“So, no one unexpected.”
“No, which is strange.”
Emerson tilted his head, watching the way her gaze flickered around the carriage, but she obviously wasn’t’ seeing the carriage; he suspected she was seeing the room, accounting for details she hadn’t quite processed yet.
She was brilliant,hisJaxsen.
And shewashis, and once they figured out this whole sordid mess, she would be his in every way.
She answered his question. “It’s rare to pinpoint all the characters in a ploy. There’s always someone pulling the strings. We still haven’t found the puppeteer. And that, is the person we need to ascertain posthaste.”
“The person who rented the house in the textile district, Volland.”
“Yes. I think that we need to pay a little night visit to Volland’s house, and not the one he’s using in the district.” She narrowed her eyes as she stared at the floor of the coach.
“Breaking and entering?” Emerson asked with a little trepidation. He wasn’t accustomed to breaking into other’s houses.
“I never break in. I sneak in. And entering is what everyone does with a door, so that’s not exactly noteworthy. I’m going to do some reconnaissance.”
“That sounds much…. less illegal.”
Jaxsen rolled her eyes. “You’re quite strait-laced for a sniper from the continent.”
“I’m notfromthe continent. Ifoughton the continent, and I’m rather against explaining to my superior why I was breaking into a suspect’s house.”
“I’m your superior, so you have little to worry about.” She gave him a sweet smile. “Besides, you’re not going. I am. I’m much quicker on my own, and you’re a bit obvious with your height and light hair. I blend in while you, my blueberry, stand out.” She winked.
“I suppose that’s a compliment.”
“You may certainly take it as such.” She grinned. “Now, I’ll drop you off and borrow your carriage to my place then have it returned to you. Do you mind?”
“What? You don’t want my company?”
She gave a wry grin. “I don’t want yourdistraction.”
“Ah, is that what we’re calling it?”
“Amongst many things, yes,” she answered with a cheeky tone.
“Very well, just come back to my estate once you’re finished with your… reconnaissance. Please?”
“Concerned about my safety?”
“No, concerned you’ll be imprisoned, and I’ll have to go and offer some explanations.” He wasn’t being strictly honest; he was concerned about her safety. He knew she could take care of herself, but it was hard to not wish to be a part, just in case.
“So sweet,” she teased. “Very well, I’ll come over, and we can discuss whatever I’ve learned.”
“Brilliant. I’ll have tea.”
“And maybe… another bath.” She winked.
“I’ll have all the above.” His tone was low, husky, and desire coursed through him at her words and their meaning. Good Lord, he was damn near on fire just thinking of it.
Of her.
When she dropped him at his house and then continued off in his carriage, he couldn’t help but watch the retreating shadow of the conveyance till it blinked out of sight. There was an urgency to go and be there, to shadow her, to be part so that she wasn’t alone.
But it was also humbling to realize he wasn’t needed. She was capable, even more so than he. If Emerson were truly being honest with himself, he was more of a liability than an asset. That was a first.
