Angel in Black

by Fela Dawson Scott

  “And that will be soon.”

  Whether it was a question or a statement, Rina didn’t know. Before he changed his mind, Blake leaped on Hera and, without another word, left.

  Chapter Eleven

  RINA MADE HER WAY carefully through the dark night. She slipped into the hidden tunnel leading to the inner rooms. The others had already arrived and quietly waited for her return.

  John found this to be the worst time. Since the military had been called in, the danger for them all was more extreme. When he heard the sound of horse’s hooves, he rushed into the dark corridor. Without a word, he pulled Rina from her horse into his arms and held her in a breathless, powerful hug.

  “Johnny, I’m fine. You can put me down now.”

  He put her on the ground and together they walked inside the well-lit room. After congratulating her on her safe return, the others left, giving them privacy to talk.

  “Did anyone give you any trouble?” Rina sat down at the table.

  “No, we each lost the soldiers easily. They don’t know the terrain, and with no moon to light the way, they didn’t stand a chance.” John threw his long legs over the bench and sat down across from Rina. “Did you have any trouble, Kat? You took so long getting here.”

  “Lieutenant Greerson and Blake came after me. The lieutenant’s horse stumbled and threw him. He was forced to turn back, the animal’s leg sprained.” Rina rummaged through the bag, examining the contents. “We did well tonight.” She pulled the pocket watch taken from the lieutenant from the sack and opened it. Inside an engraved inscription read: “To my dear son, with love, a proud father.” Now she understood the sadness in his eyes.

  “Are you all right, Kat?” John touched Rina’s arm and brought her back from the melancholy thoughts in her mind.

  “Yes, Johnny, but we cannot keep this.” He read the inscription and agreed.

  “How do you intend to give it back?”

  “Simple. I’ll give it to him the next chance I get.”

  John laughed and shook his head. “Sometimes I wonder if you are crazy, Kat. We have the military after us, ready to hang us, and you want to give a watch back to the man who is in charge. You don’t risk your life for money … no … you give it all away. You know, you would live longer if you would stop thinking of everyone over yourself. You can’t take care of everyone.”

  “No, not everyone, but I will do what I can as long as I can. I could not live with my conscience if I didn’t help our people. They need me. Why do you and Blake insist on protecting me? I’m not a helpless little girl and I’m not going to stay at home and do nothing.”

  Frustration at the men in her life overwhelmed Rina. “You of all people should know how I feel. If the money we take saves one child from sickness or death, I’ll rob a thousand rich snobs. And don’t you concern yourself with me hanging — I have no intention of being caught. If I were you, I would concentrate on keeping your own ass safe, instead of worrying about me.”

  “Calm down, Kat. What are you so riled about?” John took Rina’s hand and held it within his two larger ones. “I didn’t mean to make you mad, but I can’t help but worry.”

  Rina smiled at John, her anger fleeing as fast as it had come. “No, I’m sorry. I guess I’m tired.”

  “You haven’t been sleeping well, have you? Is it the nightmares?”

  “Yes, I’m afraid so, Johnny. Do you think I will ever sleep without reliving the horrors of that night?” Rina’s voice came out in a desperate whisper. John had noticed the dark smudges under her eyes, and she had lost weight. She had always been one to push herself, not giving in to anything or anyone.

  “Kat, if you don’t get some rest, you could put us all in danger. Have you tried some of those special herbs you have for sleeping?” Lovingly, John pushed a strand of stray hair from her face. She shook her head at his question. “I suggest you start.”

  “All right, I’ll try the herbs tonight. We’d better go home.” Patting the hand that still held hers, she got up and together they left.

  RINA SLEPT SOUNDLY; THE herbs gave her the deep, peace she needed and she awakened later than usual. She climbed out of bed and the cold air encouraged her to pull a warm shawl about her shoulders. She climbed down the ladder and found Jenny bustling about, humming a tune. A kettle of water boiled over the fire and a wooden tub sat filled with steaming hot water.

  “Good mornin’, Rina, darlin’. I thought you might like a nice hot bath.”

  “You are a dear, Jenny. It is just what I need.”

