“Amazing.”
She smiled and wiggled against him. “I don’t mean me. I mean, how does it feel to be fulfilling your purpose? To be a spoke on the wheel that turns for good? You’re making history. You’re a legend.”
He stiffened. “A legend?”
She smiled. “You are. At least, you are to me and your family. You’ve a greater story than most heroes and should the world forget, those close to you will not. Your family, our children, will not.” She laughed. “I shall shout your name at every occasion. Leo the Legend.”
He turned her over. “You shall shout my name now.” He was hard for her.
He also felt many other things. He could either cry and spill his tears on her soft skin or…
He kissed her.
“Leo,” she moaned.
“I want to hear you shout it.”
And then he worked to cause that to happen.
* * *
“Where are you going?”
Leo was sitting on the edge of the bed and turned to look down at his wife. She was awake, but barely. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.” It was still dark outside. Only a few hours had passed since midnight.
Her voice was low with sleep. “I get cold whenever you leave.”
He bent toward her and kissed her mouth. “I’ll stoke the fire.”
She grabbed his jaw and kept him from pulling away. “Where are you going?”
“Downstairs. The authorities from Oxford have finally arrived.”
“They’ve come at this hour?” She began to wake further and sat up. “Why?”
“Don’t worry.” He put his hand on her shoulder. The cotton night rail felt cold. “I want you to sleep.”
She covered his hand with her own just when he began to pull away. Her eyes were clear. “Leo, what is happening? They aren’t blaming you for anything, are they?”
He laughed, though the situation was far from being light. “No, they only wish to ask me questions. Cassius will speak to them with me. We’re going to tell them everything… well, mostly everything.” He got up and went to the fireplace. He added some logs to strengthen the fire and then went to the door.
“Can it not wait until morning?” His wife was a curious one.
He sighed and turned to her. “I truly didn’t want to disturb your sleep.” He didn’t want her haunted by everything that was going on. One of them should be able to sleep well.
She got up. Without trying, her lithe form moved like a sensual tease. She approached him and pressed a hand to his chest. He looked scared. “What aren’t you telling me?”
He wrapped his arms around her. “You’re not going to let me leave this room until I tell you, is that right?”
The quiet demand in her expression said everything.
“There’s been another… incident in Oxford.”
Her mouth dropped. “Another death? How many…?”
“There are three known members still alive, at least they were yesterday. The men the constable sent rode through the night.” It had been Oliver who’d woken him and told him everything. He was also downstairs. “I’ll be back in a little while.”
She nodded and stepped back. She wrapped her arms around herself. The fireplace had yet to reheat the room.
“Get back in the bed.”
She obeyed, and he left the room.
Downstairs, he met Mr. Rivers and Mr. Gordon.
Cassius and Oliver had already offered them coffee. Leo took a cup as well.
The discussion lasted for about an hour. Leo detailed again what happened that night and then gave them what he knew about The Circle.
Cassius took over the conversation at that point, detailing their theory about The Circle.
The men doubted The Circle’s existence, though they daren’t say it in front of the duke. But it was clearly written in their eyes. Rivers, who was in charge of the two, looked like a man whose time had been wasted.
So Cassius did the one thing he could to convince them. He handed over Judd’s confession to the murder of Lord Hivers.
Leo hadn’t wanted that secret out. He didn’t know how Madison would react or how it would affect Edmond, but in the end, he hadn’t stopped Cassius. He’d held his tongue, not because Cassius was a duke but because Judd had wanted Cassius to have the papers in the first place. Therefore, he must have trusted the duke would do the right thing.
“I trust this can stay between whoever needs to know.” The duke made a sound like a question, but it was a command. “There is no reason to spoil the man’s name at this point. Only those he’s left behind, the innocent, will be hurt.”
“Of course.” Rivers straightened as he went through the papers.
Gordon looked at his own paper quietly.
He’d hardly spoken during the hour. Then finally he lifted his head and asked Leo, “Where did you get this evidence?” The was suspicion in his voice.
So Leo added a little in his own. “Who says I was the one who got it?” Cassius was the one who’d given it to the men.
Gordon frowned. “We both know Lord Van Dero wasn’t in town. His arrival would have been talked about.”
That was true. A duke anywhere was top gossip.
Leo propped his elbow upon the arm of the chair. “I visited the Arland estate. My wife and I took our son, Edmond, so he could get to know his blood relations. Lord Arland said we could take what we wanted from the house and I happened to come across the papers.”
“Where in the house?” Gordon asked.
“Gordon,” Rivers murmured with indignation. “Do you forget that the marquess’ brother is cooperating with us?”
Gordon pressed his lips together and turned back to Leo. “Forgive me, my lord. I am not suspicious of you, if that is what you think.”
Leo shrugged. “I’ve nothing to hide.” But he had hidden Madison’s involvement. He didn’t want his wife pulled any further into this mess than she already was.
Gordon turned to Rivers. “What if there is more evidence in the house?” Gorgon asked Rivers. “Perhaps, we should look, see if there is more to this Circle.”
Rivers thought about it and shook his head. “No, I see no reason to disturb the earl in this matter. As Lord Van Dero said, the fewer people who know the better. Lord Arland’s property is to be left alone.”
