“Twice,” Warwick said. “We will come now.”
“Apparently the Deville Brothers are with James,” he told Dev and Dorrie.
“That’s odd,” Dorrie said.
“And James wants us to go there now.”
“Well then we shall.”
“My heathens!” Dev called. “Behave, as we need to leave for a while on business.”
Of course they ignored him.
“I’ll stay and supervise the children so they don’t terrify your staff, Dev,” Dorrie said when they all rose. “You can tell me everything later.”
Warwick kissed her cheek. “Thank you for telling me how you felt. I was beginning to wonder what was going on with me.”
“It will pass. Especially if you talk about Sam—”
Warwick put his hand over her mouth.
CHAPTERTWENTY-SIX
Entering James’s study, Dev and Warwick found Gabriel and Zach. Two of the four Deville Brothers. Also in the room were James, Harry, and Wolf.
“I called to see you.” Zach stalked toward him. He grabbed Warwick and hugged him hard. “I was told you were unwell, but your brother would not elaborate.”
“He was unwell,” Dev said.
“I’m all right, Zach. I promise.”
His friend released him.
“An ailment of some sort I believe. And yet I heard a shot in that kitchen the other night at the Duck and Goose, Warwick. The door was then shut, and I could not get it open. I thought you were dead or Lady Samantha. What happened?”
Zach never looked unsettled. But he clearly was. His necktie was crooked, and his shirt had come untucked.
“Is Lady Samantha all right?”
“We are both well, Zach, I promise.” Warwick put a hand on his friend’s shoulder, feeling the tension. “Really. No one is injured or hurt. I would not lie to you about that.”
“I told him we would know if you were hurt or worse,” Gabe said.
“I heard that gunshot and the scream by Lady Samantha. I’m sure it was her.” Zach’s mouth was in a hard line. “Someone is not telling me the truth.”
“Deville,” Dev said. “Come and sit down.”
Zach gave him a hard look, then did as Dev directed. He fell into a chair. His brother took the one beside him.
“This is clearly none of our business,” Gabe began. “However, my youngest brother has been worried about Warwick and Lady Samantha. I also understand my brother Nathaniel spoke with you about seeing her in the Duck and Goose at midnight a few evenings ago?”
“He did mention it. And it is understandable that Zach is worried,” James said. “But I give you my word we are all well.”
A knock had Buttles coming in with a large tray of food and Cam.
“Well now, this is a surprise,” he said, sniffing the air as Buttles put the tray on James’s desk. “Good morning, Devilles.”
“Is there a time he is not eating during the day?” Gabe asked.