  Rina tested the water and shucked her nightgown without a second thought. She slid into the small tub and sighed in contentment. The warmth soak into her, relaxed her muscles and mind. She grabbed the cake of soap and started to lather herself, but stopped. She flashed a pleased smile and stared at the small scented bar, the smell of roses filling the air.

  “Jenny, where did you get this? It smells wonderful.”

  “I bought it from a travelin’ salesman. I thought you might like it.” A wide grin split Jenny’s face, the sparkle of pleasure in Rina’s eyes her reward.

  “Like it … Oh Jenny, you think of everything.”

  Delighted by the surprise, Rina washed her hair and lingered in the bath until the water grew cold. After wrapping herself in the soft towel Jenny had warmed by the fire, she brushed her hair until it dried. After a hearty meal, Rina felt better than she had in weeks.

  Rina walked down the street toward the church at a brisk pace, pulled her cloak tight to prevent the wind from chilling her. She entered and heard the high-pitched laughter of children and Father Murray’s deeper one. When she joined the group, they welcomed her with cheers and smiles all around. About an hour later Blake and Lieutenant Greerson found Rina surrounded by playing children. They watched several minutes before she spotted them.

  She excused herself and walked to where they waited, her surprise well hidden as she asked, “Lord Roberts, what can I do for you?”

  “Rina, I would like you to meet Lieutenant Greerson.” Blake turned to the young man. “This is Rina.”

  “Miss Rina,” Lieutenant Greerson nodded politely. “I was told you were the person to see about my horse.”

  “What seems to be the problem, lieutenant?” she asked as innocently as she could manage, glad they could not hear her heart pounding in her chest.

  “I think it’s a sprain. Would you mind riding out and taking a look?”

  “Not at all.” Rina spoke with Father Murray and said her good-byes to the disappointed children. Each demanded a kiss and a hug before she could leave.

  Turning to Blake, Greerson said, “It seems the children love her. I was told she is remarkable with animals as well.”

  “Yes, Rina is a special woman.”

  The two men watched until she had finally hugged the last child, and ruffled the boy’s hair good-naturedly. When they left the Church, the children hollered good-bye and waved until they were out of sight.

  “I’ll go get my horse.” Rina started down the street, but Blake pulled her back.

  “You can ride with me.” The tone of his voice warned Rina not to argue, and not wanting to ruin her day, she relented without argument. “We can stop and get whatever you’ll need.”

  Amusement touched Greerson and he quickly averted his face to hide the smile he could not suppress. Somehow he knew Rina’s easy acceptance of help was rare.

  Blake lifted Rina onto Hera, settling her comfortably in front of him. Her hair spread out over her shoulders like a cape of gold. He could not resist and smelled it, the softness against his face as the sweet scent of roses filled his senses. His arm tightened around her small waist making Rina blush, a gasp at his familiar behavior escaping her.

  “Blake, please —” whispered Rina, trying to pry loose from his strong grip. The more she wiggled, the more aroused he became.

  “If you don’t stop moving about, you will be even more embarrassed when I stop and take you on the road.”

>   His soft spoken words tickled Rina’s ear and sent tremors through her. Immediately, she stopped and her eyes widened with surprise. She could feel his desire pressing against her hips and knew him to be bold enough to do as he threatened.

  Risking a glance at Lieutenant Greerson, Rina met his twinkling green eyes and was certain she colored more. She bit her lip to keep back angry words and tried to occupy herself with the task at hand. It proved difficult with Blake molded against her back, his muscles hard and strong. She said nothing more and concentrated on keeping her emotions in check.

  THEY ARRIVED AT THE inn in Bardney where the lieutenant and his men stayed during their assignment. Blake helped Rina to the ground. They all walked to the stable where the lame horse was confined.

  As she treated the horse, the two men watched in silence. Blake had been uneasy about getting Rina to look at the horse, but the innkeeper told Lieutenant Greerson she was the one to see. Blake worried he might recognize her as the Angel in Black. He tensed when the other man spoke.

  “That’s a nasty bruise on her cheek, Lord Roberts.”