Gordon looked away but not before Leo saw the rage there.
Leo watched the men and noticed the dynamics between them. Rivers was clearly a political man. He seemed to stress the point of respecting his betters. Leo imagined he was likely hoping to become constable one day or even a judge.
Gordon seemed more determined to do his job than anything else. He’s reasons for wanting to search Lord Arland’s home were reasonable. Leo had searched the property himself and came up with nothing. Had he not known to check the desk in the cellar and had Madison not given him the key, they wouldn’t have the papers they did.
“Can I see that?” Oliver suddenly asked.
Rivers handed Judd’s confessional to him.
Oliver’s eyes roamed the sheet and his breathing grew hard.
Leo hadn’t shown Oliver the papers. Until this moment, he remembered his brother doubted the Circle’s existence.
Their father had feared The Circle. All his bullying and teachings had been so his sons would survive when The Circle came for them.
Oliver handed it back and stood. “I don’t believe I’m needed for the rest of this. Excuse me, gentlemen.” He walked across the room and opened the door.
∫ ∫ ∫
5 7
* * *
Leo moved to stand when he saw movement on the other side of the door, afraid his brother was about to be attacked. But it was just Lord Berret.
The short man gave a cry. “Lord Venmont! I was coming to get you.” The short man laughed, likely from anxiety. Then he frowned. “I heard a disturbance outside my window. Do you suppose someone is sneaking around the property? Tossing stones at the top floors.
”
Oliver looked toward the window. The wind was heavy tonight.
Oliver turned back to him. “It’s likely knocking from the tree. That tends to happen in that room. My apologies if it’s been disturbing you. I’ll have the branches cut tomorrow.”
“No, no.” Lord Berret backed away into the hall. “Don’t trouble yourself with it. I simply wanted to make sure you were aware of anything… suspicious.”
Oliver nodded. “Thank you.”
Lord Berret left.
Oliver turned to Leo. “I’ll speak to you in the morning.”
Leo stared at the door after the men were gone.
“We have the names of those you think might be linked to this group of villains,” Rivers said as he stood to his feet. “I’ll take them back to town. Gordon will remain here just in case he can think of any more questions of relevance.”
Gordon didn’t look pleased with being left behind. As he got to his feet, Rivers took his shoulder. “And remember, these are not our enemies.”
Gordon nodded.
Rivers bowed to the duke and then Leo. “Thank you, gentlemen, for your time. I know the hour is late, but I must get back to Oxford.”
“We understand.” Cassius saw them to the door where they were met with a footman.
Gordon spoke just before the footman led him away. “I’ll be back in the morning, if you don’t mind.” He gave the duke and Leo a look before adding. “That’s if I can come up with any more questions.”
Leo suspected Gordon already had other questions. He was trying to get to the bottom of this mystery. Leo couldn’t decide if he disliked the man once he was gone.
Cassius joined Leo in the middle of the room. “What did you think of those two?”
“My last name is Childs. We tend to trust very few. I’d have someone follow Rivers, make sure he actually leaves town. Someone should stay with Gordon as well.”
Cassius nodded. “I agree. Give me a moment.” He left, likely to see that Leo’s suggestions were done and then he returned. “You’re the best mind reader I know, Leo. It’s why I trusted you to go to Oxford and do this investigation. Did you gather anything at all from the men?”
Leo crossed his arms. “Rivers was likely sent so Gordon wouldn’t make enemies for the office. Gordon on the other hand… he’s on a mission. He wants to find The Circle and stop them.”
“Do you think he could be the murderer?” Cassius asked.
“He’s daring if he thinks he’d get permission to snoop around an earl’s home, especially with him being innocent.” If Judd’s cousin had been a suspect, then maybe they’d have had cause to go into his house, but even then doing such a thing would have been hard.
Titles held power and most gentlemen could get away with anything… including murder.
“He won’t respect us just because we are lords,” Leo said.
“That only makes me like him,” Cassius said. “But I tend to befriend killers, which makes me once again suspicious of him.” Most of his friends had shed blood.
Leo nodded. Leo had been thinking along the same lines. He didn’t know if he disliked Gordon or not and usually it only took one meeting for Leo to determine his stance on a man. “Perhaps we should send someone to look into Gordon’s background.”
“Or we can look into it ourselves,” Cassius said. “He will be returning in the morning. It’s the perfect time to get some answers of our own. Just what are the authorities doing in Oxford?”
Leo nodded. “I’ll ask him some questions and make sure he’s alone when I do it. He’ll likely be resistant either way and give us nothing.”
“Really? Then I think our women could handle it,” Cassius said. “He doesn’t like authority as you stated. Let the ladies soften him at least.”
And this was why Cassius led. His mind was a labyrinth of wonders.
Leo hadn’t liked him when they’d first met, but that had mostly been because he’d been close to Nick. Then Leo had seen what Nick saw in him and let his jealousy go.
“I’m off for bed,” Leo said.
“As am I. Tell your wife of the plan.”
Leo paused at the door. “You want Madison there?” Madison knew very little about this life, and he wanted to keep it that way.
