He should just leave. She’d survive; the woman he was sure was nothing if not resourceful.
“But you won’t leave her because you saw her desperation,” he whispered into the darkness.
With each passing minute, his fear climbed. His need to find her consumed him. For the first time since he’d known Dimity Brown, she was vulnerable, and that was why he would keep searching. That, and the need to see her again.
“It was just a kiss,” he muttered.
“This is not a place for the likes of you.” A man appeared before him suddenly.
“I am looking for a woman.”
“Most of us are.”
“Dimity Brown.”
“Ahh, Miss Brown.”
The way he said the word had Gabe’s teeth snapping together.
“I’ll pay you for her location.”
“There’s many here who would like to lift her skirts and have a romp, but she’s a cutting wench, that one. A man would fear for his fiddle if he dallied with her.”
“One more word and I will put a bullet through you.” Gabe seriously considered just doing it. No one had a right to speak about Dimity like that. “Miss Brown is a friend.”
The man’s smile fell away.
“Tell me how to find her, and I’ll let you live.” Gabe took money out of his pocket and held it out. “Now, or I take it back.”
Minutes later, he was climbing a rickety set of stairs. He walked to where the man had said she lived, then rapped hard on the wood. She was in there, because he heard her make a shushing sound; he just wasn’t sure who was in there with her. The thought that it could be a man made his stomach churn. Had she been forced into doing that to make money?
He thumped on the door again with a clenched fist.
“Me children are sleeping, you bleeding idiot!” The door to his right opened, and an irate man poked his head out.
“Apologies, I am attempting to speak with Miss Brown.”
“It’s my hope you pays her well. She needs it.”
“Pay her?” Gabe queried.
“For her services.” The door slammed.
That rocked him back on his heels. Strong, beautiful, and full of pride. Dimity Brown had no option but to resort to prostitution to survive. The thought made his last meal swirl uncomfortably in his gut.
He hammered his fist on the door again. When she didn’t answer, he ran out of patience and opened the door, hard enough that it slammed against the wall with a satisfying bang.Please let her be alone.
“Get out of my room!” She leapt to her feet, the book she’d been holding hitting the floor with a loud thunk.
“You,” he pointed at her, “are a reckless, foolish woman! And why the hell is the door not locked?”
“Get out of my house!” She bent and retrieved the book, clutching it to her chest.
“Are you hurt from that brainless leap from my carriage?”
A huge hound lying on his blanket slowly got to its feet, growling.
“Go to hell.” Her chin lifted. “Steady, Walter.” Dimity joined the dog, placing her hand on top of its head.
