Angel in Black

by Fela Dawson Scott

  Rebecca ran forward, her eyes filled with pain. “Katrina, I’m hurt you would think so unfavorably of us. You will stay with us for as long as you wish, you are considered a member of this family and always will be. And since when do any of us care what others think? Besides, when Blake returns, I am certain you two will work out your differences.”

  “Rebecca,” chided Ryon, uncertain how to tell Katrina about Blake’s sudden departure. It was all so overwhelming. But the look on Katrina’s face alarmed him, so he attempted to explain. “He has been gone for some time, Katrina. He does not know you are alive.”

  Always the optimistic, Rebecca added, “I am sure he will be thrilled to see you and his son.”

  Katrina’s sad, bitter laughter took them all off guard. “Thrilled?” Her voice cracked with suppressed emotion. “It’s not the word I would use to describe his reaction when we last saw one another.”

  Everyone chimed in at once, all saying the same thing. “You’ve seen Blake?”

  “Yes,” answered Katrina, her voice hard. “Unbelievably, on an island in the South Seas, so I doubt he will be coming home soon. It seems he has taken to heart certain lies fabricated by a red-haired bitch we all know. He made it clear exactly what he thought of me and my son. So, if you please, I will not speak on the matter again.”

  Katrina turned, walked stiffly across the room to a small table, and poured herself a liberal amount of brandy. Anger bolted through her so fiercely, she shook from the force of it. Closing her eyes, she gulped the liquor down; the burning sensation eased the terrible agony in her heart. She concentrated on replacing the visions of Blake with Langsford’s evil face, turning her thoughts to him. Immediately relieved, the familiar hatred churned inside of her, rescuing her from the pain she could not face. The sweet revenge she had waited so long to exact was close at hand. She could taste it, smell it, feel it.

  Everyone watched Katrina, unable to say or do anything but stare. They observed the subtle changes in her, but only Li knew what they meant. Katrina understood the hatred inside of her, it was something she could deal with, but Blake’s betrayal she could not. The pain and sorrow he inflicted, the bitter loneliness in her heart, it would destroy her — Katrina did not have the strength to defeat it. So she chose to put it from her mind, to ignore its existence. She replaced all else with something she did not fear, her loathing of Lawrence Langsford.

  When Katrina faced her friends again, her face showed no emotion, all neatly tucked away. “Forgive me, I must be tired.”

  Rebecca wrapped her arm about Katrina’s shoulders, her voice sad and sympathetic. “No, forgive us, we —”

  Katrina held up her hand, stopping Rebecca. “It is nice to be home again.”

  “I’ll take you to your rooms.” Rebecca smiled and said no more.

  David stepped forward and took her hand into his. “I will say good night and see you tomorrow, Katrina.” He placed a light kiss on her cheek and left.

  When Rebecca started to leave the room, Katrina said, “I have something I wish to discuss with Ryon. I’ll be up shortly.”

  When they were left alone, an uneasy feeling descended on Ryon. Uncertain of what he should say, he was relieved when Katrina spoke first. “I have two favors to ask of you, Ryon.”

  Ryon answered happily, “Anything, Katrina. Grandfather said should you need our help, you had but to ask.”

  She swallowed hard and smiled in return, the task before her a difficult one. “Thank you, Ryon. First of all, I would like you to locate someone, Chin Li’s love. They were separated about the same time I was taken. I would like to see them together again; she is dear to me.”

  Katrina gave Ryon the information he would need to locate Yee Ling. She plunged on and made her second request. “I plan to leave in the morning. I would appreciate it if you would look after Li and Jason for me.”

  “Leave?” Ryon frowned. “You just got home. Katrina, what is going on? You are kidnapped and a woman is found dead — a woman we thought to be you. Months later, John receives a brief note — explaining little except you are alive and will return. After a year, you are here, with no explanations offered. You say you have seen my brother, but will not speak of it. What the hell has happened? I believe we have a right to know.”

