All heads turned in his direction.
Beside him, Morgan cleared his throat. "Everyone, this is Mr. Hunt. He came to the office looking for Percy. Where has she gone today?"
Paul Fines broke the silence. "Are you mad, Morgan? Why did you bring the bastard here?" Rising, he glared at Gavin. "Even if I knew where my sister was, I would not tell you."
Gavin's hands grew clammy. "You mean to say you do not know where she is?"
"What business is it of yours? Haven't you done enough damage already?" Fines said.
Gavin started forward; Morgan stayed him with a hand on the arm. "Whatever the past, Hunt is here to help today," he said calmly to the room at large. "Percy may be in danger. We must locate her—where is she?"
"Hatchard's. Mr. Kent went with her and planned to bring her here afterward. They should have arrived by now." This came from Percy's mother, the lace on her ash-blond curls trembling. She turned an accusing gaze to Gavin. "What have you got her mixed up in now, sir?"
Heat crept up Gavin's neck. "Mrs. Fines, I—"
"There'll be time for explanations later, Anna," Morgan cut in. "Hunt and I must go to Hatchard's immediately."
"I'll come too," Fines said.
"You'll stay here and look after the family," the marquess said. "Kent and Percy may yet show up. If they do, send word to us."
As Fines gave a subdued nod, the brunette came up to Morgan. Her eyes were wide with worry. "You will be careful, won't you?"
Morgan cupped her cheek. "Of course, my love."
Gavin turned impatiently to the door just as a long-limbed figure came striding into the room. He recognized the Charley from the other night.
Kent's face was pale, his posture stiff. His gaze honed on Gavin. "What are you doing here?"
"Where is Percy?" Gavin said as a dull thud started in his ears.
Kent spared him another glance before announcing in a flat voice, "She's been taken."
37
Percy opened her eyes.The lids felt heavy, weighted. She blinked as the world came into focus. She was lying upon a straw pallet, her hands bound behind her back. Maneuvering to a sitting position, she gazed around her. Some sort of storage room, with empty pots stacked against the wall and a strong chemical odor in the air. The door opened, and the stranger from the alleyway strode in. Behind him, she glimpsed stairs leading up, the flash of sunlight on water. She was in a basement... next to the Thames?
"Ah," her kidnapper said. "Awake at last."
"Who are you?" She managed to keep her voice steady. "What do you want?"
"The name's Kingsley." He had the gall to sweep her a bow while flashing white teeth. "I am your host. We'll be having a party this evening, and you, my dear, will be the main attraction."
She was no fool. The cad planned to use her to lure Gavin. "Mr. Hunt knows better than to waltz into your trap," she said, lifting her chin.
"A man in love tends to lose his head. No pun intended." Kingsley came toward her. She edged backward, her shoulders hitting the wall. "You are a pretty thing, aren't you?" he mused. "No wonder you've got the bastard tied up in knots."
When he reached a hand to her hair, she spat, "Stay away from me!"
"Little hellion, eh? Hunt always liked his women full of sauce." Kingsley's smile drew chills down her spine. "And I should know—I've fucked all of his women."
Percy screamed as he yanked her head back, his lips descending upon hers.
"Goddamnit, Kingsley, keep your cock in your pants."
At the sound of the new voice, Kingsley's grip eased, and Percy tore free, scrambling away. She turned to see the newcomer... and her heart skipped a beat at the sight of the black patch covering one eye.
"Jack Spades," she breathed.
