Geraint murmured something, and then backed into Zach as he shut the door.
“Was that a woman?” his youngest cousin asked. “I’m sure that was a woman’s voice.”
“Return to your place, if you please, sir.” Geraint’s voice was calm. He was now holding a piece of paper in his right hand.
“Zach, get here now,” Gabe snapped when he didn’t move.
Reluctantly, the youngest Deville did as he was asked.
“I’m telling you, that was a woman’s voice,” he muttered.
“Women are not part of Alexius,” Geraint said, moving to the candle. He opened the note and read the words.
“We have a name. Lord Lithgow.”
They didn’t wait, simply left at a run.
“I know where he lives,” Gabe said. “Man’s an exemplary member of society. I have never heard a single bad word about him.”
“Which is an excellent cover, don’t you think?” Nathan said.
They mounted their horses, and Gabe took the lead.
He’d made love to Ruby. Beautiful, soul-shattering love, and then he’d said he’d love her always and she was safe. Not more than a few hours later, he’d broken that promise.
“I promised her.”
“What?” Nathan rode at his right, with Zach on the left. He knew they were surrounding him, watching him. He felt nothing.
“I told her I loved her and that I would keep her safe.”
“And what? You’ve failed, have you?” Zach asked. “Because you were to know that this bastard, whoever he is, would have men come to our home and sneak in and steal her?”
“How did they know she’d be there, is what I want to know,” Gabe said.
“Chance, likely. They may have simply been there waiting, watching for an opportunity to take her. After us snatching Adam back under their noses, I can’t imagine whoever is behind this was very happy,” Nathan said.
“I want him dead!”
“I have never seen you angry. And while I know it is with good reason, you are quite terrifying,” Zach said.
Forrest focused on his eldest cousin’s back. Tried to keep his head clear. He would get Ruby back. Had to get her back.
“Two days,” he rasped.
“She is strong and resourceful. Remember what she has already endured, cousin. She escaped with her brother and ran to London. She will stay safe until we reach her,” Michael said.
It was early still, and cool. But people were about. They rode as fast as they could to Lithgow’s.
“Hold the horses, Zach,” Gabe said.
“What? Why me?”
“Because out of all of us, it will be you who says something foolish,” Gabe replied.
They knocked on the front door.
“I am the Earl of Raine and wish to speak with Lord Lithgow,” Gabe said to the butler who opened the door.
