by Dawn Brower
Dom seemed to know exactly what to ask. Did he have more experience with this sort of thing than she realized. A flash of a memory returned to her. Edward and Dom talking... Had they both dabbled in things they shouldn’t? Was that why Dom said it could lead to Edward’s death? Rosanna was so lost in her own thoughts she hadn’t realized Dom had left. She’d missed some crucial details to his exchange with Tommy. She peeked through the hole—they were both gone. Where had they disappeared to?
She stepped out of the stall and right into the stable master. “Oh Bivens,” she said with a breath of relief. “You scared me.”
His eyes narrowed into tiny slits. “Lady Rosanna, you don’t know the meaning, but you will.”
“What do you mean...”
His hand clamped over her mouth and muffled her scream. What had her curiosity led her into? Why was Bivens handling her thusly? She fought him with all she could, but he was too strong. She couldn’t yell out for help as he’d quickly taken that option away from her. What was she to do? How was she to get away? Her gut clenched and rumbled.
“One day you’ll learn not to listen to conversations not meant for a young lady’s ears.” Bivens dragged her through the stable. Her hands were held firmly in his grip. Rosanna tried to get free, but he was too strong. The stable master kept her wrists in one hand and he pulled a piece of rope off a nearby hook. She tried to free herself one last time pulling with all her strength. “Stop attempting to escape or I promise it won’t be pretty when I’m done with you.” He tied her up and shoved a cloth into her mouth. Her hair was a muss of tangles, and her head ached from the struggle. All she could do was glare at him. She’d make him pay for this. He laughed and pushed her into the tack room. “You’ll stay here until I can move you.”
With those final words, he left her in the dark. Rosanna was left with her own thoughts for company and some other creature she didn’t want to think too heavily on. It scurried past her feet and she’d have screamed if it’d been possible. What had she stumbled into? More importantly, was she going to live to find out the answer to that question?
CHAPTER SEVEN
Dom was patting himself on the back. His meeting with the stable boy had gone well. He’d been able to coerce the lad into assisting him in his search for the Le Cerveau. Once they set the trap for him, he’d be able to end his association with the war office and the Duke of Branterberry. He couldn’t wait to see the case through to the end.
After his assignment was complete and he was truly free, he’d begin to woo Rosanna in earnest. There was no other way to win her again. She’d decided he wasn’t worthy of her time any longer, and it was up to him to charm her once again. He could do it. There wasn’t a question of his capability of doing it—no that wasn’t the problem at all. The issue was having the time and ability to do so. Finding the man stirring up unrest and attempting to rescue Napoleon from St. Helena had to come first.
He whistled as he walked into the study. James was sitting at his desk and looking over some documents. “I’d thought you’d be upstairs with your wife. It’s where you were heading earlier.”
James glanced up and frowned. “Where have you been?”
That took Dominic back. James seemed irritated and he had no clue why. He rocked back on his heels and studied his friend. Had something gone wrong with the birth? Had Alys—or the babe—he didn’t want to let his thoughts to go down a dark path so he brushed them away before they fully formed. Instead, he focused on his friend and said slowly, “I’ve been out walking. Did you require my assistance?”
James shook his head and ran his fingers through his hair. A small sigh escaped his mouth. His gaze turned toward Dom as he replied, “I do not. I sought to share the good news. I have two sons.”
“Two?” Dom’s eyebrow raised. “Trust you and your wife to be overachievers. You have your heir and spare in one fell swoop. Have you named the babes?”
James nodded. “The first born will be Christian and the second Nicholas.”
“Those seem almost too simple for the sons of a duke.” James didn’t react to his statement. He stared off in silence. Dom studied his friend. “Why do you seem so glum? Shouldn’t you be ecstatic to have your heirs?”
James shook his head and frowned. “Forgive me, it’s been a taxing day. You’re right; those are only a part of their names. They will have mouthfuls to learn as they grow. Their full names are Christian William James Kendall and Nicholas Edward Paul Kendall.”