  Despite his attempt to keep any accusation from his words, the lieutenant failed, and this actually made Blake relax a bit at his protective intention. Obviously, he did not connect Rina with the notorious Angel. “I assure you, lieutenant, it was not of my doing. Though, I must admit I was the underlying cause that made an ill-tempered redhead strike her. It was the last thing I intended with my poorly timed words.”

  “Lady Ramsey?” he questioned, though he seemed confident in his assumption.

  “Yes, the woman’s lust for money is insatiable, and I seem to be her latest target.”

  Blake’s casual manner and tone implied he didn’t mind their conversation, for the moment. But David’s instincts warned him to tread carefully where Rina was concerned. “I seem to remember the young lady riding off when I first visited Windsong. She rode a black stallion — a fine horse of excellent breeding, if I am correct.” Greerson continued to watch Blake, curious about the woman and Lord Roberts, but cautious with his approach.

  “Yes. He’s a magnificent animal,” Blake replied wryly, repeating the lieutenant’s own observation, as he had on that day.

  “An animal like that would be a great expense. I find it puzzling she would own a horse worth so much.”

  “It was a gift — from my grandfather.” Blake was careful to let no expression show on his face, guarding his emotions.

  “It seems her reputation is well-deserved.”

  The lieutenant’s reflection drew Blake’s gaze to him and he mumbled, “I’m sorry —”

  Seeing Lord Robert’s incredulous look, Greerson quickly added, “She has an amazing way with animals — as I was told.”

  Blake merely nodded in agreement before he turned his attention back to the woman they discussed. Rina finished wrapping the leg and walked over to the men, who now waited in silence.

  “I’ve treated the sprain, I’ll stop by again tomorrow. It will take several treatments to get the swelling down, but you must not ride the horse while it’s healing, lieutenant.”

  “Thank you for your trouble. How much is the charge?” he asked.

  “There is no charge.” Rina turned to Blake. “Shall we go? I need to check on a sick child this afternoon.”

  “I’ll not detain you any further,” Greerson replied with a courteous nod of his head. “Until we meet again, miss.”

  Greerson left them, his mind filled with thoughts of the lovely young woman and Lord Roberts’ obvious possessiveness.

  Blake crossed the yard to Hera and mounted her. He looked down at Rina. “Do you really have a sick child to see, little one?”

  “Yes, I do.” Rina took the hand he offered and let him lift her into the saddle. From the unguarded look of disappointment in his eyes, she knew why he had asked.

  “That’s too bad. I would very much like to kidnap you for the afternoon and make passionate love to you … but … if there is a sick child, I’ll wait for another day.” He brushed his lips over hers with the lightest of kisses before he nudged Hera into a trot.

  Greerson stood in the doorway of the inn and watched the couple on the horse. He did not miss the intimate way Blake held Rina, nor the tender kiss he gave her before they rode on. Thoughtfully, he turned and went inside.

  THE FIRE CRACKLED AND spit red embers out in a spray as the wood popped under the consuming blaze. Enjoying the warmth against her face, Rina stared into the orange flames, her brush forgotten by her side. Her just-washed hair curled about her shoulders, the glow of the fire bringing out streaks of copper and gold. The smell of roses still lingered in the air from the bath Rina had luxuriated in only moments before.

  A light snow fell, covering the ground with a soft, white blanket. It was Christmas Eve and Rina wondered how the ball at Windsong was going. Visions of Blake in the arms of other women caused her much anxiety and depression. Everyone of importance was there tonight. Rina’s thoughts changed and she forgot the other women, her mind focusing on the trap carefully set for the Angel and her men.

  Lieutenant Greerson had persuaded Blake to allow him to set up an ambush. Convinced they would strike during the ball, the lieutenant called in more men with the intent to position them at all possible escape routes. His plan was perfect.

  Or so he thought. Rina smiled to herself, having decided to pass up the ball before she learned of the trap. A large crowd of people would be there, and she did not wish to take any chances with the lives of her men or those attending the dance. Greerson’s mistake was in thinking greed ruled them, but no amount of money was worth dying for. No, tonight the Angel would not steal from anyone. Tonight, she wanted only to give.

