Sea of Fire

  Several women whispered and stared in her direction, and she looked away. The gesture reminded her, she was not properly dressed for such an establishment. She tugged her cloak more securely around her in an attempt to hide her gown.

  Whatever Roderick, the toad, had told the attendant, apparently he was now finished. “Come, my dear. It’s time to meet Adam. Aren’t you excited?”

  “Utterly.”

  Roderick laughed.

  Actually, she hadn’t thought about it overly much until this moment. Once she had learned his true nature, all feelings for him other than hatred diminished. One evening, he was her betrothed. The following morning, he was her enemy and a person she never despised more. True, she had plotted and dreamed what horrible action she would take in revenge if she ever saw him. It wasn’t supposed to be under these circumstances, though. What choice did she have, but to respond in a civil manner?

  To her surprise, they walked to a staircase near the back of the inn. Roderick, instead of ascending, directed her to follow him around the steps. She hesitated. It was dark and obvious there was nowhere to go beyond the steps. Next instant, a stream of light shone and Roderick disappeared into it.

  She neared. What was a wall, slid open wide enough for her to enter. The moment she stepped into the room from the dark passageway, the bright light temporarily blinded her. The wall slammed shut behind her. She jerked.

  “Hello, Elizabeth.”

  She squinted in the direction of Adam’s voice until her eyes adjusted. “Adam,” she said.

  He didn’t rise to greet her from his reclining position in a leather wing chair. His shirt was partially open at the neck and he looked as if he had just awaked from a nap. Physically, he was exactly the same, with his grey-blue eyes and dark blond hair, but he no longer was handsome in her eyes. His actions had changed that opinion. She hoped her own wouldn’t hint at how she now despised his sight.

  “You’re as lovely as ever,” Adam said. He stood and walked to her. “Let’s have a hug.”

  He reached for her. She stepped back.

  “I demand to know if my father is alive and well.”

  “You demand?”

  She was as surprised at what she pronounced as he was. “I mean, please, Adam, tell me my father is unharmed.”

  “One small hug and kiss, and I’ll give you this.” He flashed her a folded piece of paper as he approached.

  She stood her ground until his hands held her by the arms. “I can’t, Adam,” she said. She struggled to free herself from his grip. “The hug would not be so pleasant. I was ill on the way here.” She wanted to add that she’d rather be stuck with pins than be held by him.

  Roderick, who had been watching them in silence, spoke out. “It’s true Adam. It’s my fault. I forgot to make arrangements so she might refresh herself.”

  Adam released her to return to his wing chair.

  “Sit.” He pointed to a sofa.

  She obeyed and noted that, besides the sofa, the chair was the only furniture in the room—which looked like a small waiting area.

  “Do you want me to leave?” Roderick asked.

  “Nay. It’s not necessary. Sit on the opposite end of the sofa with Elizabeth.”

  After Roderick was comfortable, Adam leaned forward and handed her the folded missive.

  Nervously, she snatched it away. It didn’t take long to read the two short sentences that said her father was well and to do as Adam directs. “This is my father’s script,” she confirmed and sighed in relief though wished he had written more.

  “You’re a talent, Elizabeth. Your work reflects how skillful you are. I reward those who do good by me.” Adam placed his forearms on each armrest.

  “How much longer must I continue counterfeiting and passing spurious coins? When will my father be free?” All she wanted was her father returned and to be rid of Adam. Blast be to any other rewards.

  “Edward Corry will be released when I’m ready—as will you.” He checked his pocket watch. “The hour is late. I’m tired. Unless there’s something else, this discussion is over.” He stood to emphasize his decision. “Roderick, you may take her home now.”

  “Nay,” she said. Her voice was a bit too bossy before she checked her tone. “Please, Adam. Can you not give me the littlest bit of an inkling when we will be free to return to a normal life? Other magistrates are getting concerned when my father will return. They’ve started to come to the house. I’m not certain how long I can keep them ...”

  “You’ll keep them from discovering the truth,” he interrupted, apparently understanding what she meant to say next. “Remember, Elizabeth. It’s only because I do care about you that I’ve considered this discussion.”

  Roderick grabbed her by the arm to help set her feet in motion for Adam’s words had numbed her. There was naught to say. Her circumstances were not about to change anytime soon.

  “One more item.” Adam spoke, but she remained in place and kept her back to him.

  “Next time, don’t get sick.”

  Chapter Twenty

  “That’s a good way to get killed, mister,” the hackney driver told Christian as he jumped aboard the speeding vehicle.

  “Bloody right you are,” he said somewhat out of breath.

  The driver stopped and eyed him curiously.

  Christian said, “Catch up to the carriage in the distance, but don’t follow too closely. When it stops, drive slowly past and take notice of where the passengers go. Stop a quarter of a mile beyond. I’ll tell you what to do after that.”

  “Aye,” the driver said, but not without a skeptical frown. He waited until Christian closed the hackney door behind him before he slapped the reins and proceeded.