There was something bothering his friend. He was almost afraid to ask, but felt he must. “How is Alys?”
James remained quiet for several seconds. Dom began to fear the worst. He held his breath in anticipation. What had happened? Did Alys—not survive the birth? Some women didn’t. It was sad fact, and one many men struggled with. The duke adored his wife. If something had happened to Alys—Dom feared for his friend. James might not endure such a tragedy.
“Alys is fine. Tired, but doing well. She’s one of the strongest women I know.”
Dom let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. He sent up a silent prayer of thanks. James and his family were fine, but that didn’t explain his friend’s foul mood.
“I’m glad. You have a family you once thought you’d never have. It’s strange how life changes the things we never thought to do ourselves. When we’re young we have grand plans and ideas. We believe we know everything there is to know, but we are such fools.” Dom paused, realizing he’d started spouting off rhetoric he’d not meant to. James didn’t need to hear about his regrets. He had plenty, but they were his cross to bear. “Tell me what is wrong. You appear troubled.”
“It’s Rosanna.”
James sat stunned for several seconds. He had to have heard him wrong. Something happened to... He couldn’t imagine what could have gone wrong. He’d assumed, perhaps rightly, that James’s concerns were of his wife and children, but they weren’t his only family. Rosanna was his sister and he’d worry over her as much as the rest of them.
He swallowed a lump in his throat and forced himself to ask. “Why are you concerned with your sister? Has she managed to find trouble again?” His voice was as light as he could make it even though his stomach was clenching tightly inside of him. He didn’t want to find out something terrible may have befallen the one woman he’d cared about. No, she’d be fine. He had to believe that. Everything else was unacceptable.
“As far as I’m aware, she’s fine,” James replied.
Dom forced himself to breath evenly. That wasn’t bad news, but it wasn’t good either. It didn’t explain the worry etched over his features. James had rubbed his hands over his face at least three times since Dom had entered the study. He wasn’t one to make a fuss over nothing. He believed there was cause to worry. For that reason, Dom did too.
“What makes you believe that she might not be?”
James leaned back in his chair and glanced at the window. The sun had set and darkness filled the sky. Dom had finished the first part of his business before night had fallen. The rest would be taken care of in a few hours once the household was abed for the night.
“She’s missing.”
Dom sat up and placed his hands on the desk. “Say that again.” He had to have heard James wrong. Rosanna couldn’t be missing.
“I haven’t seen her in hours. We’ve been preoccupied with the birth of the twins and settling Alys in. She’s exhausted. I hadn’t realized Rosanna was missing until an hour ago. Her maid informed me she hasn’t come back from riding earlier.” James explained. “No one has seen her. Then I couldn’t find you...”
Was he suggesting Dom and Rosanna had been together? The last time he’d seen her was after James stormed up to see his wife. Rosanna had lectured him about propriety and loyalty. He’d taken it because he’d been aware what she believed. He’d disabuse her of that at a later date. For the moment, he’d let her think it. Dom would never do anything to harm James or Alys. Rosanna’s faith in him had bee
n tested and Dom had been found wanting. He didn’t blame her, after all it had been what he’d wanted her to believe.
“I haven’t seen her since earlier today. She abraded me with her sharp tongue after you left me to go to Alys. She didn’t like me questioning anything about your wife and told me to leave you be.”
“That was hours ago,” James said. “It is a large estate, but I’m worried. I’m going to organize a search party. Rosanna could be anywhere.”
Dom agreed fully. He didn’t like it one bit that she’d come up missing, especially in light of the little information he’d been able to uncover about the actions of the traitor living on the Weston estate. What if she’d stumbled into something she shouldn’t have? The mastermind was capable of anything. His stomach rolled uneasily as he considered all the options. He had to go in search of the stable boy and interrogate him further. He had to know something about Rosanna. Dom wasn’t an untried lad who’d believe anything. He’d been playing this spy game for too many years. If it seemed fishy it was.