  Angered by his questions, yet, knowing he was in the right, culminated in frustration and impatience. Combined with her already strained nerves she snapped back, “I cannot explain! Not yet. You will have to accept this, for I cannot tell you more. I must return to Tattershall, and I need to go alone.”

  Ryon did not understand, and the reasons given were not enough. “Why must you go to the village?”

  Katrina drew a deep breath and did what she had hoped not to do, she lied. “I need time to think, Ryon. To sort out the mess my life is in.”

  Cleverly, Katrina sought to appeal to his sense of compassion. “I still have a husband, or have you forgotten? Everyone believes me dead, including Randolph. A year has gone by and everyone will want to know what has happened. I do not know if I am ready to face all those explanations, Ryon. It has all been tremendously difficult and not easy to explain.”

  She paused a moment, the lies falling into place easily. Her hesitation played on Ryon’s imagination as he tried to figure out the horrible things Katrina must have endured and suffered in the last year.

  “I am married to a man you know I hate. And now, I have a son, and he is undeniably Blake’s and not my estranged husband’s. The father of my child thinks me a whore and anything else he can think of foul enough for me to deserve. When he saw me again — he wanted to kill me, Ryon. The last time we were together, he left money for me to find the morning after. Does that not speak his mind clearly enough?”

  The impact of her words was clear on Ryon’s face. “Oh, Katrina — I am so sorry.”

  Katrina hated what she was doing, but knew she must continue. “Ryon, I just need some time alone, before others learn I am alive. I need to know Chin Li and my son will be taken care of in my absence. Please, Ryon. I need some time to myself. To decide what I am to do.”

  When he hesitated, Katrina added her last plea in desperation. “There is so much pain inside me and an anger I cannot control. I must come to terms with it; surely you can understand. Do not cross me, Ryon. I will do it, with or without your help.”

  Ryon saw her determination, and yes, he could understand her reasons for wanting the time alone. Blake hurt them all, but Katrina had to be experiencing the greatest pain. “All right, Katrina. I can’t stop you, and you needn’t worry about Chin Li and Jason. You have my assurance they will be well taken care of while you are away.”

  Relief flooded through her as her plan fell into place. “Thank you, Ryon.”

  IT WAS DARK BY the time the coach lumbered into the quiet village. It seemed a lifetime since Katrina last walked down the narrow streets of Tattershall, yet the crowded cottages all looked the same. She made her way down the cobbled lanes to the dear little cottage, with its sparse furniture and drafty walls. The familiar worn door stood before her, the place where she had slept for most of the last ten years just beyond. She was home at last.

  For a moment, she merely stood taking in the smells and sounds she had longed for. Inside she heard Jake’s familiar cackle and Jenny’s merry twitter as they shared their meal, its aroma teasing her nostrils. The light inside flickered and cast their shadows into the darkness outside. Her heart pounded hard when she reached for the latch, and it lurched erratically when John’s deep voice reached her. Dear Johnny! Katrina closed her eyes and tried to calm herself before she lifted the handle.

  A bowl fell from Jenny’s hand and rolled about the floor. Everyone stared at the small figure standing in the doorway; no one moved, the moment frozen in time.

  “Oh, my God,” John finally muttered and stepped forward to wrap her in his large arms. He twirled her about the room in happiness and relief. When at last he let go and Katrina turned to Jake and Jenny, tears were str
eaming down their wrinkled cheeks. She hugged them both and soothed their fears, reassuring them she was all right. It was some time before any of them were calm enough to speak.

  During the commotion, no one heard the noise outside until a thunderous crash at the door startled them. At first, everyone stood bewildered; but elation lit Katrina’s face and she ran to throw it open.

  Blackstar stood outside, his head bobbing up and down wildly, shaking with excitement. Katrina squealed with delight and wrapped her arms lovingly about his neck, letting him lift her from the ground as he snorted loudly in her ear.

