“Ella, Ella,” he repeated until she stopped talking. “It’s all right, but you must trust me and do what I say, and quickly.”
She nodded with twitchy, wide-eyed movements.
“Open the door wider to see if anyone is coming.”
She did as bid.
“Good. Now, go back to him and check for weapons. Check inside his coat, his waistband, and his boots.”
She disappeared just outside of view. Shuffling ensued. She reappeared with a pistol in one trembling hand, a blade in the other, and a fresh tear that had slid down her cheek.
“That’s good,” he continued, keeping his voice low and swiping his cheek against his shoulder to wipe the perspiration from hiseye. “Point the pistol to the ground and then use that knife to cut this rope here.” He nodded at the loose rope on his second wrist, and she cut through it quickly.
He took the blade from her to cut the ropes at his ankles, and within moments his legs were free. He took the pistol from her and tucked it in his waistband.
He recognized the dazed panic in her expression—she was stunned and out of her element.
“Stay right by me. We’ll be out of here soon.” He stepped in front of her, then paused at the door. He inched out slowly to survey the space. Once he was certain no one was approaching, he knelt by Grenshaw.
No wonder Ella was frightened. Blood dripped from a gruesome cut on his head. After checking for his pulse, Gabriel assessed the wound more closely. It was not deep but was bleeding profusely, which made it seem worse than it was. “He’ll be fine, Ella, but hand me that rope. He could come to at any moment.”
He bound Grenshaw’s ankles and wrists. He’d not make the same mistake that was made with him and double-checked the ties. He stood and turned back toward her. He needed so much information from her, but time was not on their side. “What happened?”
Her words jumbled out, hasty and unchecked. “It was Mr. Clancy. He told me that his sister was one of the maids who was killed in the fire that also killed my mother. He said he wanted retribution. He’s been working with Mr. Grenshaw and is behind this whole thing. I saw Mr. Grenshaw upstairs, and he was frightened of Mr. Clancy.”
Anger seized him.
Clancy? How could that be?
There would be time to figure out the details later. Now, he needed to get Ella to safety.
“Is anyone else here?” he asked. “Gutt? Miss Grenshaw?”
“Miss Grenshaw is here, but she is the one who helped me get away.”
“And Gutt?”
“I’ve not seen him, but they talked about him.”
Muffled noises echoed from the tavern. They needed to act—and fast. He placed his hands on her shoulders and stooped to look her directly in the eyes. “When we were at Keatley Hall, you told me that you trusted me. Do you still?”
She blinked as if surprised by the question. “You know I do.”
“Then I need you to do exactly as I say. I sent for the night watchmen earlier. If they’re here, they will likely be in the tavern. I’m not sure what is going to happen next, but if anything happens to me, you get as far away from here as possible. Do you understand? Don’t wait for me or try to help me. You just get yourself to safety as quickly as possible.”
Her brow furrowed. “Gabriel, I—”
“I’m serious, Ella. Do you promise me?”
She nodded.
Gabriel retrieved the pistol with his right hand and gripped her hand with the other. “Good. Let’s go.”
Chapter 47
AS GABRIEL LEDher down the dimly lit corridor, Ella glanced back to the large man on the floor. His hands and feet were bound, and he was lying awkwardly on his side. Gabriel had said he was alive, but he didn’tlookalive.
She shuddered and tore her gaze away. She couldn’t think about that now. Gabriel was right. There was no way to know what was going to happen next, and she had to keep her wits about her.