“I’ll start searching right away. Let me know if you locate her and I’ll do the same.” Dom stood to leave.
“Wait,” James said. “I’ll go with you.”
Dom shook his head. “I think it might be best if we split up. We can cover more ground and find her quicker. I’ll take the west end of the estate along the stables and the cliffs.”
“You’re right.” James nodded. “You know the estate as well as I do. Meet me here once you’re done searching. If we don’t find her, we will have to compare notes and make plans.”
Pain was clear on James’s face. He was more than worried—exhaustion poured off of him in waves. If it was the last thing he did, Dom would locate Rosanna. He’d do it for his friend, for her, but mostly because he was terrified of losing her. He needed her more than he realized. Rosanna meant too much to him.
“Until later then,” Dom said and left the room.
He rushed toward the stables first. The lad would be somewhere inside. They’d a meeting scheduled for the middle of the night, but with Rosanna’s disappearance it moved up exponentially. Dom paused when he entered a darkened stable. He had very little light to work with. The moon was shadowed by clouds and offered almost nothing to aid his quest. Luck was on his side though as he moved across the room. The lad sat at the end of the stables, leaning against a nearby pillar.
“Tommy,” Dom called to him.
The boy didn’t turn or even acknowledge his presence. Was he asleep? It would be an odd place to take a rest for the night, but anything was possible. Dom moved toward him and paused beside him. When he reached his side, Dom leaned down and shook him lightly. “Tommy,” He said again. “Wake up, lad, we’ve much to discuss.”
The lad toppled over, his head hitting the dirt floor. Dom stared down at him puzzled. Then he realized his fingers had brushed over something sticky and wet... He lifted his head quickly and surveyed his surroundings. Tommy, the poor boy, might not be alive, and Dom would join him if he wasn’t careful. He couldn’t act the fool or he’d die for it. The stable boy hadn’t wanted to help him, and for that he paid the ultimate price. Guilt filled him for pushing him to contact the mastermind. Dom was responsible for the boy’s demise, and he found it didn’t sit well with him.
After a moment of studying the darkness Dom believed he was alone and decided to check the boy for signs of life. After a careful search, he gave in. The boy was gone, and there was nothing Dom could do for him. He’d carry that regret for the rest of his life. The boy was helping him even in death though. He’d found a note in his pocket. Dom stuffed it in the inside pocket of his coat. When he was in the light, he’d read it and see what details he could garner from it.
Dom stood and walked out of the stable. He’d tell James about the boy later. They’d know what to do for him, and there wasn’t much Dom could do anyway. He was gone, and a little cold night air wasn’t going to affect him now. Dom made his way across the cliffs and stood at the edge. The sea was wild with waves crashing on the shore. The moon decided to have pity on him and its bright light poured over him. He pulled out the parchment and scanned the contents.
Lord Seabrook,
You’ve made a grave error. For that, I’ve taken Lady Rosanna. I will keep her in my care until France’s true ruler is set free. Afterward, if I’m feeling generous, I shall return her unharmed. The last part depends upon you and how well you follow instructions.
Until then,
Le Cerveau
He hardened all of his emotions as the words washed over him. He couldn’t be ruled by them or he’d be no good to help Rosanna. The evil bastard had the woman Dom loved. The man didn’t know who he was messing with. How had he ascertained how much Rosanna meant to him? What game was the evil man playing now? There was much he had to do and there was one person who could aid him in rescuing Rosanna. Luckily, his contact was already in France. It was the one place the traitor could take her and ensure she stayed put. No place in England was safe for him. Dom knew one other thing with certainty: Le Cerveau would pay for taking Rosanna.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Stars glittered the night sky as Dom ambled slowly down a side street in Calais. The trip to France had been uneventful. He’d sent up a small thanks for that favor. His nerves were already strung tightly. Each day that passed left him more on edge and his concern grew exponentially. If something had gone array, he’d be a mess. The spy business had always been fraught with unending tension. This was something else entirely though. His last mission had turned into one of the most important ones of his life. Rosanna’s life was at stake. He’d never thought he’d have been put in such a tenuous situation. Anger was hard to suppress, and it was becoming more difficult with every breath he took. He had to find a way to keep himself in check. One mistake could mean losing her forever.
