Dimity glared at him, but as it was dark, he couldn’t see her expression.
They drove in silence, and she felt her fears climb. Where was she being taken? Where was Gabriel? She hoped he hadn’t come but knew his honor would make it so. He was noble and kind and would not leave her to suffer if he could save her, but he would be walking into a trap.
She had to save him. Breathing deeply through her nose, Dimity tried to stay calm and not gag. How had she thought Diard nice? He’d duped both her and the duchess.
They had only been travelling a few minutes when the carriage rolled to a stop.
“Out.” Diard unbound her feet again, then stepped from the carriage. He waved his gun at her. “Now!”
Dimity cursed, but it was muffled behind the gag.
“Go ahead of me and follow that path.”
Her eyes had adjusted to the light now, and she saw a narrow winding path before her and the shadow of a building beyond. Was it a mill? Where was she?
A hand nudged her over a bridge, and then she was entering the building. It was lighter in here. Lamps cast a soft glow that allowed Dimity to see the water wheel and Mr. Allard.
“Miss Brown, I am so pleased you have arrived.”
Diard pulled the gag from her mouth. She swung her bound hands upward and caught him under the jaw, sending him stumbling backward.
“Stop!” Allard said, pointing his gun at her.
“Bitch!” Diard clutched his jaw. “I’m shooting her.”
Dimity watched in horror as Allard swung the gun toward Diard and fired. He crumpled to the floor with blood pouring from his chest.
…
Gabe saw the boy approach as he reached the end of the small town.
“Lord Raine?”
“I am he.”
“You are to go to the mill house, my lord.”
He flipped the lad a coin. He was not at fault for passing on Ombrage’s demands.
Gabe’s tension climbed as he tied his horse to the building and walked the path into the mill. Where was Dimity?
Entering, he saw Allard, who he now knew was Ombrage, standing beside the dead body of Diard and a pool of blood. His gun was aimed at Gabe, the sword in his other hand swished from side to side.
“Where is she?” There were two men standing slightly to the left, and Gabe was sure more were tucked in the shadows.
“Lord Raine, how wonderful to finally meet you in person,” the man said with a smile that did not reach his eyes.
“We’ve met, if you’ll remember. I put a bullet through you. Unfortunately, my aim was not up to its usual high standard and I didn’t kill you.”
The smile dimmed.
“Where is she?”
“Safe for now. I suppose you know who she is?”
“I do.”
“I had thought to hand her back to her family for the reward, but I’ve reconsidered.”
