‘No, you are a common criminal.’ Adam shifted slightly and a loose board poked into his back. For the first time, since he had woken up in the hut, he believed he might emerge alive. ‘A cold-blooded killer. And with me, it ends.’
‘I thought so, but your friend Heritage told us about the Milton woman and her box. She is unclean. She will have to die. It will be up to you who goes first.’ Jones wiped his hand across his mouth. ‘Sanjay said that I could sample her as well. I like it when they scream. And she screams beautifully. I had my hands around her neck that day. I nearly did it then, but Sanjay hadn’t given the final word, like. I can only kill under his orders.’
‘Your quarrel is with me.’ Adam began to work frantically at the ropes. If his hands were free, he would tear Heritage limb from limb for putting Daisy in danger. ‘Daisy Milton is an innocent.’
Adam fought against the rising tide of panic. Jones wanted this. He and Sanjay enjoyed torture. And when he and Daisy were dead, would they turn their attention to Daisy’s sister and the child? He wanted to meet the child, of course. But she was nothing compared to Daisy. There had to be a way of warning Daisy. Somehow. She had to flee from this place. Flee and never return.
‘That’s right, your worship. Struggle. I made them knots good and tight. I know my job.’
‘You are a monster, Jones.’
‘I am what the British Army made me.’
‘You and Sanjay won’t win. They will catch you and hang you for murdering a peer.’
‘Ah, but will they? When they find you and your lovely woman, they will think that piece of dirt did it, and then shot himself. A lover’s triangle. Quite clever, I thought.’ Jones aimed a kick at Heritage’s midriff. ‘I hold all the cards and you will lick my boots before you die.’
Jones sauntered out of the hut with an echoing laugh.
‘Oh, my aching head,’ Heritage complained.
‘Heritage!’ Adam shouted. ‘Wake up, you miserable worm! How much did you tell them?’
‘Had no choice, old boy. They were going to kill me. And, what was worse—expose me. I would have lost everything.’
‘They are going to kill you anyway. You betrayed me, Heritage.’
‘Betrayed is a harsh word.’ Heritage opened his bloodied eyes. In the dim light, it was clear that Jones had already used Heritage as a punching bag. A trickle of blood dripped down one side of his mouth. ‘I needed the money. It was not like they were going to hurt you. They wanted the necklace.’
‘Spare me the platitudes. You wanted their opium.’ Adam felt the ropes slip the tiniest bit. He started to twist his wrists. ‘Why did you tell them about Daisy having jewels?’
‘She was just a governess, a person of no importance, you said. What is it to you if she lives or dies? Anyway, I thought they’d go away if they had something.’ Heritage gave a ghost of a smile and blood bubbled from his mouth. ‘At least that was the plan. Seems I miscalculated. Again. Should have saved us trouble. I should have checked to make sure he was dead the last time.’
Adam clenched his jaw. Heritage had seen service. He probably knew the extent of his injuries and that he was near death. Adam’s only hope was that Webster was not as severely injured. ‘Miscalculation is the least of your worries. You were a fool, Heritage. You will go to your grave knowing you were a fool and a coward.’
‘Jones took me at my word, you know,’ Heritage continued in a dreamy voice. ‘He went out and found the box. It rattles, Ravensworth. Could it be the jewels? Really a lot of fuss over a governess.’
‘The maharajah gave Milton that box. It has nothing of value in it. Nothing.’ His wrists had become raw and throbbed with pain. Adam redoubled his efforts. ‘I am going to marry Miss Milton, Heritage. My intentions were always honourable. The one thing Miss Milton is not—is expendable.’
Heritage was silent for a long time. ‘No woman is worth it.’
‘Some are. One definitely is.’
* * *
‘Are you certain that you saw this man?’ Daisy asked Nella.
Nella gave an enthusiastic nod. ‘They were using the hut last summer. He is not a nice man.’
‘But it is Lord Ravensworth’s valet. It looks just like him. Is there anything else?’
‘Nella, if you are funning Miss Milton, I shall be very cross.’ Mrs Blandish put a hand to her head and straightened the ribbons of her cap. ‘Did you see Lord Ravensworth’s valet do anything wrong? Anything at all?’
