wall. "Help me with this."
Finn took the other end of the trunk, and they pulled it away from the wall. It was much heavier than Finn anticipated, and he wondered what was in it. Kneeling, Beckworth walked his fingers along the floor, tapping lightly until he found what he searched for. Maire edged closer and held the lantern high.
Pulling the key ring from his pocket, Beckworth selected the largest one and used it to pry the floorboard loose. He pulled out a rusty iron box and lifted the lid.
The three of them stared down at the single item covered with a white silk scarf.
"Bingo," Beckworth exclaimed.
"Bingo?" Maire asked. "What does that mean?"
"An expression I learned from two old sisters and some form of game."
Finn smiled. "Let's be sure it's what we hope it is."
Beckworth handed the silk-covered object to Maire. "You do the honors, please."
With shaking hands, Maire unwrapped the scarf and reverently ran her hands over the cover. "Bingo," she repeated.
"Let's go," Finn said, standing to push the trunk back in place after Beckworth replaced the box then stomped on the floorboard.
They ran back to the bedroom, and when they reached the secret door, Beckworth picked up the lantern he'd come in with.
Finn grabbed his sister's arm when she moved to follow Beckworth. "No."
"What do you mean?" she asked, trying to pull away.
"We haven't heard the signal. That means you have time." Finn took both her shoulders so she faced him. "A small change of plan. We can't take the chance of all of us getting caught. You know this place. Go back the way you came and find your way to the coach."
"That's insane. What if they've already left?" Maire said.
"They won't leave until after the signal. If they have, then find Eleanor. You know she's taking the path that leads to the far end of the estate, but she's not planning on leaving until things have quieted down. You can both hide until then."
She shook her head until she noticed Beckworth nodding.
"You know it's the safest for both you and the book." Beckworth lifted her chin with his knuckle. "Where's that spitfire I've come to know."
She pushed his hand away, irritation sparking her green gaze. "Fine. But I don't like it." Her worried gaze pleaded with her brother to change his mind.
Finn brushed her cheek with his hand. "I've been doing this work longer than you. It's not unusual to change plans if necessary."
"Why is it necessary?" Maire asked, her hand touching his.
"It's just a feeling. I can't be more specific. I just think it's better for us to split up."
Maire took a step, then flung her arms around him. "Be safe." She kissed his cheek, nodded at Beckworth, and slipped out the bedroom door.
"Was that the truth?" Beckworth asked.
"What? That I think it's better to split up?"
"That you don't have a good feeling about this."
Finn stared at the floor, wishing he had a better answer.
"Maybe we should give her a few minutes, then follow. We can tell Thorn to go back the way they came and meet us at Eleanor's."
Finn considered it. He had no reason for the niggling feeling that crept up his spine. A warning that on any other job he'd follow. But would leaving the same way as AJ and Ethan put them all in danger? He couldn't risk changing the plan any more than he just had.
"Let's go." Finn stepped toward the secret door.
Beckworth shrugged and opened it.
Thorn and Dodger waited on the other side. Thorn seemed disappointed to see Beckworth, but Finn just shook his head, no longer in the mood for humor. He just wanted to get out of the manor.
Dodger led the way down. Beckworth held the lantern high from his spot at the back of the line to help guide the way. Dodger and Thorn had stepped onto the main floor, Finn and Beckworth still on the stairs, when the door opened. Two men with swords ducked in, one holding their own lantern.
Dugan's men.
Finn backed up first, Beckworth already two steps ahead of him. Thorn reached for his sword as he walked backward to the stairs. Finn stopped when Dodger stepped forward.
Dodger took another step, nodded to Dugan's men, then turned to face Thorn.
55
An odd hoot of an owl stirred Jamie, and he nudged Fitz, who had been dozing. They had taken cover in a dark corner of an empty stall. Two young lads had been in earlier to feed the horses. They'd rushed through their chores, most likely wanting to get back to watch the party from some well-crafted hiding place. Beckworth knew the staff well.
Jamie rose and patted Fitz on the knee before working his way down the aisle. He unlatched the stall doors, leaving them half-open. The horses seemed too interested in eating to notice. When all the stall doors housing horses had been opened, Jamie pushed on one of the large doors in the back.
He held his breath as it creaked open to the night. When he didn't hear anyone respond to the sound, he pushed the other door open. He continued on without looking back, letting the moon guide him as he strolled toward the coach, keeping a steady pace.
Lando was already there, crouched near the carriage door. Jamie turned and hunched down next to him.
Five minutes later, the rosy glow of fire could be seen through the opened doors. Within seconds, the scream of the horses preceded the pounding of hooves as the first horses raced through the door. Jamie tried to count them, but as the fire quickly took hold, the horses blurred by too fast in their panicked urgency to escape.
The carriage nudged forward, the harnessed horses sensing danger amid the screams from the escaping herd. Lando jumped up to the bench to hold the horses. The sound of splintering wood caused the coach to shake again. The horses of the nearby carriage burst forth, the carriage brake unable to hold them.
