She turned, her face now inches form his. “We did not think you would be receptive.”
“That’s an extremely unflattering opinion you have of me, Miss Brown.” It hurt to know what she thought of him, and that a staff member of his was suffering when he had so much. Hurt and infuriated him.
“Imagine having an unflattering opinion of someone.”
“I did not have an unflattering opinion of you,” he fumed.
“You thought I was a prostitute,” she said in a flat tone.
“Which I have apologized for.”
“Actually, you didn’t.”
Surely he had?
“It matters not,” she dismissed. “What are we to do now?”
“We are to do nothing. I will approach. Stay here.” He pulled the pistol from his boot.
“Why do you carry that in your boot?” She peered at it.
“To protect myself and those I care for.”
“But you had it in there in your townhouse,” she added.
“I like to be protected at all times.”
“Even in you—”
He placed his hand over her mouth. “Shut up. There are reasons I carry a gun, and I’m not about to get into them with you. Now, stay here.” He crept forward, ignoring her hissed curses.
It was darker here, even though it was still early afternoon. Tenements climbed on both side, housing families. Reaching the gate, he listened.
“What do you hear?” Gabe jumped at the whispered words.
“I told you to stay!” he hissed. “What part of that did you not understand?”
“I’ve never been good with commands.”
“Imagine my surprise.”
“You may need me.”
“Why?” Gabe shot her another look.
“Protection. I’m handy with my fists,” she whispered, her breath tickling his ear.
“Stay!” He held her face in his hands, eyes locked with hers. “Here.”
Gabe opened the latch and slid inside, closing it behind him. The humph told him Dimity had tried to follow. Moving to the back door of the house, he listened again. The sound of raised voices had him holding his pistol in one hand and the door handle in the other. Entering, he found two men. Henry, his mother, and his sister were seated on the floor at their feet.
“I told you what would happen if you didn’t succeed,” one of the men said in menacing voice.
Henry saw him, but Gabe shook his head, and the boy looked away.
“You’ll pay now.”
“I think not.” Gabe stepped closer, aiming at the man who’d been talking.
