He leveled his pistol at Hawk; Hawk mirrored the stance.
“We are making our exit now, and if you try to stop us,” Sterling said with deadly calm, “Wilkes will slit Miss O’Malley’s throat.”
To prove his partner’s point, Wilkes pressed his blade against Lillian’s neck. She whimpered as a thin red line appeared, a ruby droplet trickling down her neck.
Fi met the other girl’s gaze, sending her a silent message.You are strong, Lillian. Don’t let him rule you with fear. He’s injured—look for the opportunity to escape.
Was it her imagination, or did Lillian’s eyes widen a fraction?
“You will not get far, Sterling,” Hawk stated. “We have the place surrounded. You cannot escape with an injured partner and a hostage.”
“No need to concern yourself on my account,” Sterling sneered. His gaze on Hawk, he issued an order to Wilkes. “I will go first down this chute. Once I am off, take Lillian down the other chute.”
“Right,” Wilkes said through clenched teeth.
Fi noticed that Wilkes looked waxen, likely due to the blood dripping down his arm.
He is weakened. Now is the time to strike. To divide and conquer.
“Do you actually believe that Sterling is going to wait for you and Lillian?” Fi addressed Wilkes in conversational tones. “With your arm bleeding and Lillian of no value to him whatsoever?”
“Don’t listen to that bitch,” Sterling snapped.
“You know she is right, Wilkes.” Hawk backed her up with the cool voice of reason. “Sterling was the one who had von Essen killed, wasn’t he? Because he couldn’t trust your pawn not to give up the operation.”
“Wait. You killed von Essen?” Wilkes swung his gaze to his partner, his voice wavering. “I thought you said his death was an accident.”
“Itwasan accident,” Sterling said shortly. “Cove got hit by a carriage. Happens all the time.”
“And if you believe that,” Fi said, “I have a bridge to sell you in London.”
“Shut your gob, you nosy wench.”
When Sterling swung his pistol in her direction, Hawk made a low warning sound in his throat, his fist tightening around his own gun. Fi knew he would not hesitate to shoot, and she loved him for it. Loved that primal streak she’d always sensed below his proper surface. When needed, her husband could be ruthless and wicked…her perfect match in every way.
“The only reason for Sterling to shoot me,” she said to Wilkes, “is because he’s afraid that I am telling the truth. Think about it: why is he choosing to take one boat and directing you to the other? You have a stash of stolen goods that you haven’t been able to pawn yet, don’t you?” She knew her deduction was correct when Wilkes’s gaze narrowed. “Where are those goods now? In your boat…or Sterling’s?”
Forehead wrinkling, Wilkes turned to his partner. “Where did you put the jewelry?”
“For God’s sake, man,” Sterling bit out. “Don’t be a fool. She’s manipulating you—”
“You insisted on overseeing the goods.Where are they?” Wilkes yelled.
In that instant, his focus was entirely on his partner. Fiona looked at Lillian, willing the girl to believe in herself.You can do this, Lillian. I know you can.
Lillian grabbed Wilkes’s weapon hand. Bit it.
“Bleeding hell!” he exploded.
He dropped his blade, grappling with Lillian.
Taking the opportunity, Hawk sprang at Sterling, tackling the bounder to the ground. He plowed his fist into the policeman’s face. Seeing that Hawk had things covered, Fi dashed over to help Lillian…who was more than holding her own. Evading Wilkes’s backhand, Lillian seized his injured arm, pressing her fingers into his wound as he screamed.
Dagger in hand, Fi lifted her brows and waited for Lillian to get her due.
“You are never laying hands on me again!” Lillian shouted.
She kicked him in the knee. He fell to the ground, groaning. Lillian went over, kicked him again, and at that moment, Fi saw him grab his dropped knife.
