“A true patriot would not. What bothers me is that we may not be dealing with one of our comrades.”
Gabe tilted his head. “Have more faith in me. I think all will go well.”
William chuckled over the irrationality of it all. “You are correct, my dear friend.” He handed back the letter. “Then I wish you good fortune. Be certain to let this woman know the Sons of Liberty want to meet with her.”
“Of course. That will be the first issue we discuss.”
Gabe’s cheeks darkened, and William laughed. “Why do I not believe you?” He pushed away from his desk and stood. “Shall we return home?”
Gabe led the way to the buggy with a bounce in his step. William grinned. He prayed the meeting would be to his friend’s satisfaction, and especially for the love interest Gabe was desperately trying to find.
* * * *
Katherine waited in the abandoned cottage on Honeybrooke Lane, the perfect place for her secret rendezvous. Tonight she could not reveal her identity no matter how much she wanted to. She located a blonde wig and had stolen one of her sister’s puritan dresses. Looking her most sensual didn’t suit the purpose tonight, but appearing modest did. Gabriel wouldn’t believe her if she dressed in her own gowns.
What worried her most was acting the part she portrayed tonight. Since first meeting Gabriel, she had wanted him and had no qualms of letting him know her wanton feelings. If only he had more money and was above being a servant she would have tried harder.
She opened the curtains only a small amount, letting in the moonlight’s full shine. She didn’t dare have too much light, lest Gabriel recognize her, even with the wig. She walked to the table and touched the quill and ink, then situated the letter. Every detail had to look perfect. She wouldn’t settle for less. When he arrived, everything would fall right into place, and her plans would succeed—if Captain Wilkes arrived soon.
In the distance, the clip-clop of a horse’s hooves came up the lane. She smoothed her hands down her dress, making certain she looked proper. She hurried to sit behind the small table and picked up the quill. Her heart hammered against her ribs, and she took deep breaths to calm herself. She must appear in control. Although the insipid Captain Wilkes should have been here by now, she suspected some errand had detained him and he’d be with her momentarily.
A man’s footsteps echoed through the old cottage. She waited until he came into the room. Just as he entered, his boots stopped. The moon cast shadows, for which she was glad.
“Greetings,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
She turned and faced him. “Good evening.” She purposely made her voice low and mysterious.
“I am Gabriel Lawrence. You sent me a letter.”
She stood and removed her hood, displaying her long blonde wig that flowed over her shoulders, curling at the ends. “Indeed, I did.”
He stepped further inside. “What is your name?”
“Emma.”
He walked closer, his head tilted as if trying to see her better through the shadows. “Do I know you?”
“No. We have never met.”
“Then how do you know me?”
She smiled. “You have been searching for the mysterious writer, have you not?”
“Aye.”
“That is how I know you.”
He circled her slowly as if trying to memorize every inch of her. To assist in his close scrutiny, she unhooked her cloak and draped it over the chair. She enjoyed the way men gazed at her as if they’d never seen anything so lovely in their life.
He inhaled sharply, then smiled. “You are very beautiful.”
“Thank you, kind sir.”
She lifted the corner of her mouth. He was quite a prize himself. If only he hadn’t turned her away after they’d first met.
Gabriel chuckled and dragged his fingers through his hair. “I feel awkward. I am excited about meeting you, yet I am as jittery as a schoolboy.”
Acting shy, she lowered her gaze to the floor and smiled. “I, too, feel the same enthusiasm.”
He stepped closer, close enough for his manly scent of leather to envelope her. She’d always enjoyed his smell. She closed her eyes and breathed deeper. When he touched her chin, she looked up into his dark eyes.
“Then I suppose it is too forward of me to say how attracted I am to you.”
Just the words she wanted to hear. “No better time than the present.”
His thumb stroked her cheek. “Tell me about yourself.”
“I am not ready to confess all.”
“Then tell me why you wrote those beautiful poems.”
