Chapter 29

29

C onfident Kendrick hadn't been followed, Samantha emerged from the added darkness she'd found against the church wall and stepped into his path. Ignoring his jolt of surprise, she told him directly, "We shouldn't be meeting like this. It isn't safe."

"Perhaps not," he agreed, the flatness of his tone conveying annoyance, "but it seems to be necessary if I'm to get the answers I need. Your notes don't exactly provide detailed updates. If anything, they suggest a lack of progress."

His dissatisfaction with her only caused her own irritation to flare. "Your impatience could jeopardize everything. Especially since I suspect Mr. Croft of keeping his guard up. I've not yet earned his absolute trust."

"And whose fault is that?" Kendrick hissed, the words too loud in the silence of night even though he kept his voice muffled. "You're not the only one whose job depends on following orders. In case you're unaware, you work for the Crown. As does Harlowe."

"You need not remind me."

"Don't I?" Shadows spilled across his face as he took a step closer. "The project you've been a part of these past seventeen years was funded by taxpayer money. In other words, your residence at Clearview House and whatever comfort it entails is entirely dependent upon your ability to prove your worth."

True apprehension formed in her stomach. She swallowed and quickly steeled herself against it, ever grateful for the darkness which helped her conceal her brief moment of weakness.

"Are you suggesting I'll be cast out if I don't live up to your expectations?" she scoffed, feigning defiance. "Harlowe will never allow that to happen."

"He may fight the decision, but ultimately it won't be up to him."

Samantha stiffened her posture, refusing to let his words shake her. She didn't believe Harlowe would willingly turn his back on her, but he might not have a choice if the order came from the Home Office or from the Prince Regent.

"I need more time," she said, her voice tight.

"You have one week. Not a day more."

"And if I fail you?" Given what she'd just learned, she had to ask. And remind Kendrick of the value she offered. "You won't be any closer to getting the answers you seek or of bringing Mr. Croft down."

His next words, however, surprised her while sending a chill down her spine. "There are other means, Miss Carmichael. Accidents happen." He collected a box from his pocket, pulled a cheroot from it, and placed it between his lips before lighting it with a flint. A quick inhale preceded a puff of smoke. "Let's not make more of the situation than necessary. You're no different than I. We're both government employees with jobs to accomplish. Do yours and you'll be rewarded. Don't, and you will be sacked."

Samantha gritted her teeth. Blood pounded in her ears, encouraging her to lash out against the man who had her cornered. Knowing it would most likely be a mistake, she took a deep breath in an effort to calm herself.

"Fine, but I have to warn you. Mr. Croft is a cautious man. He doesn't trust easily, so if what little trust I've earned from him thus far is to be preserved, our friendship must continue to develop naturally. It cannot be forced to suit your agenda."

"I understand your concerns, but this has already taken longer than what was expected. A week is all you get, so I recommend you don't waste it." He turned, tossed the cheroot, and started walking away. "I trust you'll keep me informed."

Samantha watched him mount his horse, the squeak of leather sharp in the still night air. A soft whinny followed, and then the thud of hooves as Kendrick rode off, his shadowy figure blending with the darkness.

She knew of only one way in which to achieve her goal before time ran out. Her heart raced at the idea. It would require more from her than all her years of training combined. But given the stakes, she might not have a choice.

Her hands, she realized, were trembling. Not because of what she might lose if she failed in her mission, but because of the threat Kendrick issued against Mr. Croft. He'd have him killed if need be. And she would do whatever it took to prevent such an outcome.

* * *

Mr. Reed greeted Adrian when he arrived at the boxing club. "It's good to see you again, Mr. Croft. Would you like to train alone or do you prefer to engage in a match?"

"A match would be welcome if one of your trainers can spare the time."

"Certainly. Jones should be free for the next two hours." Mr. Reed called for the stocky Welshman to prepare himself, then leaned closer to Adrian. "Before you begin, you might want to see how the ladies are doing. Barrow is training them in the next room, and I've got to say, they've made exceptional progress so far. It's quite impressive."

Adrian glanced in the direction Reed indicated. He'd known of Miss Carmichael's plan to be here today. It was the reason he'd come – so he could see her again and enjoy her delightful company.

"I'll just be a moment," he told Jones, waving him off as he started toward the closed door to the left.

He pushed it open and stared, a little taken aback by what he saw. For there she was, together with her friend, Miss Stevens, and a few other women. All of them dressed in loose fitting shirts and snug breeches and doing their best to murder the wooden dummies they'd been provided.

"What do you think?" Barrow asked when he came to greet Adrian. "I myself was skeptical when Mr. Reed told me to teach them how to defend themselves. But it turns out they're remarkably capable and quick learners."

"It would seem so," Adrian agreed, his attention on Miss Carmichael's perfect technique as she threw a series of punches. It was hard to believe this was only her third lesson.