Nella chewed her bottom lip. ‘This man had a bird tattooed on his hand. He used to carry a yellow scarf in his back pocket and threaten people with it. He spoke in a foreign language. And around his neck was this angry red scar. Mostly he tried to hide it, but I saw it one day.’
Daisy closed her eyes and tried to remember. Did Adam’s valet have a tattoo? She felt certain she would have remembered. ‘Webster does not have a tattoo.’
‘Then they cannot be the same man,’ Mrs Blandish said triumphantly. ‘I declare, Miss Milton, your imagination is worse than Nella’s. Suspecting your fiancé’s valet of wrongdoing.’
Daisy froze. Polly had said something about Webster hurting his hand. The two men looked enough alike. What if…? Her mouth went dry. It was a possibility, a slim possibility, but one nevertheless.
She had to investigate the hut without delay. It was obvious they had been tracking Adam for ages. The hut had to be investigated without delay.
‘Mrs Blandish, can I borrow your footmen and butler? I believe Lord Ravensworth may be in danger.’
‘Why should I do that?’
Daisy regarded Mrs Blandish. She had to make Mrs Blandish do this of her own free will, much as she would make one of her students. She paused, seeking the perfect reason. She bit her lips and then her gaze fell on the trunk with the brass handles. What was the one thing Mrs Blandish craved? Respectability.
‘Because of Lord Ravensworth’s connections.’ Daisy pressed her fingertips together. She had to play this right. ‘Ravensworth’s connections are worth having if one is trying to launch one’s daughter in London society. His ire is not worth considering. And his friendship can open many doors.’
Daisy waited. She had not actually promised anything, but the implication was there. And the important thing was to save Adam. Afterwards, she would explain. Adam would understand and honour the debt.
‘The Ravensworth name is indeed highly regarded.’ A broad smile broke out over Mrs Blandish’s jowls. ‘Susan will need every help. I have no wish for her indiscretion here to cling to her ball gown. She was overly familiar with Lord Edward, I see that now. Youthful folly. Mr Blandish will have to pay for a truly top-drawer finishing governess.’
‘Far too many people speak of rumours, but on dits can vanish overnight if the right pressure is applied.’ Daisy held her breath and willed Mrs Blandish to agree. ‘Lord Ravensworth will apply that pressure.’
‘True, true.’ Mrs Blandish held out her hand. ‘I think it is a fair exchange. I too want to see the end of this gang of ruffians. A body cannot rest safe in bed until they are behind bars. I think you had best have reinforcements from the hotel as well. Hopefully, this time Nella is telling the truth.’
‘She is,’ Daisy said. ‘I promise.’
* * *
‘How do you open this?’ Jones growled, turning Daisy’s box over and over again.
‘It is a puzzle box. Milton liked codes and tricks.’ Adam forced his wrists apart and the last of the ropes fell away. His hands throbbed as the blood rushed back in, but he was free.
‘You mean it does hold a fortune?’
‘I saw Milton take a pouch of gems from the maharajah’s belt. The missing jewels are worth a king’s ransom.’
Heritage merely grunted. Adam did not risk a glance towards him, but kept his being focused on Jones. If he could drive a wedge between Sanjay and Jones, he might stand a chance. Divide and conquer. Neither Webster nor Heritage would be of any help in the coming fight. Silently he willed both of them to li
ve. There had been enough death.
How much longer did he have before Sanjay began his game of torture with them? Had he already captured Daisy?
The tall thuggee glided into the hut, and stopped halfway into his bow. His eyes bulged. ‘Keep away from that, Jones. It is not for you.’
‘I have no idea what you are talking about, Sanjay. Share and share alike, you said.’ A flicker of emotion went over Jones’s face. Adam felt a sense of grim satisfaction.
Sanjay’s eyes widened. ‘There are things you are not permitted to understand.’
‘What, that Heritage was right? That the box is full of jewels? You intend to cheat me, Sanjay.’ Jones turned the box over again. ‘I can’t get in.’
‘Such things are only permitted for the true believers.’
‘There is no honour amongst thieves. He will take all the jewels from you,’ Adam said as Sanjay reached for the box. Jones lifted it above his head.
‘You ought not to have done that! I would have shared.’
