Chapter 19

Beatrice ran. She just ran.

She tried to scream again, but a rough hand clamped over her mouth. Duvall’s arm wrapped around her waist, yanking her off her feet. She kicked.

She bit down hard on his hand, her teeth digging into his skin. The metallic taste of blood filled her mouth, and he roared, flinging her to the ground. Her shoulder hit hard, the impact jarring, but she did not stop. She scrambled to her feet.

She had to get to Oscar. He would stop Dr. Duvall. He would. Oscar would. She just had to get to Oscar.

“You little?—”

She darted toward the side of the barn, her feet slipping slightly in the loose dirt. Dr. Duvall’s horse stood tied near the corner, pawing impatiently at the ground.

Before she could react, Dr. Duvall caught her again, his hand tangling in her hair. Pain shot through her scalp as he dragged her backward. Beatrice screamed again, yelling Oscar’s name.

“You’ve ruined everything. Everything I’ve worked for. Collins thinks he can take it all from me, and now you?—”

Beatrice clawed at his hand, panic surging as he yanked her closer to the horse. She could smell his breath, hot and bitter with whiskey. He had something in his hand. Beatrice screamed again when she saw the knife.

“Maybe I should take a piece of you. A little reminder not to cross me.”

He twisted her hair, the blade slicing through strands as he cut a lock free. She fought, her elbow catching him in the ribs. Beatrice broke free.

Beatrice ran.

Duvall swore, but he caught her. She just could not get away. There should be people about. People who would help her. She just had to get to them.

“You’re not going anywhere.” He shook her.

Beatrice struggled, her fingers clawing at his hand. Her voice was hoarse as she screamed again. The noise startled the horse, which reared slightly, its hooves slamming against the ground.

In the distance, she heard a door slam. Voices rose. She could hear them.

Help was coming. People were coming. Beatrice bit at him, and then screamed again.

Dr. Duvall’s grip tightened, his fingers digging into her arm. “You think he’ll come for you? Let him. Let him find you gone. Let him see what happens when he destroys everything a man has worked for.”

She twisted sharply, her nails raking down his forearm. He swore, releasing her just long enough for her to stumble a step away. Beatrice turned toward the sound.

“Oscar! Help!”

Then she saw him, running toward her. It was Oscar and he had Dr. Coleson with him, the man’s red hair so distinctive. And there were others—Dr. Barratt and his cousin, and others. The man who ran the estate for Iagan was coming, too. And there was a stableman—he was running toward them, too.

Dr. Duvall cursed, his gaze darting between her and the approaching figures.

He grabbed her wrist one last time, yanking her toward the horse. She fought, her foot striking his shin with all the strength she had. He swore again, releasing her as he stumbled back.

“Collins will regret this.”

Then he just mounted his horse and rode away.

Beatrice collapsed to her knees, right there in the dirt. She heard someone say her name. She looked up. There he was.

Oscar was there. He dropped to his knees beside her. Beatrice did not stop to care who was watching. She just reached for him. Sobbing like a ninny.

“Beatrice. You’re safe now. I’ve got you.”

Beatrice just stayed where she was, until his strong arms scooped her from the ground.

And he carried her toward safety once more.