CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Leo’sheart pounded as he ran through the maze. Beth had disappeared.
“Where the hell is she?”
“I saw her near that group, then she vanished,” Nick said.
Marcus came from the other direction, shaking his head. “There are people everywhere, but I cannot see Beth.
“She has to be here!” Leo had known fear, but nothing like this. His heart was thumping, his head was crowded with thoughts, and he couldn’t form a rational one. Beth was in danger and he couldn’t find her.
“We have to find her!”
He started running with his friends on his heels, sprinted through the maze to the other side. They did not encounter Beth on the way.
“I don’t know what to do,” Leo rasped. “Dear Christ, help me find her.”
“Split up, question everyone!” Nick roared.
He ran until his sides heaved. People looked at him like he was crazed, but he cared nothing for that. He’d promised to keep her safe, but he’d failed and now she was in danger, he knew it.
“Excuse me, Lord Vereton, but Lord Hatherton wishes your company at the entrance to the Japanese Gardens.”
Leo didn’t stop to acknowledge the footman, he just ran.
“Where is she?”
“I found this,” Jacob said, handing over a slipper. Beth’s white slipper. “It was on the path leading here.”
“Stay here and wait for the others,” Leo said, taking it and forcing it into his pocket. Entering the gardens, he knew his friends would be on his heels in minutes. There were not as many torches here, but enough light to see the faces of those he passed. None of them were Beth.
He walked across the bridge to give himself a better vantage point, and looked around him. Leo saw another path, and it was there he saw her. It had to be her, because she was struggling to get free.
He put his fingers in his mouth, and a whistle rent the air as he ran. Dodging trees, he took the most direct route. As he ran down the path, the thud of his feet had the three people, who held Beth, turning. The man raised a pistol, and pointed it at Leo.
“Stop, or I shoot!”
Beth fought to get free, trying to get away from the women who still held her.
“No, Beth.” Leo lifted a hand, but kept his eyes on Lloyd. “Be still.” She did as he asked, but he did not hold out much hope she would stay that way for long.
“You better make that shot count, Lloyd, as three of my friends are even now surrounding you with guns. They will not hesitate to put a bullet into you.”
“You lie!”
“That’s for you to decide, but I want you to know that you will not walk out of here alive tonight. For what you did to an innocent, sweet girl, you will pay with your life.”
Beth struggled for release, but the women held her captive.
“Sh-she wanted me.”
Leo kept calm, but it wasn’t easy, as the red haze of rage wanted to consume him.
“I’m killing you for every minute of pain and suffering you caused her, Lloyd, and for the murder of her father.
The hand holding the gun lifted. Leo braced, then watched in horror as Beth wrenched free of the women, and ran at Lloyd.
“No!” She ignored Leo’s roar, and hit Lloyd from the side. They both went down.
