Mercer’s laugh was short and brutal. “I’m going to get my money. And then I’m going to put an end to Strathaven once and for all.”
“You’re a dishonorable cad!” she cried. “Strathaven is smarter than you—he’ll never fall for your trap!”
Mercer shoved her violently onto the cot, her back smacking the thin mattress. Panting, she kept a firm grip on her stolen treasure.
“He already has, you little whore. He’ll bring me my blunt at nine o’clock sharp—and I’ll put a hole through his heart,” Mercer snarled. “And after I deal with him, I’ll be back for you.”
The door slammed behind him, his barked order filtering through. “No one goes in or out—see to that by any means necessary.”
“Wif pleasure, m’lord,” replied a leering voice.
Instantly, Emma sat up. Looked at the key in her hand. Sending up a prayer, she reached for the manacle on her foot.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Alaric and the other men reached the appointed destination before dawn. He’d rented out two stage coaches to convey the team of investigators and guards from London to Portsmouth at record speed, so that they could arrive a few hours prior to the meeting with Mercer. Will and his comrades had already taken off on a scouting mission. Disguised as porters, the four ex-soldiers were presently conducting reconnaissance on the dock.
Their goals: to find Mercer’s vessel and locate Emma and Patrice.
In the meantime, Alaric and Kent took a suite at an inn. They were guarding the trunks of ransom money and awaiting the arrival of some mysterious associate Kent had said might be helpful to the cause. From the second floor balcony, Alaric watched the ribaldry in the street below. How clever of Mercer to choose this place to conduct his nefarious business.
With all the lawlessness and depravity going on, who would care about two women being held against their will? Who would even notice?
Outside the gate of the old town, Portsmouth Point was known as “Spice Island,” not only for the scent of imported spices that came from the harbor but also for the piquant activities so clearly on display. Whores plied their trade openly in the alleys, sailors and dockhands stumbled in and out of the public houses that lined both sides of the street. Brawls broke out with regularity, cheered on by drunken bystanders.
Alaric’s hands fisted with impotence.If Mercer so much as touches a hair on Emma’s head...He was unwilling to contemplate that possibility. He was going to get her and his aunt back. Then he was going to tear the earl apart limb by limb.
Slowly.
Kent came to stand beside him. “McLeod will find my sister and your aunt. He’s the best there is when it comes to scouting.”
“Aye. But time is running out.” Alaric gave a terse nod at the sky over the harbor.
Already, the horizon was losing its dark opacity. He could make out the forest of masts bobbing on the black water and the fleet of small barges that zipped between the larger ships, ferrying passengers and goods back and forth from the docks. The Byzantine activity of the scene frustrated him further. Which one of those hundreds of ships held Emma and Aunt Patrice prisoner? What was Mercer’s ultimate plan?
“We should review the strategy for the exchange. I still don’t like the idea of you meeting the villain alone,” Kent said.
“Mercer made it clear in the ransom note that I’m to follow his instructions to the letter,” Alaric said starkly. “If I don’t bring the gold to the quay alone and unarmed at nine o’clock, he’s going to kill Emma and Patrice. I won’t take that risk.”
“He might kill them anyway. You as well.”
Alaric saw emotion flare in the other man’s eyes. Fear. Fury. The same feelings that ran molten through his own veins.
“Whatever it takes, I will see your sister safe,” he vowed. “It’s me Mercer wants.”
“You’d trade your life for Emma’s?”
“Whatever it takes,” he repeated.
Kent studied him for a moment. “My wife was right after all.”
“About what?”
“You truly do care for Emma.”
Alaric’s cheekbones heated. He felt suddenly exposed—and he didn’t like it. “I told you my intentions were honorable,” he said stiffly.
“There’s a difference between an honorable marriage and a loving one.”
