For a split second, panic crossed Jeffrey’s features. “Um...well, my lord, I really don’t think that’s necessary.”
Ian tightened his hand over the golden handle of his cane as he glared at him. “Now, Commissioner, you wouldn’t want to get me upset, would you? Need I remind you what happens when you make me angry?”
They stared at each other coldly, each man assessing the other. Ian’s heart beat anxiously, hoping the man of the law would follow with his cowardly ways as Ian had been used to.
The commissioner’s Adam’s apple dipped in his throat and he straightened his shoulders. “No, milord. You need not remind me. I’ll get Mrs. Fielding.”
Turning on his heels, he marched out of the room. Ian sighed with relief, yet he worried if his anger would make its debut once he saw Charlotte. If the commissioner or his men have touched one hair on her head... Ian breathed deeply, trying to control his emotions. He couldn’t come out of character yet.
Although he could take on the commissioner, he knew he’d not be able to fight the man’s bullies lurking around the cottage. Which means he’d have to act quickly, and not let the commissioner out of his sight.
Just as Jeffrey reached the stairs to go down into the cellar, Ian hurried upon him, making his limp distinct as he neared. “On second thought, Commissioner, why don’t I just follow you?”
A low curse rattled from the commissioner, and triumph flowed through Ian. But he hadn’t won yet.
Jeffrey led Ian down a flight of stairs to the cold, dark, musty cellar. The hallway in which they walked was not lit very well, but the room ahead had enough light to help them see their path. Although Ian couldn’t see as well as he’d like, a woman’s loud voice directed his footsteps. He grinned. Even in the face of danger, Charlotte was very spirited.
“I can see why my father discovered you and your friend stealing from him,” she snipped. “The two of you are nothing but a couple of bumbling oafs!”
“Listen, ’lil lady. I’ve ‘ad just about enough of yer squawkin’,” one of the men shouted. “If ye don’t shut yer trap, I just might ‘ave to shut it for ya.”
She laughed harshly. “You cannot lay a hand on me and you know it. The commissioner has you and your friend wrapped around his little finger.” She snickered. “And I can’t believe you haven’t seen that yet. I also can’t believe you still trust him. Look around you and see what he has taken, blaming my husband, of course. Has the commissioner even offered to share any of this wealth with you? In fact, I’m willing to bet after you get my ransom money from my husband, the commissioner will take it from you and kill you both.”
Ian gritted his teeth. Charlotte didn’t know the commissioner was so nearby and could hear. He knew his wife and how her vicious words could cut a man. Jeffrey quickly rushed ahead of Ian and moved to Charlotte. Ian held his breath, hoping the man wouldn’t lay a hand on her.
“Charlotte,” Jeffrey said, red-faced. “Henry and Benji may not be able to lay a finger on you, but I still can, and if you don’t keep that luscious mouth of yours closed, I’m going to do it for you. Do you understand? And you’ll not like the way I keep you from talking, either.”
Charlotte threw him a glare. “I’m most certain I’ll not like it, especially if you have any part in it.”
Ian couldn’t help but chuckle aloud from her stubbornness. Everyone’s attention flew toward him. Charlotte’s eyes widened and she gasped.
“Why, Commissioner,” Ian began, continuing in his beastly voice. “I don’t believe you have won over this young lady. Perhaps she knows you too well to feel anything but pity.”
That comment brought a chuckle out of Henry and Benji. Jeffrey glared at them, so they quickly became quiet.
“That’s enough,” the commissioner yelled. “I won’t have my name slandered in my own home.”
“You’re right, of course,” Ian said in a sarcastic tone. “I’ll try not to do that again.”
While he spoke, Ian’s eyes remained fixed on his wife. She didn’t appear to have been injured, nor violated. He wondered what could have happened to prevent the commissioner from touching her as Jeffrey had threatened to do.
Her face relaxed when she looked upon Ian, but her eyes watered when she smiled. “My lord, what are you doing here?”
Keeping in character, he limped to her. He examined her face and body as much as he could, checking to see if there were any marks of any kind. Thankfully, there were none. “I’ve come to pay your ransom, but the commissioner won’t take it.”