“Of course. She is from Oxford, had an affair with Judd, and is married to you. That alone will guarantee that our plan works.”
“No, I don’t want Madison involved.”
“Why? Because it’s dangerous? We live in a dangerous world, Leo.” Cassius’ expression remained blank. He was a factual man. It usually took Milly to wake his emotions. “She’s our best option of discovering who this man truly is, and I’m certain she can handle herself. You wouldn’t have married her if she couldn’t.”
Leo’s heart told him to deny Cassius his request, but his mind knew the duke was right. He thought about it some more and then said, “I’ll want a man in the room.”
Cassius shook his head. “No. Gordon needs to be relaxed. You just said he’d be resistant.”
Leo stilled. “Will Milly be there?”
“Definitely. She wouldn’t miss such an occasion.”
“And you’d allow her in the same room with a possible murderer?”
“They aren’t defenseless, Leo. He’s a possible murderer. Belle is a definite murderer, as are a few other ladies in our circle. The other wives have been trained to defend themselves if attacked, including Milly.”
Leo scoffed and then licked his lips. Cassius was making sense, but his heart told him to resist.
Madison was all he had and though he knew he had Wess and Edmond and his family, he knew he’d not survive losing Madison.
Belle had killed on more than one occasion, but only when she was attacked. Oliver had taught her how to wield a knife. And he had a feeling Oliver would allow this meeting.
“Elisa is pregnant. She stays out,” Leo said.
“Agreed.”
Leo thought some more. “I want my grandmother there as well.”
Cassius’ mask finally broke. “Lady Serveck? That is interesting. Why?”
Leo shrugged. “Everyone likes her. She rarely meets anyone she doesn’t like herself. She can get him to talk.”
Cassius narrowed his eyes thoughtfully and then nodded. “Very well.”
Leo relaxed a little. “I’ll see if Madison will agree to this plan, but I stand by her decision if she chooses not to speak to him.”
But she would. Leo knew she’d want to speak to him. She’d likely want to know if he killed Judd. His heart raced.
Cassius smiled. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
* * *
“Once more,” Leo said. “Attack me.”
Madison dropped the dagger and crossed her arms. “No. I don’t want to do this. I don’t need to do this. The man is not going to attack us, not with so many people in the house and so many guns on the property. It’s a hunting party of assassins. I’ll be fine. You’re making a fuss over nothing.”
Leo walked over to her and grabbed her shoulders. “I love you.” He’d said it a hundred times that morning. Her stomach clenched with nerves. “I need to know you can defend yourself.” He cursed. “I should have been teaching you to do this before we came.”
She lifted a brow. “Leo, I just had a baby. I was weak.” She grabbed his cheeks and her eyes widened. “Stop looking at me as though I’ll die. I’m not that weak.”
He closed his eyes to keep her from reading his thoughts.
She stroked his jaw and brought his head down to touch hers. “I love you too, Leo. We’ll be fine. There will be ten ladies in the room. We’ll survive.” Then she lowered her voice and whispered, “While I’m gone, you can think about all the things you want to do when I return.”
He grinned and then groaned. “I can’t lose you, Madison.”
“I love the way you say my name,” she whispered. “It’s like you call to me in a deeper way. I feel like I was only existing until you call
ed for me.” Her fingers stroked his lips. “I feel so alive with you. Nothing has ever felt more right than being your wife, so don’t think for a moment I’d allow anything to end us.”
He opened his eyes and saw Madison’s inner tigress staring back at him. The violent heat of her gaze sparked a fire within his blood. It filled his manhood.
He released a breath.
Madison backed away and smiled. “Hold that thought for later.” Then she left.
∫ ∫ ∫
5 8
* * *
Madison ended her song and looked over to find Gordon staring down at her. She’d purposefully left the group and moved to the piano because she’d known Gordon wished to speak to her alone. He’d been irritated when he’d arrived and found the men had all left to hunt.
But then she’d been introduced and his disposition had shifted.
Belle had offered him tea and encouraged him to stay.
He’d agreed.
Madison had been nervous and amazed by just how well their plan was working.
She’d seen a footman check him for weapons at the door. She felt safe enough, but her fear of the truth made her fingers tremble and she’d missed a few notes in the song.
She doubted anyone had noticed.
Could this man truly be Judd’s killer?
“You play very well,” Gordon said.
“Thank you.” Madison tucked her fingers underneath the piano and rested them on her lap in an effort to hide the shaking. “Do you play, Mr. Gordon?” She licked her dry lips.
Gordon was watching her closely. His eyes went to her mouth and then trailed the rest of her before meeting her gaze again. There was nothing there in his dark eyes, nothing to tell her what he was thinking. Her heart jumped and her skin felt taut.
“I don’t play,” he said. “I never had time. I’ve been working since I was old enough to follow instructions.”
“Oh? What sort of work did you do?”
“My father managed a mill, your father’s mill, actually.”
Madison’s eyes widened. “Is that right?” Her family had many businesses and all run by her father’s man of business. So, unfortunately, she didn’t recognize this officer’s name. “Is your father still employed with my family?”
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