She shrugged. “Because it is what I feel. It is what all of us should feel.”
“Granted, but why did you write them knowing you could get caught?” His touch moved to her neck.
“I needed to voice my thoughts,” she replied.
“Are you aware of the bee’s nest you have stirred within the King’s soldiers?”
She laughed. “Yes, which makes me want to write more.”
“You should not. I fear for your safety.”
She placed her hand over his, still resting on her neck. “Will you protect me?”
His chest rose and fell from his heavy breathing. Her own breaths came quicker, also.
He stepped closer, cupping her head with both hands. “Yes.”
Warm breath blew across her face. She sighed and cuddled her face against his hand. “Then I have nothing to fear.”
He leaned his head forward, and she thought he would kiss her, which she’d gladly accept, but he pulled back and dropped his hands. She gritted her teeth, balling her hands by her side. What was wrong with him?
Turning away from her, he walked to the desk. This is where she wanted him when Captain Wilkes came anyway, but since the captain wasn’t here, Gabriel couldn’t be at the table.
Not yet.
She hurried to the table, but didn’t stop him from touching the quill, then the paper.
“Are you writing another poem?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“Will you read it to me?”
She grasped his hand and brought it up to her mouth, kissing his open palm. “There is a time and place to read that, and now is neither the time, nor the place.”
He closed the space between them and circled his arm around her waist, pulling her up against him. “What do you want, Emma? Why did you summon me here?”
Through the shadows, his gaze dipped to her mouth. He wanted to kiss her, just as much as she wanted him to. “I think you know why, Gabriel. My heart is beating so fast, anticipating your kiss.”
“Heaven help me,” he mumbled before bending his head and kissing her.
She clung to him, answering his urgent kiss. Her heart soared. He’d been worth the wait, but if he knew her true identity, he wouldn’t have let this happen. It’d been such a long time since any man had made her heart thunder so loud. In fact, it almost sounded like...horse’s hooves.
She gasped and pulled back, concentrating on the noise. A groan tore from her throat. Captain Wilkes had arrived. She hurried to the table, thankfully, Gabriel followed. “I cannot do this,” she muttered. She pulled out the chair. “Please, sit. We will discuss the letter.”
Gabriel’s forehead creased in confusion, but he sat behind the desk. She stroked his cheek and smiled. “I have dreamed of this moment for a long time.”
The corner of his mouth lifted, just the way she’d remembered—the sensual way that made her weak in the knees.
“Why?”
“Because, you are exactly where I want you.”
His brows drew together. The clamoring of Captain Wilkes’ footsteps hurrying into the house caused Gabriel to turn his head. The captain aimed his pistol at Gabriel.
“You are under arrest for treason.” The captain grinned, then threw back his head and laughed, the sound echoing through the room in a booming crescendo.
Chapter Eighteen
Mercedes
made her way down the stairs to the dining room the next morning. Angry voices rose from the study. William’s voice boomed louder than the others, sounding panicked. Her heartbeat quickened.
Lifting her dress to her ankles, she hurried toward the room. Six men clustered in William’s study. The door stood ajar, so she peeked inside. All the men held the same worried expressions of drawn brows and sorrowful eyes. William’s lips pulled together, his hands balled at his side. Fear shook her body. William stalked to the liquor tray and poured a glass of bourbon—something he rarely did. He tipped it to his lips and gulped as if it was water.
Raking his fingers through his hair, he spun toward the group of men. “I do not care about the King’s soldiers,” he shouted. “Gabe is not only a dedicated member of the Sons of Liberty, he is my best friend. I would give my life to set him free, and if that is what it takes to break him from jail, then so be it.”
Mercedes gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. Gabriel was in jail? Tears stung her eyes and a lump formed in her throat. No. Her heart sank. William would do what it took to save his friend, even give his own life. Chills of fear burned down her spine. She could not let William give his life for his friend.
“We must break him out the same way we helped Mr. Hoskins’ escape.”