‘You stole the treasure! You are unclean! All unclean people must die.’ Sanjay began to rock back and forth; spittle foamed from his mouth. ‘Give it to me now! You do not know its power. You will destroy it.’
‘Come and take it! I want them jewels.’
The box crashed to the floor. Jones cursed, raised his fist and backhanded Sanjay, sending him flying across the room. The man’s head hit the stone wall of the hut with a sickening thump. ‘I told you not to disturb me when I was busy.’
‘Now do you see that I spoke the truth, Jones? He used you.’
All of Adam’s muscles coiled, ready to spring. But out of the corner of his eyes he saw a faint movement from Sanjay. The thuggee rose from the dust and advanced towards Jones. He pulled his yellow scarf from his pocket.
‘Give that to me! I will do my duty to the brotherhood.’ Sanjay lunged for the box again. Jones and Sanjay grappled over it, rolling over and over. Sanjay lifted his hands and showed his thin scarf, and started to wrap it around Jones’s neck. Jones’s eyes bulged as he fought against the pressure.
Adam reached out and grabbed out Sanjay’s legs, trying to get him to loosen the scarf. Jones jerked back with his head. Adam sent the man flying across the room to the fireplace. The mantelpiece crashed down and Sanjay’s body jerked as if in death throes and then lay still.
‘You are going to regret that, Ravensworth. Your death will be slower and more painful. That man was my friend.’
‘A funny way to show friendship.’ Adam held out his hand. ‘It’s over now, Jones. Time to pay for your crimes.’
‘Who is going to bring me to justice? You? You are just like him.’ Jones spat towards Heritage.
‘You know nothing about me.’
Jones leapt forwards, knife gleaming. ‘I know enough.’
Adam’s hand came up and grabbed Jones’s wrist as the knife sliced down on Adam’s cheekbone. He brought his knee up, and connected with Jones’s stomach. ‘I went to Eton, Jones, I know how to fight dirty.’
‘You will pay for that.’ Jones lifted his knife higher.
Adam reached out and his fist fell on Jones’s wrist. The knife arched away from them, landing in the middle of the hut. Jones started to scramble towards the knife, but Adam tackled him, sending him to the floor.
They rolled over and over on the floor. Adam rained blows down on Jones’s face, but he kicked his legs out and sent Adam flying backwards, crashing into the table.
Adam fumbled about on the floor, grabbing Daisy’s box. He curled his hand around it and felt its weight. Not much of a weapon, but it would suffice. He waited.
As Jones dived towards him again, Adam brought the box down on the back of Jones’s head. The connection made Adam’s arm reverberate. Jones crumpled, hitting the floor with a thud, alive but unconscious. Adam put his hands on his knees and tried to get air into his lungs.
‘What is going on in there?’ a voice thundered. ‘Answer me. Jones! Sanjay!’
‘I believe your leader has encountered a problem.’ Adam stepped out of the shadows.
* * *
Daisy tried to concentrate on keeping up with the footmen and stable hands rather than noticing how tight her stays were. Adam had to be there and he had to be alive. She gripped a lantern tightly in one hand and in the other she held Mrs Blandish’s walking stick. Mrs Blandish had counselled that Daisy wait with her, but Daisy knew that she had to be there.
As they neared the hut, the group seemed to swell. Farmhands came from the fields with pitchforks and suddenly the innkeeper stood beside her, pistol shoved in his belt.
‘Raise the lantern a bit higher if you would not mind, miss. Let them see that there are a number of us here. I will not have my business being ruined by thieves! Imagine kidnapping a viscount! And then Lord Edward has disappeared.’
Daisy swallowed hard. Heritage was gone as well. Adam had been overconfident about that man. ‘I do not know exactly when it happened.’
‘Well, his carriage remains in my stable and his lordship has disappeared. That is kidnapping. My niece doesn’t have the sense she was born with.’
‘Polly was fooled. We all were.’
‘You need not worry, miss. I will see that you come to no harm. First sign of trouble, you go to the back. Let me and the lads handle it.’
Several men had taken off at a run when they had seen the crowd approaching. It was all over far more quickly than she could have dreamt possible. But nowhere did she see Adam’s body.
‘Adam, are you in there?’ she called, unable to stop herself. ‘Adam Ravensworth, are you all right? Answer me!’