Jamie stood, first glancing to Lando, who struggled but seemed to have control of the rig. Then he turned toward the barn, amazed at how quickly the fire had spread, worry overtaking him. He thought the last horse had broken free minutes ago. Then, when he almost gave up hope with the billowing smoke, one last horse raced out. A few seconds later, Fitz followed.
He stopped halfway to the carriage, bending over to catch his breath, coughs rattling him. Fitz was covered in black soot, his hair slick with sweat.
Jamie ran to him and caught him under one arm. He pushed Fitz into the carriage and jumped in behind. Within seconds, the coach lurched. He leaned out the window as they raced across the clearing toward the backside of the west wing. Everywhere he looked, driver-less carriages were being dragged away by terrified horses. Coachmen ran after them, a few managing to jump on carriages before the brakes were disengaged by the heaving beasts.
The coach veered to the left, and he fell across the coach, smacking into Fitz, who was still wheezing. When Jamie glanced out the window again, people streamed from the front entrance, some stopping to watch the flames, others racing away from the manor, searching in vain for their carriages.
It seemed the viscount's ball had taken on a more macabre atmosphere. Fitting for a druid ceremony, he thought. Lando turned the coach toward the lake at the far end of the estate then abruptly veered to the left behind a stand of trees. The coach should be well hidden in the dark, well positioned for a quick escape.
When Lando stopped, he jumped to the ground, sword in hand. Jamie retrieved two swords
from under the coach bench, handing one to Fitz, whose color was returning beneath the smoke stains.
Horses appeared through the trees. One of the perimeter teams flanked them as they waited for AJ and Ethan.
Several minutes later, the men glanced at each other at the sound of approaching horses. They formed a circle around the coach and waited.
A dozen guards appeared, the horses branching out to form a larger perimeter around them.
How had the guards known they would be here?
"That asshole, Beckworth." Fitz spat the name before he raised his sword, released a blood-curdling scream, and stormed toward Dugan's men.
Maire stood in the hallway, wanting to turn back and follow Finn. She didn't feel right leaving him, though she knew her brother's instincts were usually never wrong. With one last glance toward the bedroom, she raced through the hall and down the back stairs. She paused when she reached the first-floor landing. The melodic sound of a quartet could be heard over the chatter of guests.
Finn had been right. The signal hadn't sounded.
She dashed down the stairs and through the kitchen. The first screams reached the lower floor as she passed a housemaid. Without a second thought, she ran for the outer delivery door. It opened without hesitation, and she slipped out, slamming the door behind her. She leaned against it as she caught her breath, the scream from the guests mingling with that of the horses. She prayed Jamie got them all out.
The lawn and gardens were as bright as if sunlight kissed it rather than the night. Damn Reginald and his druid ceremonies. Why did everything have to be done by the light of the full moon? Seeing no one, she selected the route that kept her close to the trees and hedges.
She reached into her pockets, needing to confirm the pages she'd stolen from the library were still where she'd stuffed them. The druid's grimoire was safely tucked away as well. Taking a deep breath, she ran for where the coach should be.
She never looked back.
Ethan steered AJ back to the library, keeping her in front of him to block Dugan's view. Her nails dug into his arm until he stopped next to a group of three couples. They easily parted to include them in their circle. For the next ten minutes, they listened to the couples share the first parties they would attend when they arrived in London the following week. When Ethan noticed AJ growing restless, he nodded to the group, making an excuse of getting his wife a snack.
After leaving the library, they moved from room to room, constantly on the watch for Dugan and Lady Agatha. When they reentered the library twenty minutes later, Reginald was still there, seeming to hold court as different guests came and went.
Reginald appeared happy to stay in one place while everyone gravitated to him. His ego must be larger than the manor. Tired of constantly moving, Ethan guided AJ to a sitting room where a small quartet played and several people danced. This seemed the best place to rethink their next steps.
Finding a quiet spot, Ethan pulled AJ into his arms and rocked back and forth in time with the music. "How many ways are there to get from the west to east wing?" He smiled down at AJ, and she smiled back as if he were the most interesting man in the room.
"More than the two of us could monitor." Her focus glazed over for a moment. "I doubt he'd go through the kitchens. He doesn't seem the type to hide. He considers Waverly his home. I think he'll go where he wants, when he wants, regardless of his guests."
"So the quickest route?"
She gave it some consideration. "Through the foyer and the connecting sitting room." She hesitated. "Beckworth mentioned a servants' door with a long passage that runs behind the staircases and leads to the east wing."
"Our best option is to stay close to the foyer, working between the dining room and library."
"The sitting room is larger and would be easier to move around."
He considered her idea, but it would be safer in a crowded room rather than a larger room. Easier to move around meant easier to spot. He was about to mention that to AJ when he noticed a lone man slip into the room. He wore evening attire, but everything about his movements told Ethan he didn't belong there. The man scanned the room, his slow gaze scrutinizing each person.