William growled and slammed his fist into the wall. “No. Wilkes will be expecting that and then all of us will be caught.”
“What about a distraction?” another man asked. “We can draw the soldiers away from the cell while somebody sneaks in and sets him free.”
William inhaled, his nostrils flared with anger. “What kind of distraction?”
The man’s worried expression relaxed and he smiled. “Oh, I know a few harlots who wouldn’t mind helping out.”
“How do we break Gabe out?” William asked. “Someone needs to be inside the jail, and Captain Wilkes is not allowing Gabe any visitors.”
All heads lowered while silence filled the air.
An idea sprang to Mercedes’ mind. She could help. Her heartbeat picked up rhythm. With a shaky hand, she pushed open the door and stepped inside. William’s gaze snapped to her.
“William, might I have a word in private with you?” His brows drew together, and she feared he’d turn her down. “Please, it is important.”
He ran his fingers through his hair and nodded. “Excuse me, gentlemen. I will not be but a moment.”
She grasped his hand and pulled him into the parlor, closing the doors behind her. She met his gaze and cupped his face. His gray eyes did not hold the familiar sparkle, and her heart wrenched. “William, I overheard your plans to break Gabriel out of jail, and I have an idea.”
He smiled, but not fully as he wrapped his arms around her. “My love, I appreciate your help, but I’ll not allow you to be put in danger. I love you too much.”
“Then do you know someone else who has been intimate with Captain Wilkes lately? Because I do not think he will trust anybody but Kat.”
William’s brows furrowed, his lips pursed. “Whatever is in that pretty little head of yours, the answer is no.”
“Will you just listen before you give an answer?”
A nerve in his cheek jumped, but he nodded.
“Kat could make that man behave in ways he would not normally. She had some kind of hold over him, and I think if I play my sister, I might be able to help.”
“What is your plan?”
She exhaled slowly. “I am thinking about getting him drunk.”
His eyes widened. “And how will you manage that?”
“I can arrange to meet with him at the jail—alone—then get him intoxicated. Because of the man he is, I do not believe he will turn down a secret rendezvous.”
“You are correct. Go on.”
“After he passes out, I can help you and the others inside. I will get the keys from Captain Wilkes and we can sneak Gabriel out.”
William’s lips twitched into a grin. “Or, Gabe can walk out on his own.”
Confused, she wrinkled her forehead. “What do you mean?”
He chuckled. “Think about it. Gabe and the captain are the same height, the same build. They even have the same color of hair. After the captain passes out, you can unlock Gabe’s cell and he will steal Captain Wilkes’ uniform and walk out with you on his arm.”
William shrugged. “The other soldiers will not think any different.”
She laughed and hugged him. “I have faith this will work.”
He kissed her on the mouth. “So do I.”
* * * *
Mercedes took a deep breath and steadied her shaky limbs. Pretend you are Kat. It shouldn’t be that hard—after all, she’d started to portray her sister when she first arrived in Philadelphia. But this time was different. To play the part of her sister, she’d donned one of Kat’s immodest dresses. And heaven help her, she would flirt like she’d never done before. The plan must work! Both Gabriel and William’s lives were at stake.
Lifting her chin, she squared her shoulders and walked across the street toward the jail. Wilkes stood outside with four other soldiers. When he spotted her, he moved away from the men and strode toward her, his smile stretching with each step. She swallowed the lump of fear in her throat and breathed slowly.
“Good day, my dear Mrs. Braxton.” Captain Wilkes stopped in front of her and picked up her hand, running his lips over her wrist. When he met her gaze, his eyes darkened.
I am Kat, Mercedes told herself and smiled. “Good day to you, you handsome devil.”
He grinned and took a step closer to her. “Have you missed me, my sweet?”
“Always, my dear Henry.” She batted her eyelashes and gave him a pout. “And I cannot go another day without you.”
He wagged his eyebrows up and down. “What do you suggest?”