‘Daisy, you were supposed to wait. I should have known you’d disregard my wishes.’ Adam emerged from the hut in his shirt sleeves. ‘I owe Nella Blandish an apology. She accurately described the leader. He had been hanged once. But it is over now. He’s dead.’
Daisy stopped and lifted her lantern higher, trying to see better. Her eyes feasted on his for an instant. His hair was a mess, he bore bruising on the side of his face and he walked stiffly. ‘Webster… Lord Edward…’
‘Both are severely injured. We need to get them to a doctor,’ Adam said, watching her. Daisy appeared like an avenging angel at the head of the horde. Her hair tumbled about her shoulders; in her hands she carried a stout walking stick and in the other a lantern. Most women he knew would be cowering beside the fire back in the safety of the hotel, but not Daisy. She had come to his rescue.
‘To a doctor? How badly injured is Webster? Has he been shot?’
‘I want them to live.’ Adam looked towards various footmen who were milling about, holding up lanterns and exclaiming at a blade of grass. ‘Get me a stretcher now! Take the door down now. We need both doors. There will be bodies to carry.’
‘Is anyone dead?’ The colour drained from Daisy’s face.
‘The man whom you met on the riverbank and his accomplice. He used Heritage’s desire for opium and blackmailed him to provide information. Heritage wanted to keep his hands clean.’
‘The one in the card room who was speaking to Lord Edward? But he was the leader, wasn’t he?’ Daisy glanced up. ‘It is dreadfully wrong of me but I cannot help feeling relieved.’
‘The man was not the leader. Heritage suffered a severe beating.’
‘Did you kill the leader?’ Daisy covered her mouth.
‘Not by my hand. He hit his head against the fireplace. It’s over, Daisy, the gang is smashed.’ He grabbed her hand and savoured the way it curled around his. He wanted a few moments more before he told her the full truth. Was it too much to ask? He had gone through hell and the only person who was important to him was standing there, unharmed. Safe. ‘We need to speak. There is something that I must tell you. I promised myself when I was lying in the hut.’
‘What did they want? Why were you kidnapped? The treasure?’ Daisy looked up at him. Her hand touched his face. ‘How badly did they hurt you?
‘The leader of the gang wanted me d
ead. It did have something to do with India,’ Adam said.
‘What stopped him?’
‘The thing that saved me, Daisy, was your box.’
‘My box?’ Her eyes widened and the lantern swung wildly.
Adam paused and took the lantern from her fingers. He placed it on the ground. The last thing they needed was a fire. ‘It was stolen from your room this morning. You were right to go on that walk. They wanted you because of Tom. If you had been in that room, you would have been kidnapped.’
‘It doesn’t bear thinking about.’ She pressed her hands together and tears sparkled in her eyes. ‘But, Adam, all this can wait. All I care about is that you safe. We should get you back to the hotel.’
‘Look out, Ravensworth!’ A hoarse cry came from the hut. Suddenly a wild figure appeared in the doorway, scattering footmen. Adam stared at him in astonishment.
‘I will avenge my brothers. It has been foreseen.’ Sanjay held up a gleaming knife and captured Daisy’s arm. ‘I told you, you would bring her to me. She dies. I do this.’
‘Adam!’ Daisy clawed at the imprisoning arm. ‘Help me!’
Adam’s nerves coiled. Behind him, he heard vague shouts, and the sound of a pistol being cocked.
‘No!’ Adam shouted, reaching for Daisy’s arm and pulling. ‘Get out of the way!’
‘I have him, Ravensworth!’
A shot rang out and then there was a soft thump as two bodies slid to the ground.
Chapter Fifteen
Daisy rose from the ground where she had been pushed. She stared in horror at the crumpled figures. They grappled for a long moment and then lay unmoving. Two pools of blood seeped.
Adam’s cry of alarm and the pistol shot rang in her ears. She shook her head and tried to rid it of the buzzing. Adam turned the nearest man over. In his hand, he had a bloodied knife.
Lord Edward gave a crooked smile. ‘For the regiment, eh, Ravensworth? I thought he would feign death again, but I was wise to his tricks and got him. You said she was worth it. I hope for your sake she was. I didn’t die a coward, Ravensworth. Say it.’
Compromising Miss Milton Page 21