  Christian straightened his overcoat. He ran both hands over his hair at once, trying to relax. The man had stopped the vehicle barely before it was upon him. When he realized the driver had not seen his wave, he had jumped onto the side of the hackney just in time. He couldn’t fault the badly shaken fellow, for he had stepped between two parked carriages right before the hackney’s approach. Not smart. He knew. However, neither he nor Elizabeth had considered that Roderick would personally escort her to Adam. In the past, he always had her meet him somewhere. This fact had created a major problem in trailing the two. He was frantic, and ready to steal any unattended parked vehicle, or flag any oncoming one and demand that the driver, regardless of the passengers, follow Roderick’s carriage. Fortunately, he hadn’t had to resort to such deeds. Now, the only problem that faced him was to find which room Adam occupied, without bringing undue attention to himself, and he couldn’t ask Elizabeth.

  He was anxious to see Adam. Christ, he hoped his brother was not suffering from memory loss or sickness, but if he wasn’t, what reason was there for such outrageous behavior—abduction and counterfeiting? Was he involved in extortion? He’d not leave Adam this eve until he had answers and saw to his brother’s welfare.

  The hackney traveled in the direction of Dublin Castle as Roderick had told Elizabeth they would meet at an inn nearby. When the hackney slowed considerably and next stopped, he exited instantly.

  “Where did the passengers go?”

  “Ye mean the pretty lady and the man?” the driver stupidly asked.

  “Aye. Where did they go?”

  “The Sword and Shield.” The driver gave him a pathetic look. “She must be your wife.” He shook his head. “Adultery. ‘Tis never easy and harder to prove.”

  Stunned by the man’s assumption and boldness, Christian said, “ ‘Tis none of your affair.”

  The man rattled on just the same. “Don’t blame yerself. Some women are helpless against sin. They’re attracted to evil. It makes them excited,” the driver said, obviously considering himself an expert on the subject. “Ye don’t plan to hurt anyone, do ye?”

  Christian choked back a chuckle. “Nay, but I’d watch who you speak with of such matters.” searched into his pocket and paid the driver. “No need to wait.”
>
  “Sorry, mister. Good luck to ye.”

  Christian stared at the facade of the Sword and Shield. He couldn’t risk asking the innkeeper about Adam. The man might have orders from Adam to inform him of any inquiries. As for any patrons, he’d have to be equally as careful.

  He rushed inside to the inner entryway, hesitated a moment to get his wits about him and cautiously entered. To his good fortune he saw a glimpse of Elizabeth before she turned towards the back of the inn. Without running, so as not to attract attention, he hurried to follow her. He got as far as a back staircase where the two seemed to have disappeared behind it. He quietly approached, determining that there must have been an entryway under the steps, until he came upon the dark alcove. There was no door. There was no passageway. One moment, he had seen them with his own eyes. The next moment they had vanished, which meant there had to be a hidden entrance.

  Adam was taking extra precautions not to be seen by the public, or maybe he thought Elizabeth would be followed. Christian stepped from beneath the darkness. The passageway offered no means of concealment. If he waited where he was, anyone passing would definitely see him. He tried a couple doors a few yards away. One was locked. The other opened into a storage room. He closed this door and leaned against it. As soon as he heard someone coming, or saw any light from beneath the steps, he’d dart inside.

  Content that he had the situation under control, he relaxed somewhat. He recalled the driver’s assumption and chuckled. The foolish man thought he was spying on a wife who was making a cuckold of him. His mind raced along these paths and soon he grew more serious. If Elizabeth was indeed his wife, and he found out she was committing adultery, would he become violent enough to want to shoot her and the lover? He’d like to think not. The idea of Elizabeth making love to another man, though, gave him a sour feeling in his stomach. He didn’t like it. He had experienced the best lovemaking he ever had with Elizabeth, yet he sensed she was holding back a part of herself. Was it because of Adam?

  What would she do when she saw Adam? He hadn’t thought of her reactions until now. Would seeing Adam rekindle the love she once held for him? Nay, he told himself. He knew her well enough. She wasn’t a promiscuous woman. Adam hadn’t bedded her. She had been a virgin when he took her.

  Still, his mind sped ahead. What if Adam wanted her back? Would he try to hold her and kiss her? Would she let him? How far would she go to save her father? Nay. He could not stand the thought of it. Adam was his brother, but after having Elizabeth ... Though he had no claims to her, neither did he want anyone else to have her. Christ! He was getting more distraught the more he considered it and the longer Elizabeth and Roderick spent inside.

  Bloody hell. He hoped Adam would get to business quickly and give Elizabeth the encouragement and assurance she needed with regard to her father. Between the stuffiness in the passageway and his legs getting stiff and tired from standing, even he was beginning to lose patience, despite the short time since the two entered the inn. Yet, it could be a while, he told himself. Better get used to it.

  His words of self-encouragement barely had time to register when he was stunned to see a brief flash of light from beneath the staircase. He dashed into the storage room and waited about a minute before he cautiously poked his head out the door. Roderick and Elizabeth were nowhere in sight. He hurried to the alcove to push and prod along the walls, anxious to see Adam. Success. His fingertips pressed the correct place, enabling a door to swing open.

  Yet, no light shone from within. Once he stepped inside, the door instantly shut behind him momentarily startling him. He groped in the darkness until he found a lamp and lit it. He was in a small waiting room or sitting room.