She glanced around to see if they were out of the way of others’ ears. Thankfully, they were, but she lowered her voice, nevertheless. “I will meet you tonight, in the jail.”
His eyes widened. “In the jail? But why?”
“Shhh.” She placed her fingers over his mouth. “We must not be heard.” She grinned. “I have never been there, and...well, I have many wild ideas of what we can accomplish together in such a place.” She nearly gagged on the words, and she prayed she didn’t have to touch him too much tonight. She wasn’t that good of a performer.
His chest shook with silent laughter. Bringing her hand back up to his mouth, he kissed her knuckles again. She shuddered.
“But you must know there is a prisoner who will see us,” he said.
“Let him watch.” She chuckled.
Henry’s eyes turned dark. “Are you certain?”
“Very.”
“What time should we meet?”
“Late.” While pretending to think about this, she pursed her lips. “How about midnight?”
His eyes turned darker. “You are a wicked woman, but I love your idea.”
“And we must celebrate, so bring lots of spirits.”
“Oh, I will. I have been celebrating the capture of Gabriel Lawrence for quite a while, so I foresee no problem.”
Inwardly, she sighed. Just as she’d hoped. “Good. Then I expect to see you tonight. Alone. And make certain to bring plenty of rope.” She winked then walked away.
His husky laugh vibrated the air around her, sending chills down her spine. Was she strong enough to go through with this? She had to be. There was no other way.
Keeping her back firm, she crossed the street and walked into the nearest store before releasing her pent up breath. She gathered the cloak tighter around her neck, as not to show anyone else her immodest gown. She glanced out the window. Thank goodness Henry returned to his men.
And thank heavens William had kept up his end of the plan. He made arrangements with Mr. Percy, who usually sold his homemade liquor to the soldiers, to make certain this batch was extra potent. The good man had delivered the bottles this afternoon, and from what she could see, the so
ldiers were already starting their night of pleasure.
From behind her, a man cleared his throat. She spun around to see one of the men who’d been at the house this morning.
He smiled and nodded. “Good day, Mrs. Braxton. Are you enjoying this fine weather?”
“But of course, Mr. Tolland.” She smiled. “How is your wife?”
“She is doing well.”
“Is she still suffering from headaches?”
“Only occasionally now.”
“Give her my regards.”
“Will do, Mrs. Braxton.” He nodded before leaving the shop.
Relief flooded through her, reassuring her she would be protected. The Sons of Liberty took care of their own.
She hurried out of the store and to her buggy. There was much to do before tonight’s entertainment and she had to make certain every detail had been thought out. She couldn’t afford to make any mistakes. She also wanted William’s strong arms around her to feel the security in his embrace. She smiled. With his love, nothing could go awry. Nothing at all.
* * * *
Mercedes blew on her cold hands. Her nerves jittered out of control, making her body shake from more than just the cool night breeze. She slowed her horse, leading him in back of the jail. Voices from the soldiers out front of the building echoed through the night.
She reassured herself everything would turn out perfect. She had nothing to fear. William would make certain of that. After dismounting, she tiptoed to the back window and peeked inside. Henry sat in a chair, leaning his elbow on the table as he twirled a stick between his fingers. It appeared as if he were the only person inside.
Forcing her legs to move, she hurried around to the front. The one soldier placed in front of the door sat on his bottom, slumped against the building—asleep. The other soldiers were far enough away so she could slip through without being caught. Holding her breath, she inched closer. Her hand touched the doorknob and she pushed. The hinges squeaked, and thankfully, the men didn’t turn to look.
She hurried inside and closed the door behind her. Henry jumped from his chair, his mouth stretching into a grin. She scanned the surroundings, and breathed a sigh of relief. He had indeed followed her instructions. From the corner cell of the room, Gabriel lifted from the cot and moved to the bars, his eyes wide.
Take My Heart (Heroic Rogues Series) Page 22