Right away, Benji huffed. “Ye won’t take it? Why not?”
“Shut up,” Jeffrey hissed.
Charlotte glanced at the commissioner and scowled. “Yes, why won’t you take the money?”
“Because I want your husband, that’s why. He’s going to hang. I’ll see to that personally.” He turned to Lord Thatcher. “Now that you know I haven’t harmed her, are you satisfied? Will you return home?”
“I’m satisfied. In fact, I believe you and your friends are worse off than I first realized. I’m certain I don’t know how you have put up with her complaining this long.”
Franklin laughed as Ian turned.
“You’re right,” Jeffrey said. “It’s been hard. She has a sharp tongue, that’s for certain. But all you have to do is look at her, and she stirs your loins. I don’t think I have to tell you that.”
Ian glanced over his shoulder to look at her again. Tears were in her eyes and her brows were drawn with worry. Just looking into her lovely face made his heart melt. He had to rescue her. But finding a way without showing his true identity was going to be a great effort. And if he wasn’t careful, they would both end up in more danger…or dead.
Chapter Nineteen
Ian paced the floor, using Lord Thatcher’s cane for support as he remained in his disguise. Seconds ticked by, minutes blended into hours, and he couldn’t stand the wait. Jeffrey Franklin sat in his chair, appearing patient as he sipped his tea, calm and collected.
Ian didn’t know what would happen next, and the uncertainty of the situation made his heart burn with terror. Would they harm Charlotte? Would he be able to stop them before they did? Could he rescue her as he’d done before without complications? With a sinking feeling, he doubted his own ability. Too many players stopped him this time.
Footsteps clomped up the stairs from the cellar. Ian stopped and turned toward the hallway, waiting to see who came. Henry marched into the parlor, his face set hard in a scowl when he looked at the commissioner.
“She’s demandin’ to see Lord Thatcher again,” Henry barked.
Jeffrey sighed heavily in irritation. “Can’t you clumsy oafs control her? I’m certain you’ve dealt with women like her in your miserable lives before.”
“No, we haven’t. Not anything like this tornado. She’s got a wicked tongue,” Henry mumbled.
Jeffrey glanced at Ian then back to Henry. “Why does she want to see him?”
“Don’t know. She won’t say.”
Ian spoke, making his voice deep and raspy like Adam’s. “Perhaps she’s bored with your company.”
“No matter,” Jeffrey quickly cut in. “Tell the woman she cannot see Lord Thatcher.”
“I’ll go see what she wants,” Ian said, ignoring the other man’s instructions. “I’m certain she just wants to be reassured I’m still here.”
Jeffrey scowled openly, letting his irritation show through his distasteful grunt of annoyance. “All right, you can go, Lord Thatcher, but just for a moment.” He rose from his chair and followed behind Ian as he hurried down the stairs.
Ian entered the room. Charlotte’s mouth was pulled with worry. He walked to her and bent to her level, peering into her eyes. “How are you holding up, my dear?”
Charlotte eyes misted. “I...I...” She motioned with her head for him to come closer.
He bent further and she whispered in his ear what she needed. A smile spread across his face as he straightened. “It appears,�
�� he directed his comment to Jeffrey, “that you and your men haven’t considered the needs of a woman.” By their drawn expression, Ian could see the men were still mystified, so he said succinctly, “She needs to use the privy.”
Henry and Benji chuckled. Jeffrey rolled his eyes heavenward. Charlotte passed him a scarlet-faced scowl.
“I suppose we’d better let her go relieve herself.” Jeffrey untied her arms.
“Thank you,” Charlotte snapped, rubbing her wrists. “Do you mind if Lord Thatcher takes me? I’d rather have a gentleman escort me instead of farm animals like you and your friends.”
Jeffrey nodded. “That’s acceptable, but we’ll be watching closely.”
Charlotte hurried into the privy out in the back yard, not saying a word. Ian stood guard, relieved the other three men were farther away.
