He named a sum, and she handed that over too, even though it was double what she’d paid to journey here.
“The Duck and Goose is down that lane at the end. You take care in there, miss. It’s not the most unsavory place in London but not the best either.”
“Thank you.” Samantha hurried down the lane. She heard someone laugh to her left but did not look. Her eyes were focused on the lights coming from the building ahead of her. Something foul tickled her nostrils, and she pressed a hand to her nose, thinking it a good thing the members of her family who had the heightened sense of smell were not accompanying her.
Exhaling slowly, she stepped up to the wooden door, not giving herself time to hesitate, and opened it. The noise assaulted her ears as she walked inside. For such a late hour, the place was full. The interior was dim, with weak light coming from lamps on the walls.
Walk to the rear where there are two booths. Sit in the empty one.
Someone stepped into her path.
“Excuse me.” He didn’t move, just stood there swaying as he attempted to focus on her. Samantha pushed past, and he stumbled out of her way.
Be strong and people will not trouble you. Tugging her hood forward, she walked.If you act pathetic, people will treat you like a victim. Warwick had said those words to her when she was twelve years old.
They’d been at a fair not far from Raven castle. A boy had stolen her fudge, and Warwick had found her crying. He’d offered her no sympathy. Had just spoken those words. Later she’d found out he’d tracked the boys down and taught them a lesson they were unlikely to forget.
She passed the bar, then veered to the right where she saw the booths. Finding the empty one, she slid into it and settled one hand on the table, the other on the reassuring weight of her knife through her skirts.
I am not a victim.
“Do not turn around, my lady.”
Samantha nodded as the deep voice reached her.
“I will leave you with proof of your father’s perfidy in a letter. Be assured, I have many more incriminating him, so do not think me foolish enough to hand over the only documents I have.”
“What do you want from me?”
“Money.”
“Was it you who attempted to kidnap me also?”
“I most certainly did not attempt to kidnap you. Why would I do that and then send the letter?”
He had a point, so perhaps the kidnapping had been a random thing.
“Why now? My father has been dead many years. You could have contacted me some time ago.”
“I have only just come across this information. Now be quiet. I have no wish for anyone to see us talking.”
“How did you know I was in Ireland?”
“I said be quiet.”
Samantha wanted to ask more questions but fell silent. She then listened as he told her the sum of money he wanted in return for the other letter.
“But I do not have access to that much money.” James gave her more than enough for her needs. He was extremely generous, but she did not have the amount this man wanted.
“Then you had better sell something to get it, my lady.”
“How do I know I can trust you? How do I know you will not keep blackmailing me?”
He hesitated again then said, “You don’t.”
Take control, Samantha.
“Very well, but if I can’t get it all at once, I insist on paying you what I can to start. Also, I don’t want to meet you here or at this hour. I cannot continue to leave my house without someone noticing.”