Ethan moved AJ away, keeping behind other guests until he found another couple moving in the same direction. He stuck to them as if they were together.
"Where are we going?" AJ's whisper could barely be heard above the music.
"Someone just came in to search the room."
AJ tensed but kept moving with him. "You don't think they're looking for us, do you?"
"If I said no, would it make you feel better?"
"I'd think you were lying."
"Then we might as well assume the worst."
"I doubt Lady Agatha would have said anything." AJ turned her head to look for the man.
"He was by the door where we came in."
She peered around a large woman with red feathers sticking out of her mask. "He's still there, leaning against the wall. I don't think he's leaving."
The couple in front of them exited through a different door that brought them to the foyer. At least they were where they wanted to be. They'd been lucky the room had two doors. Ethan positioned AJ next to a group of men discussing the war.
"Mark my words, this war will go on far too long. The economy will be ruined," a man with a scruffy beard said.
"Nonsense. Our navy will route them by the end of the year," said a shorter man, wearing glasses so thick his eyes appeared twice their normal size.
"Nine o'clock," AJ whispered.
Ethan made a slow turn toward the direction she gave him until he spotted Dugan. The man wore a scowl as he scanned the room. He ignored the group of men where Ethan had shifted AJ behind the taller men. Another man followed Dugan in, and after Dugan said something to him, he took a position near the door to the sitting room.
When Dugan strode down the hall toward the dining room, Ethan moved AJ toward the back of the staircase. "I don't like the feel of this."
"Are they just being cautious?"
Her question sounded hopeful, but they both knew the answer.
"You think someone betrayed us?" AJ's whisper was a combination of anger and confusion.
He understood her frustration because his own thoughts agreed with her. "I can't think of any other reason for positioning men in each room."
"Maybe they're looking for Reginald's inner circle."
"Maybe."
"How long have we been here? Surely, Finn's had time to find the book."
Ethan didn't respond. If they'd been betrayed, so had Finn.
"Beckworth," Ethan mumbled.
AJ shook her head. "I just don't believe that."
"Who else?"
"We don't know for sure if they're looking for us. And what motive would Beckworth have?"
"Maybe he decided to work with his brother after all."
AJ was still shaking her head when Ethan moved them down the hall. Suddenly, she pulled back. "Where are we going?"
"To the conservatory."
"We're supposed to wait for the signal."
"We can wait for it in the conservatory. We'll be closer to the exit."
"But what if Reginald returns to his room?"
"I think we're beyond worrying about that now." Ethan pushed her in front of him, not feeling comfortable with her behind him.
They came to a group of people amassed in the hallway not far from the dining room, no one moving, all talking while creating an effective roadblock.
In the worst English accent he'd ever heard, AJ pushed her way through, "Excuse me. May we pass?" If anyone found it strange, they didn't show it. They were all too busy eating, chatting, and tossing back free champagne.
AJ suddenly stopped before they cleared the crowd. Ethan glanced up and swore. Dugan marched down the hall, heading straight for them. He hadn't spotted them, but he would soon.
Before Dugan reached them, a man stepped out from another room and pulled Dugan asid
e. While Dugan appeared to be issuing orders, AJ tugged on Ethan, pulling him away. She only took a few steps, glanced at the people milling around them, then stepped behind a large fern, dragging Ethan with her.
They stood in an alcove with just enough room for both of them. The fern protected them from curious gazes.
"We should be safe for a few minutes." AJ turned them so Ethan's back was to the fern. "If you stand still, your dark clothing should make a good backdrop for the fern. No one will look back here unless they're truly searching."
"Then we'll be trapped."
"Do you have a better idea?"
"No. But how did you know this was here?"
AJ's expression relaxed for the first time that evening. "When Finn and I were here during our first jump, he pulled me into this very alcove to calm my nerves before meeting Dame Ellingsworth and Lady Agatha." She blushed, and Ethan couldn't help but smile.
"I won't ask how he did that."
"He was quite honorable," She teased.
"Uh-huh," was all he managed before AJ poked him to silence.
When a minute passed, she relaxed. "Dugan just went by, though he stopped for a moment. I think he was searching the people ahead, but he kept going."
They waited five minutes before Ethan felt the urge to move. "We need to get to the conservatory. What's the safest route, even if it's a bit longer?"
Before AJ could provide an answer, screaming started from the front of the house.
"Finally," AJ muttered.
Feet thundered down the hall, everyone racing to the front of the house to see what happened. When the group in the hall vanished, Ethan stuck his head out, looking both ways.
"It's clear." He grabbed AJ, no longer caring about the safest route. His only focus was the fastest way out while the fire in the stables kept everyone occupied.
"If they're on to us, they'll be waiting for us in the conservatory."
They were down the hall where a left turn would take them to their destination when AJ yanked him to a stop.