“When are you going to get me out of here?” she whispered through the wooden door.
“Patience, my dear. I’m biding my time until a friend of mine arrives. He works for the King and will be able to clear me from these false charges.”
“When will that be?”
“I don’t know. Soon, I hope.”
“What am I to do during that time?”
“Keep irritating Henry and Benji. That will keep your mind busy.” He paused then asked, “Where’s Jacqueline?”
“I don’t know. The commissioner took me to the cellar without her.” There was a brief pause. “Ian?” she whispered.
“Yes?”
“I’m...sorry.”
His heart lightened, and he wished he could take her in his arms. “For what, my sweet?”
“For...well, for yesterday. I have a quick temper and I allowed it to explode before thinking things over.”
Ian closed his eyes, keeping his blissful emotions inside for now. “Do you know I never meant to hurt you?”
“Yes.”
He sighed heavily with relief and looked at the door. “Charlotte?” he asked, touching the wood, imagining he touched her instead.
“Yes?”
“I love you.”
“I love you, too, Ian.” She stepped out and gazed at him. Her eyes were moist. “How can I make up to you what I’ve put you through?”
He chuckled. “The same way I will make it up to you.”
From the corner of his eyes, Ian spotted Jeffrey walking their way. He took a step away from Charlotte and turned toward the commissioner, getting back in his Lord Thatcher character.
“Are you ready, Mrs. Fielding?” the commissioner asked. “We don’t want to be out here for very long.”
She glared at him. “Why? Are you afraid Ian will come rescue me and you won’t be able to do a thing about it?”
Jeffrey grabbed her by the arm and pulled her back into the house. Ian kept in step behind them, hiding his fists in the folds of his cape.
Once inside, Jeffrey pushed her toward Henry. “Take her downstairs, and tie her up,” he snapped.
“‘ow much longer do we ’ave to wait?” Benji asked with a whine in his voice.
Jeffrey glanced at Lord Thatcher, and then back to his brother, sighing heavily. “Let’s give him four more hours, but that’s all.” He turned and marched into the parlor.
* * * *
Charlotte took one more look at Ian before they dragged her downstairs. Her eyes stung with the tears she refused to shed. Not now. She had to be strong. But the wait nearly killed her. She wanted to be back in her husband’s arms, making up for everything that had happened lately.
“Yer a feisty wench,” Benji barked when he pushed her in the chair. Henry knelt behind her and tied her hands with rope.
When the band tightened, she cried out. “Do they have to be so tight? My hands will go numb.”
“Too bad yer mouth don’t go numb,” Henry replied, getting a laugh from Benji.
She threw a glare over her shoulder, aimed at the larger man. But somehow, she needed to get one of them on her side. Out of the two, Benji looked the most submissive. Hopefully, she could use her womanly charms and persuade the commissioner’s brother to help her. Of course, she’d have to be nice to them, which might be harder than she realized.
“I want Benji to tie my hands.”
“Why?” Henry asked, rising from his position and walking in front of her.
“Because he’s gentler. Three years ago, he was always nicer to me, too.”
She noticed Benji’s smile widen. “Ye remembered?”
“I remember a lot of things.”
“Well, too bad,” Henry snapped. “This isn’t one of yer little tea parties, ye know. Yer our prisoner, and ye’ll be treated like one.”
Lifting her chin, she ignored the bulky man beside her and put her attention on Benji. “Would you mind answering a question for me?”
Benji nodded.
“How long have you been working alongside your brother, Jeffrey?”
“Several years now.”
She shook her head. “I just don’t understand why you would want to be in business with somebody like him.”
Benji moved in closer, wearing a scowl. “Whot’s that supposed to mean, lady?”
His ugly face frightened her, but she knew he was not allowed to lay a hand on her, thanks to the commissioner, so she decided to let her razor-sharp tongue loose. “He’s an imbecile. He’s possibly the worst man to do business with. I’m amazed you even trust the lout.”
Benji’s eyes darkened. “‘e’s my brother.”
“Then why is he not as honest and devoted to you as you are with him?”