  “Oh, Blackstar — how I have missed you.” Happy beyond measure, Katrina took him back to the shed and calmed him, her voice and presence soothing the black beast. When she returned, they all sat at the table and Katrina related all that had happened in the past year. Jenny cried during her tale, but the news of Jason’s birth brought tears of joy, followed by disappointment Katrina had left him in London. But when the story was complete, they all understood Katrina’s reasons and knew the danger she and her son were in. Lawrence Langsford had failed, again, to rid himself of his niece, and they all knew he would be more determined to succeed in the deed. Now, there was also her son, a new threat to him, one he would not abide with grace. The only consolation was Langsford did not know Katrina was alive and, for now, they were safe.

  LANGSFORD’S COACH PULLED INTO Camray with a third passenger on board. Catherine Ramsey stepped gracefully from the luxurious interior, her gloved hand resting on Lawrence’s proffered arm. A flicker of emotion crossed her eyes as her thoughts turned to Katrina … and revenge.

  Catherine’s triumphant smile reminded Lawrence of a cat about to pounce on a defenseless mouse. Had someone besides him seen her look, they would have fully expected her to lick her lips hungrily.

  Chapter Twenty-five

  IMPATIENT, BLAKE WAITED FOR Trevor to board the longboat bound for shore. Once on the dock, Blake quickly found out when Katrina’s ship arrived. Panic hit him head on when he discovered they were two full days behind her.

  “She could still be in London, Blake,” suggested Trevor as the two men made their way to Blake’s townhouse. “Katrina hasn’t had time to get into any trouble, I’m sure.”

  Cold amber eyes flashed at Trevor and Blake’s lips twisted into a sad smile. “You certainly don’t know Katrina as I do.”

  Blake looked away to hide his distress, but Trevor was not fooled.

  “Katrina is trouble. I knew it the first time I laid eyes on her, riding her beast of a horse.”

  His comment agitated Trevor and he rushed to Katrina’s defense, his feelings clear in his tone. “You’re being unfair. Katrina does not look for trouble, I know her well enough to realize that.” Blake turned his gaze back to Trevor. Expecting an angry response, he was surprised instead by the look of dismay etched upon his haggard face.

  “She does not have to look for trouble, Trevor, it finds her. Katrina’s beauty has a tendency to bring out the worst in men. I can certainly attest to that. When I am around her I lose all control.”

  Trevor cleared his throat, uncertain what to say, uncomfortable at the turn in conversation. Blake’s next question was unexpected.

  “Did she affect you this way when you first saw Katrina?”

  “Ahhh … yes, very much so. I have never lost my composure so quickly. She is truly beautiful.”

  Considering what he said, Blake then asked bluntly, “You love her, don’t you?”

  Trevor was unable to lie and answered, “Yes, I do.”

  An uncomfortable silence descended on them. This time, Trevor looked away and Blake sought the right words to explain his feelings. “Katrina is fortunate to have people who truly care for her, Trevor. I find it difficult; when I think of others loving her, a searing jealousy rips me apart. I want to be the only one … the only one so privileged.”

  “You are privileged, Blake. Katrina has chosen you to love in return. I don’t mean the love you have for family and friends, but the passionate love you both share — this love created your son. It allows you to forgive one another the greatest of wrongs; or to feel each other’s pain and sorrow. Katrina’s love for you is faithful and true, I have no doubt of this. I consider you the luckiest of men — do not be a fool and lose her. No one has loved her as you have, and strangely enough, I don’t think anyone else ever will.”

  The carriage pulled up to the townhouse, and Blake jumped from it before it had completely stopped. Taking the front steps two at a time, Blake burst through the door, his hollering taking everyone by surprise.

  “Ryon … Ryon. Where the hell are you?” Blake almost collided with his brother as he entered the hall, a look of shock on the younger man’s face.

  “Blake.”

  Suddenly, the two brothers were in each other’s arms, laughing and hugging, joy and happiness reflected in their faces. “God, I was beginning to fear we would never see you again.”

  Blake held Ryon at arm’s length, his eyes sad and tired. “I have been the biggest of fools, Ryon. Can you and Rebecca ever forgive me for the pain I caused you?”

  “Of course we can.” Rebecca’s voice broke into the intimate scene, and Blake found himself surrounded by his loving family. “You are safe and have come home to us; the past and all pain shall be forgotten.”