  Damn. Where had Adam gone to so fast? Either he had exited with Roderick and Elizabeth and Christian had missed him, or he had slipped out another exit to this hidden room.

  He crept around the small area. He hoped to find some article of clothing or any other personal effects of Adam’s, but the room was empty. Hell. How could he have been so careless as to let an opportunity like this slip away in a mere matter of moments? He should have planned better. He should have considered all possible scenarios. He kicked the only chair in the room and sent it tumbling backwards. The noise jolted him and was a reminder that he wasn’t supposed to be aware of this room. He set the chair upright and plopped down on it. Perhaps, this was a place Adam came often, considering his illegal activities. No one would ever see him coming or going. He shook his head in dismay. How had his brother gotten himself involved in all this?

  He rubbed his forehead. The proprietor had to know about this room and Adam. If he came right out and questioned the man, he’d endanger Elizabeth. He stood. Perhaps, good fortune was at least on her side this eve where she was able to obtain some helpful information. If not, he’d have to do some serious thinking. He was close, but not close enough, and he was certain, once he’d met with Adam, he’d have all the answers.

  He started for the exit and realized he was not certain where it was. The room appeared to be all walls. Once again he poked and prodded, but to no avail. Damn! Was he going to be stuck in this place now?

  He calmed himself. He’d simply begin in one spot and feel his way around the room. His patience paid off. As before, a panel swung open, but this time a burst of fresh air accompanied it. This, then, was the exit Adam must have used. He placed the lamp back where he’d found it and blew at it before he stepped outside into the night air.

  The door shut behind him. This time he was prepared for it.

  He saw he was in the mews behind the Sword and Shield. At once, he became hopeful. All he had to do was watch the back of the inn. He was bound to see Adam eventually.

  * * * *

  By the time Roderick and Elizabeth arrived back at her town house, it was two in the morning. “You needn’t escort me to the door,” she said and stepped down from the carriage.

  “Oh, but I want to,” Roderick answered, close on her heels.

  He followed her inside. “Is there something else?” she asked.

  “You know me too well,” he replied. “I want you to pick up two pouches of coins from the Aurora. You know where it’s docked. You’ve met Captain Desmond before.” He chuckled at himself the way he did when he’d told one of his stupid jokes. “You don’t have to go right away. Later this afternoon will be well enough.”

  What would Roderick do if he didn’t have himself to humor him? “Where do you want me to bring the pouches?”

  “Home with you until I decide. I know you’ll keep them safe,” he said and yawned. “Good-bye, Elizabeth.”

  She shut the door after him. She was hoping Christian would soon return with good news that he was able to talk some sense into Adam. Regardless of what Adam had told her, maybe Christian would be able to put an end to this nightmare. What if he chose not to, though? What if once he’d seen Adam, Christian had changed his mind and decided to side with Adam? They were brothers. What if Christian had merely used her to find Adam? She couldn’t bear it. As time crept along into the early morning, her doubt and fears increased.

  Strained emotions and the late hour proved to work against her. She retired to her bedchamber and finally dozed off. She had slept so soundly, dawn’s first penetrating light through the bedchamber window never woke her. Instead, the traffic out front on Henrietta Street alerted her to a new day. She jolted upright with the events of the previous night instantly racing through her mind.

  Christian had not called, and more than likely he wasn’t going to do so. She suspected the worst, but she didn’t want to believe it. There was naught for her to do, but continue as she had every day since her father was abducted. It was late morning and she needed to get to the Aurora to secure the coins.

  She changed from the wrinkled gown she had slept in, put on a wrapper and headed for the kitchen to prepare a hot bath. Her intent was to carry the water upstairs until it occurred to her with no one in the house, she could bathe anywhere she like
d. Consequently, she set the tub in the kitchen. When the water was prepared, she sprinkled some scent into it, undressed and slowly immersed herself.

  She recalled another bath a long time ago when counterfeit coins and dies fell from a teapot into the water. If she had not confronted Roderick, would it have changed her father’s fate? Probably not, but at least she wouldn’t have had to take any part in the drawing or passing of the spurious coins. She had to stop thinking of what would have been, and concentrate on a plan for the present. If only she could find her father, her options would not be as limited.

  She closed her eyes and rested her head against the rim of the tub. As quickly, she sat forward. Lounging in a bath only made her mind run rampant. She needed to keep her mind off her predicament, but mainly off Christian. She didn’t want to face the hurt that threatened to rise within her at what now seemed like his betrayal. Would she never learn? What a fool.

  She sank down into the water and dunked her head below the surface as if the gesture would drown any more foolishness. When she had scrubbed herself clean, she stood. The cool air against her wet skin caused chill bumps to surface. Hurriedly, she rubbed herself dry, tied the towel around her, and padded upstairs to dress.

  A half hour later, when she returned to the kitchen for a cup of tea and light meal, she remembered the bath water. The tub was now much too heavy for her to lift by herself. Alf would be out back or in his private quarters above the coach house.

  She started for the rear entrance when the knocker loudly sounded on the front door. Christian? She sped through the house and reached the entryway in seconds. She swung open the door. Her heart fell.