Garrity’s smile resembled a bearing of teeth. “Your Grace is correct in that I do not run a charity. My motivation in this case is more along the lines of retribution: Sweeney intended to steal my portion of your treasure. The insult cannot go unanswered.”
“So your goal is to destroy Sweeney, not help me,” Rhys shot back.
“Think of it as killing two birds with one stone.”
“Given your ulterior motive, don’t think to chalk me up further in your debt.”
Garrity’s brows arched. “I will not…as long as you fulfill your obligation to me. You owe me sixty thousand pounds, I believe?”
Maggie cast an anxious look at Rhys. Back at the vault, Mr. Gruenfeld had provided a rough appraisal of the gems’ worth: close to six hundred thousand pounds, he’d reckoned, and perhaps more. Even with Garrity’s share deducted, the loot would be impressive. Sweeney should be none the wiser and well content with the ransom paid.
“Done,” Rhys said.
“A pleasure doing business.” Garrity extended a manicured hand.
Rhys shook it, and Maggie felt a jolt of relief.
One obstacle down. One step closer to saving Glory.
“Now onto the business of dealing with Sweeney,” Garrity said.
A shiver ran through Maggie. She had a feeling that Garrity’s version of “dealing” with Sweeney might result in the other cutthroat being buried six feet under. But since Sweeney had kidnapped her girl, she wasn’t going to mourn for him: the bastard deserved whatever was coming.
“We’ll discuss the plans over breakfast,” Tessa announced.
Carts were wheeled in, and they all filled their plates before settling in to discuss strategy.
“Once I notify Sweeney that I’ve found the treasure, do you have any idea where he’ll carry out the exchange?” Rhys asked.
“He has significant interests in Bluegate Fields. Took them over from the bastard who ruled there before him,” Tessa said. “My guess is that he’ll set the meeting there.”
Rhys gave a terse nod. “If you would be so kind as to provide security, I’ll transport the treasure from Gruenwald’s to make the exchange.”
“It won’t be that simple.” Garrity took the coffee Gabby had doctored for him with sugar and cream. Tasting it, his lips curved with satisfaction. “I know Sweeney. He lacks honor: the fact that he involved an innocent child in his scheme is a case in point. Once he has the treasure, there is no guarantee that he will set your daughter free.”
A cold droplet trickled down Maggie’s spine. “Then what do we do?”
“We surround the place. Ensure that Sweeney cannot escape with Glory,” Tessa said.
“But won’t that be dangerous? If Sweeney is angered, he might hurt her,” Maggie protested.
Rhys’s hand engulfed hers. “Once Sweeney has the treasure, Maggie mine, there’s nothing preventing him from hurting her anyway. At least this way we have troops waiting in the wings, ready to fight for Glory if he doesn’t set her free.”
“I should point out there is nothing preventing Sweeney from harming His Grace after he hands over the jewels,” Garrity said.
“I’ll go in with Ransom,” Kent said. “Be his second.”
For once, even Tessa looked worried. “Harry, darling, I’m not sure—”
“I’ll be fine. Besides, with me there, Sweeney will be less likely to make a false move.”
“Thank you, Kent,” Rhys said.
“This is too dangerous,” Maggie fretted.
“Don’t worry, love.” Rhys’s expression was resolute. “Sweeney will be the one in danger if he stands between me and our daughter.”
Rhys sent the note.