  It was late. Jake and Jenny had gone to bed. John had left earlier, unaware of Rina’s plans. Slowly, she got to her feet and pulled on her pants and shirt. They were not her worn riding pants but her black ones, and silently she donned the rest of the Angel in Black’s outfit. She placed her ragged clothes in a small bag and taking one pistol and her knife, she left. The cape she wore was her own and tonight she rode Blackstar.

  The snow muffled the hoof beats as Blackstar and his mistress pounded down the road to Windsong. When Rina neared the estate, she slowed her pace and looked warily around. Once in view of the house, she slid off Blackstar’s broad back and made her way to the stables. She managed to get inside undetected. She breathed a sigh of relief and guided the horse to an empty stall. Hearing a noise behind her, she whirled about, pulling her pistol from her belt.

  Jenkins stood there, the surprise on his face quickly replaced by concern. “Lordy girl, what are you doin’ here? You were warned they be waitin’ for you, Rina. Have you lost your mind?” He glanced about in a nervous dither.

  It was Rina’s turn to be shocked. “How did you know it was me, Jenkins?”

  “Ah, come now, girl. There are some of us who know you better than you do yourself. Ol’ Jacob an’ me figured it out right off. Now, tell me, Rina, why are you here?” Jenkins’ brows wrinkled in worry as he thought of the danger she was in.

  “I’m alone tonight; there is no need to fret, I’m not here to rob anyone. But I hate to disappoint the lieutenant after he went to so much trouble.” Rina smiled as she teased Jenkins, but his serious look remained.

  “An’ tell me, you foolish girl, how do you intend on gettin’ out of here after you pay your visit t’ the man?”

  Rina hesitated, unable to find another answer other than an honest one. “I don’t plan to leave tonight.” She saw Jenkins understood her meaning. “If you will see these clothes get to Jacob, I’ll leave early in the morning as myself.”

  She handed him her bag and cape. Jenkins took her hand in his own gnarled ones and with a gentle pat asked, “You love him, don’t you, lass?”

  “Yes, Jenkins, I do.”

  “Has a fierce temper, that one. But if anyone can stand toe-to-toe with the lad, would be you. Be patient with him, in time he’ll come t�
� his senses. His grandfather were much the same at his age.”

  This surprised Rina, unable to imagine the gentle and kind man she knew as temperamental as his grandson. She touched Jenkins withered cheek and smiled, “Thank you.”

  “I’ll take care of everythin’, includin’ this beast of yours. Now go, but be careful, girl.” He kissed her on the cheek, his affection for her clear in his eyes when she turned to leave.

  Rina didn’t know when she had decided to go to Blake. Perhaps it was the day she treated the lieutenant’s horse … she knew only the tremendous desire to be with him, to feed the love growing inside her. She argued with herself for days, but her heart was stronger than her mind. In the end, it was simple; she wanted to share tonight with the man she loved. Tomorrow — well, she would face it when it came.

  Knowing Windsong from her visits over the years, Rina found her way to the library with ease. Impatient, she waited until all the guests had gone. She heard when Ryon and Rebecca said good night to the lieutenant and Blake, leaving them alone. She guessed Lieutenant Greerson would be the last and most reluctant to leave. Her hunch proved correct.

  Disappointed the Angel had not shown up, Greerson accepted Blake’s offer of a drink before he and his men pulled out. A fire burned in the hearth, its meager light casting the room in shadow as Blake shut the door behind them. He crossed to where a single oil lamp burned and turned it up.

  “I tried to warn you the ball would be too large a gathering for the Angel to chance a robbery.” Blake poured two snifters of brandy and handed one to the other man. “Here you are, lieutenant.”

  “Please call me David. That’s exactly what I thought would attract her. Surely the gain in jewels and coin would make it worthwhile. So why didn’t she come?”

  “You thought greed would bring her here tonight?” At David’s nod, Blake shook his head. “No, the Angel isn’t a thief because of greed. She does it for other reasons, for humanity, love, compassion — but never greed.”

  “Lord Roberts, how is it you seem to understand so much about this woman?”