He turned a corner and headed to a small cottage at the far end of town. With precision, he scanned the area to make sure no one was around. It wouldn’t do to blow his contact’s cover. After he was satisfied the streets were deserted, he crossed the path and knocked on the door. It swung open to reveal a beautiful woman still dressed in her evening wear. Her dark brown hair was pinned up at the sides and twisted into an elegant chignon, tiny curls framed her face and emphasized her green eyes.
“Come in quickly.” She gestured with her hand.
Dom didn’t need to be told twice. He had to secure her aid in rescuing Rosanna. She had a high stake in the spy business. Her help had been instrumental in helping bring down Napoleon. Very few suspected a woman of being capable of espionage. None of them had taken into account what a woman would do for revenge. This woman had been on a mission to destroy those who’d taken the love of her life from her. Dom couldn’t really blame her. He’d have done the same in her place—might still do so if Rosanna were to die. She’d been taken from him, and rage boiled deep inside of him. He wanted to destroy those responsible for that, and would at the next possible opportunity.
“What are you doing here?” she hissed out. “It’s dangerous for you to be seen with me.”
“I know,” he replied. “And I apologize. You know I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t important.”
She nodded and headed toward her sitting room. Candles were still lit and a fire was blazing in the hearth. The night air had gone chilly, even for a late summer evening, and the sea air made the breeze cooler when the sun went down. She rubbed her shoulders, warming herself by the fire, and then turned to him. Her chin lifted slightly as she studied him. After a moment, she said, “Tell me what’s happened.”
Dom’s jaw clenched. He had to rein in his temper. It wasn’t her fault the bastards had abducted Rosanna and were now holding her hostage. None of the staff was missing, so whoever had taken her had allies nearby to aid them. “They took Lady Rosanna Kendall. I don’t know who has her, but my sources tell me she’s here in Calais.”
She gasped. “Why would they do such a thing? There’s no reaso
n for them to have...” The lady paused a moment, as if considering something, and then turned to him. She narrowed her eyes and searched his face. “She means something to you, doesn’t she? It isn’t just about who her family is. This has nothing to do with the Weston estate and everything to do with her ties to you.”
He set his mouth into a hard line. Of course it was his fault. There’d been no other reason for them to take her. They must have figured out what she meant to him. That indicated the traitor had been able to observe them together at some point. His feelings for Rosanna were becoming harder and harder to suppress.
“Yes,” he confirmed. “They are seeking to punish me for having the audacity to investigate them. I can’t...” He swallowed the lump in his throat. He couldn’t put a voice to his concerns. Branterberry would tell him what his duty was. He must first protect crown and country; love would always come last on the list of priorities. For once, he wanted to throw it all aside and do what he wanted for himself. What good was it to protect the country he loved when he couldn’t share it with the one person who meant the most to him? What was the point of doing anything without her?
“I understand,” she said quietly. “I can make some quiet inquiries tomorrow.” She came to stand by his side and placed a hand on his arm. “We will find her.”
Relief flooded through him at her words. This was why he’d come to her. She’d have an idea on who and where to begin the search. Calais was her territory, and she’d lived there for the past few years. Ever since the death of her betrothed—her apparent innocence made her the perfect inside person. It helped she was also French, even if at one time she’d married an English peer. They forgave her for her lapse in judgment. The old earl was dead and she was free to live her life as she pleased. It would have made her happy to marry a younger man, a duke, and the only man she’d ever given her heart to. That hadn’t been in the cards for her though. No, a French spy had killed him to silence him.