“And you’ll have made yourself a tidy profit,” Alaric said.
Billings didn’t bat an eyelash.
“Mercer thought that if he did away with Strathaven, United would fail once more,” Will reasoned grimly, “and all his financial troubles would be over. It’s definitely motive for murder.”
“I know nothing about that. I’m just a banker,” Billings said.
“But you’re not surprised, are you, that Mercer would resort to killing a man?” Kent said.
Billings’ lips formed a hyphen.
“Do you know Silas Webb and his connection to Lord Mercer?” Emma asked.
Despite the heinous revelations, Alaric felt his lips quirk at her shrewdness. She might look like a pretty miss with her glossy curls and big brown eyes, but his Emma never missed a step.
“Mr. Webb accompanied Lord Mercer to one of his appointments here,” Billings said. “He didn’t say much, but I believe they are business partners.”
“They were partners,” Alaric said. “Webb is dead.”
“Dead?” the banker said.
“Shot through the head. Aye,” Will said, “thatis how Mercer thanks his associates.”
“I can take care of myself.” Billings flicked a piece of lint off his sleeve. “I’m an important man to important men, and my clients—they don’t like losing their deposits to a thief. If Mercer reneges on his debt, half of the underworld will be out for his blood.”
***
In the carriage, Emma said, “That Mr. Billings wasn’t a very nice man, was he? Strange, because his daughter was lovely. I hope Gabby doesn’t land in hot water because of all this.”
Frowning, she wondered if she should try to send Gabby a note.
“Aye, I would not useniceto describe the banker extraordinaire to the underworld.” Mr. McLeod snorted. “No wonder Mercer’s on the run. If we don’t find him, Billings’ cutthroat clients will.”
“Where will we look next? Lord Mercer’s residence?” Emma said.
“If byweyou are referring to Will, Kent, and me, then yes,” Alaric said. “You, however, are going home.”
“What?” she said indignantly. “We’ve discovered the murderer. I’m not leaving now, in the middle of an investigation.”
“My rules, pet. You agreed to them.”
At his autocratic tone, she stiffened, ready to argue, but he cupped her chin in his gloved hand.
“You have been a great help.” His husky words sent waves of delight through her. “But I will not risk anything happening to you. What remains is dangerous business, and I cannot afford to be distracted by my concern for your safety.”
She chewed on her lip. Blast it, he was… right. Her physical prowess was no match for the brutal, murderous strength of men like Mercer. The last thing she wanted was to compromise the mission.
Swallowing, she said, “What about your safety? That of Ambrose and Mr. McLeod?”
“We’ll be armed and have guards with us,” he said. “We’ll be fine.”
“Strathaven’s right.” This came from her brother, who’d been quietly watching the interplay. “You can help best by being with the family.”
“Don’t worry, lass,” Mr. McLeod added, winking, “I’ll look after your duke.”
Emma blushed. “I hope you will all look after each other.”
Alaric drew the back of his hand across her cheek, the gesture so casually tender that her chest hurt with all the love she felt for him.