He caught her gaze when she turned, his chest expanding with pleasure in response to her smile. She crossed to where he stood, her damp skin glistening slightly from the exercise. The effect, Adrian realized, was not the least bit off putting but rather…exhilarating.

"As you can see, I've been practicing." She rocked back on her heels, her gaze drifting to the other women before returning to him. "I took your advice, adjusting my posture in front of my mirror until it was perfect. Hazel helped."

"It would seem the effort paid off. You've made remarkable progress in very short time."

Her answering grin nearly robbed him of breath. "I'm determined to learn."

"Will you excuse me a moment," Barrow asked. "I need to have a quick word with Reed. Won't take long. Maybe you can give the ladies some pointers in the meantime?"

Adrian nodded, the thrill of engaging Miss Carmichael in another mock fight spiking his pulse. "I'd be happy to."

He shucked his jacket, rolled up his sleeves, and strode to the center of the room before calling for everyone's attention. "Allow me to introduce myself to those of you who don't know me. I'm Adrian Croft. Barrow had to step out for a bit, so he asked me to manage the class until he gets back.

"First of all, I've got to say I'm impressed by your efforts. Did Barrow tell you what to try first if a man attacks you?"

"Kick him where it hurts," someone said. The comment was followed by snorts of laughter and furious blushes.

Adrian nodded. "That's right. Of course that'll only work under certain conditions. If an assailant attacks from behind, you'll have to apply different tactics."

He gestured for a woman he did not know to step forward and then proceeded to show a series of moves that might help in the situation he'd just described.

"Excellent work," he told her once they were done. "Now everyone find a partner and take turns trying to make that work."

Knowing the numbers weren't even, he told Miss Carmichael, "You're with me."

She stepped toward him, a look of determination burning bright in her eyes, and turned so he could attack her. A breath to keep his heartbeats even, before he placed his hand at her throat, his other hand grabbing her arm.

A pause followed, just long enough for him to smell the fragrance of jasmine in her hair. They were close, so close he could feel her breaths in the slow movements of her back as he pressed up against it with his chest.

Focus.

No sooner had the thought formed than she bucked her hips backward, attempting no doubt to strike him straight in the groin. A move that would have been quite effective, had he been positioned a little bit more to the left.

"Nice try," Adrian muttered as he caught her wrist, only to grunt with surprise when her elbow jabbed him hard in the ribs.

He brought his arm around her, attempting to trap her against him, but she twisted away, putting him slightly off balance and…

Releasing her, he did what he could not to crush her as they hit the floor with a thud.

Her breath rushed over his chin as the air was forced from her lungs.

Swallowing, he pressed his palms into the floor and pushed himself upward, catching the look of surprise in her eyes. "Are you all right?"

"I…Yes. I believe so."

Adrian stilled. There was something incredibly tempting in her expression – something that drowned out all else and made him forget that they weren't alone. He leaned in. Only to freeze in response to a shout.

It was followed by a gunshot.

He was on his feet and racing for the door before he took his next breath. Halting, he peered out into the front room where Barrow, Jones, and Reed stood with a few of the club's other members. Their hands were raised while two familiar scoundrels threatened them with pistols.

"We know you're 'ere, Croft," Chubbycheeks shouted. "Show yourself and we'll let these men go."

Adrian muttered a curse. It was the same blasted pair who'd attacked him before. If only he'd been wise enough to kill them then, he'd not be in this situation now.

He glanced at the women. "Stay here. I'll handle this."

"Come now, Croft," Scarface hollered. "Don't be a coward."

"What do you want?" Adrian asked the scoundrels as he entered the front room. He'd bloody well murder the pair for showing up here.

"Same as before."

"A beating then?"

"Don't try to be clever or…" Chubbycheeks glanced past Adrian's shoulder and grinned. "Looks like we won't be needin' you gents any longer. Not when there's ladies about. Go on. Get out."

"Leave the women be," Adrian growled. "This is between the three of us."

"Agreed. So just go get the files and we promise they won't be 'armed. Provided you don't do anything stupid, that is."

Adrian's mind raced. He didn't trust the men to keep their word and feared what would happen if he left the women alone with them. These men were violent. Anything could happen before he returned.

He had to stay and fight. With one pistol already fired, only one proved a threat. The question was which.

"Fine." He stepped forward slowly and made his approach, moving toward the exit until he was level with Scarface. "I've a question though."

Scarface aimed his pistol directly at Adrian's face and pulled back the hammer. "Go on."

"Have you forgotten what I told you when we last met?" He didn't wait for an answer before he lunged, spinning sideways while using the back of his hand to knock the pistol from Scarface's grasp.

The shot exploded from the barrel, the noise ringing in Adrian's head as he sent his fist flying. Knuckles connected with bone and Scarface crumpled. But even as he fell, Chubbycheeks slammed himself into Adrian's body and sent him reeling.