Benji shook his head in confusion. “Eh?”
“He’s a very greedy man. Granted, I haven’t known him for very long, but I’ve realized this particular trait in him, nonetheless.” She hesitated for a brief moment so they’d absorb what she was saying. “I just cannot understand why you would want him to be your partner if it’s obvious he’ll go behind your back and deceive you.”
“Ye know nothin’, lady!” Benji yelled.
“But he’s deceived you before. Look at those items right over there.” She pointed with her head to the small room on her left, which held items the commissioner had taken from Ian’s clients. “Has your brother even told you about taking those things? Has he even shared any of them with you?”
Slowly the two dimwits moved to the stash and looked through the items.
“Do you see all that jewelry?” she asked. “Has he even offered any to you?”
“‘e would’ve told us sooner or later,” Benji defended.
“No, he wouldn’t. Do you know how long he has had these things? Do you think you’d know anything about it if he hadn’t made you bring me down here?”
Benji shook his head, still denying.
But Charlotte wouldn’t give up. “At least a month, right? Has he spoken to you during that time?”
He nodded.
“And, did he mention to you he had all this jewelry worth so much money?”
“No,” he said a little softer. “But that doesn’t matter. Besides, ‘e finally told us.”
“Not until after I had mentioned something first. And when the topic was finally brought up, he tried to change the subject quickly, hoping you’d soon forget.”
Benji shook his head. “But now we know, so ’e’ll share.”
“You are not afraid he’ll take the ransom money and keep it himself?”
“Listen, lady, my brother will share the ransom money, and ’specially this newly acquired treasure.”
“What if he doesn’t?”
“My brother knows whot ’e’s doing. We follow ‘im because ’e’s more educated. ’e is never wrong with ’is ideas.”
“Except, of course, for this time.”
Henry stepped forward, his massive arms crossed over his chest. “Now, what are ye yapping about?”
The wheels in her mind turned like crazy, trying to find some way for these two men to doubt their so-called leader. “Well, the commissioner thought he had
this whole thing planned, and so far, it’s not turning out the way he wanted. Look how long you’ve been with him, and you’re not rich yet. But, on the other hand, the commissioner is very wealthy. He owns a townhouse and this cottage. Isn’t it obvious he’s using the two of you, yet he’s not paying up?”
She could tell she hit a nerve with them, because their expressions looked actually clear, as if a light had come on inside their tiny little brains. Maybe, they would see the commissioner as she saw him.
Benji shrugged. “Well...perhaps ’e’s getting’ paid better than we thought.”
“Benji,” Henry warned to keep quiet, but the other man continued.
“Jeffrey means well, but I’m sure ’e’s been too busy—”
“Benji, the woman doesn’t need to know.”
“But we ’ave always been a team,” Benji continued. “Jeffrey ’as always led us...although most of the time it ’as turned out badly.”
“Benji. That’s enough,” Henry snapped. “Can’t ye see what she’s doin’? She’s tryin’ to make us doubt him. She wants us on her side.” His gaze switched from Benji to Charlotte. “But it ain’t gonna work. I can see through that brave mask yer wearing, and yer scared to death, so don’t try and trick us. We’re actually smarter than ya seem to think.”
Charlotte sighed in defeat. Now what could she do?
* * * *
While Jeffrey hurried outside, Ian rushed through the small cottage, looking for Jacqueline. There wasn’t a trace of her anywhere. Would the commissioner have just let her go? Perhaps she escaped and was finding help right now. Ian wished that were the case, but he didn’t want to depend on Jacqueline. The woman was very weak and dependent on the commissioner for everything. It had something to do with her past, but Ian didn’t want to get involved. Not now.
Hurrying back down the stairs, he quickly entered the parlor before the commissioner returned. Ian had come back just in time. Not more than two minutes later, Jeffrey walked through the front door.
“Well, Lord Thatcher,” he said as he entered the room. “It looks as if you were right. Mr. Fielding must not care about his wife, or else he would’ve been here by now.”
Belong To Me (book 4) (The Fielding Brothers Saga) Page 26