  Blake’s expression turned grave at her softly spoken words, and he gently wiped away the tears spilling onto her cheeks. “The past is like a shadow. It has no substance, but is always at my heels. Unfortunately, there is some pain that cannot be forgotten and I doubt others will be as forgiving as you two are.”

  “Come and sit, Blake. We have much to talk about.”

  Trevor strolled in, drawing everyone’s attention. “Damn it, Blake. Is this any way to treat a guest?”

  Having heard the commotion, Chin Li left the salon and stood in the doorway leading into the hall. “Mr. Wilde. I am so thankful you have come.”

  Blake whirled about, his face paled as Jason squirmed impatiently in Li’s arms. “Katrina is here?”

  It was more a statement than a question, and sudden relief flooded through him. Turning toward the stairs, his eyes looked up to the second floor, he asked, “Is she upstairs?”

  Blake started toward the staircase, but Ryon grabbed his arm to stop him. “Katrina is not here, Blake. She left yesterday morning for Tattershall.”

  If Ryon had meant to say something more, he did not, for the stricken look on Blake’s face stopped him.

  “Gone?” His initial fear mingled with insane anger as he bellowed at his confused brother. “Gone? Why did you allow her to leave? Dear God!” His fiery gaze fell on Li. “You knew — you should have stopped her.”

  Ryon looked about in total bewilderment. “All you need to do is follow her to the village. Surely, a couple of days will make no difference. You can settle your argument, or whatever the hell it is you two seem to be continuously doing.”

  Blake tried to control himself, his teeth grinding together impatiently. “What reason did she give you for leaving, Ryon?”

  It was obvious Ryon barely held his own temper in check, but answered his brother’s question nonetheless. “Katrina felt she needed some time alone. I don’t know exactly what happened between you two, but I do know she was upset. I had no right to detain her, Blake.”

  “You,” Blake pointed at Chin Li accusingly, “you know why she left. Why didn’t you stop her?”

  Surprisingly enough, Li faced Blake with no fear and answered honestly. “The letter I left for Mr. Wilde has brought you here; there was nothing else I could do. What guides her now has influenced her life for years, much longer than you or I. She is unable to deny the overpowering feelings of hatred inside of her; it draws her like a moth to flame. I fear there is no one who can stop her.”

  Ryon frowned, an uneasy look on his face, confusion clear in his eyes. “I don’t understand what is going on here.”

  Trevor grasped Blake’s arm and
motioned toward the salon. “I believe we have some explaining to do, but please, let us do it sitting down.”

  Rebecca, embarrassed by her lack of consideration, rushed forward to see to everyone’s comfort. Blake sent two servants off with messages and Trevor attempted to explain their reasons for concern. Blake continued to pace the floor as the story unfolded, his anxiety increasing with each second ticking by.

  “Blake,” started Ryon, his own features grim, “I had no idea. I assure you, I would not have let her go —”

  Blake interrupted his brother, “I know, Ryon. Katrina has kept her secrets well. We would all have done things differently, had we known what we do now.”

  One of the servants returned and spoke with Blake, while the others waited anxiously to know what was going on. “It seems Langsford left his townhouse here in London. He suddenly left town to return to Camray, two days ago. Randolph and Catherine Ramsey were with him.”

  Ryon jumped up, concern straining his voice. “But he couldn’t know she has returned. How could he? We have said nothing.”

  “Damn it, he knows. I don’t know how but he does — and he has gone after her.” Blake slammed his fist angrily against the wall, and said in a low voice, “I will leave within the hour.”

  Trevor stood. “I will be ready.”

  “Not this time, Trevor. I need you here. I’ve sent word to Lieutenant Greerson; he will accompany me.”

  His gaze fell to Ryon, Rebecca, and Chin Li. “And I expect the four of you to take good care of my son until I return with his mother. Don’t underestimate Langsford. If he has found out about Katrina, he will probably know she has a son — Jason is not safe either. Ryon, you and Trevor must protect him. I am depending on you both.”