The anger on his face dissolved into sadness, startling Clara. He stepped back and composed himself. He provided her a half smile. “Perhaps you are right. Time with your sister is the best. This is not good for either of us.”
She took a deep breath herself, regaining her composure. “Yes. I agree.”
He nodded. “You wanted your freedom, and I have been standing in your way of that. Please feel free to do as you please.”
“You as well,” she said quietly.
“I would ask that you allow Peterson to stay with you at all times.”
Clara frowned at him concerned. “Is there a reason I need a guard?”
He smiled at her tightly. “I have concerns about Dolan.”
She shook her head. “He wouldn’t dare bother me.”
“I am unsure about that.”
Clara didn’t understand why he was so certain. “What are you not telling me?”
“Just do this for me at least until the end of the season.”
She laughed bitterly. “Freedom with a guard. How lovely.”
“Till the end of the season.”
Clara nodded, exhausted with the conversation. He made his way to the door and Clara, still confused as to why he was there, asked, “What did you come to tell me?”
He shook his head. “It doesn’t matter. I think we have sorted out where we stand.”
Clara tilted her chin up. She would not beg him for information. “Have a good day, Sam.”
Chapter 28
Sam made his way back to his house, defeated and exhausted. Prior to leaving, he had spoken with Hensley about the guard and Hensley had said he would make certain Clara was protected. Surprisingly, Hensley shared his concerns about Dolan. For a long time, he had attempted to express those concerns to the Claremores, but they remained unbothered.
When he married Diana, Hensley had provided money to the Claremores to settle some of their debts with Dolan, but he didn’t think it made a dent in what they owed. They painted themselves as the perfect representation of a titled family but underneath the veneer it was all a lie.
Sam made his way into the foyer and Henson stopped him.
“Mr. Kincaide, your brother along with a few others await you in your study.”
Sam looked at him surprised but didn’t stop to ask questions. He opened his study door to find Jack, Devons, Miller, Abigail's friend Lila, and Milly Harrison.
“What is it?” he asked quietly.
They all looked somber. Milly said, “Sam, there was an attack at your office. Mr. Tomlin was injured. He is being cared for, but no one can find Abigail.”
Sam cursed. “Any word on who it was?”
Milly shook her head. “Two men staying at one of the inns close by were identified, but they were long gone by the time that was discovered. Mr. Tomlin made me promise I would come directly here. I arrived at your home, and you were out. Your butler was kind enough to direct me to the Den.”
“We were playing cards, when Miss Harrison arrived to find you.” Jack said quietly.
There were tears in Lila’s eyes. “You have to find her Sam. The things he did to her are unspeakable, and if he has her, it will only be worse this time. She is so young.”
Sam nodded. “Is there any chance she may still be somewhere in Liverpool?”
Milly shook her head. “I spoke with all my contacts. They left in a coach shortly after she was taken.”
