Gray sat on the floor in the dark as the room had no furniture or light and waited for what they’d do to him next. He was sure he’d end up missing, never to be found again. But he couldn’t allow that to happen. Gray had too much to live for now.
He loved Ellen, and he needed to tell her that. Then there was Ramsey who had come back into his life. He felt desperation surge through him. He had to find a way to escape.
The sound of a key turning in the door’s lock was almost a relief. Sitting here with his thoughts was hell. He’d rather fight with everything he had inside him than wait to die.
He didn’t want to die.
The door opened, and lamplight showed him a dark head but little else.
“Detective Fletcher, it is Devonshire Sinclair. We have come to get you out.”
While he was grappling with that information, a figure slipped past him and ran at him.
“Gray!”
“Ellen?” She wrapped her arms around his waist. “Why are you here?” he rasped. Even as he longed to see her, burying his face in her sweet-smelling hair, the fear of what could happen to her had him saying, “It’s too dangerous.” The thought of these thugs getting their hands on her again terrified him. “Get out! Run now.”
“I will, but you’re coming with me,” she said, cupping his face.
“It’s exceedingly dangerous, Gray.” Leo appeared. “Which is why we must leave.”
Another man dropped before him.
“I’m Warwickshire Sinclair. Allow me to release your bonds.”
“I-I don’t understand? How are you here? Take her out.”
“We can explain more later. Right now, we need to all leave here,” Leo said.
“Get her out, Leo. Please.” Gray wasn’t above begging.
“Not without you,” she said.
His hands were freed, and he couldn’t help it. He had to hold her.
“You shouldn’t have come. You’re hurting—”
“Perhaps we could save this until we have you both safely back in the carriage?” Devonshire Sinclair said from the door.
Gray released her but took her hand, needing her anchored to his side. They left the room and started back the way they’d come. Fear had him pushing Ellen behind him, so she was wedged between him and Warwickshire Sinclair.
They nearly made it to the gate out when a voice from behind stopped them.
“Halt!”
They turned, and Gray tried to force Ellen behind him again, but she refused to go.
“Stay,” he hissed. She wrestled free of his grip and stood at his side with her umbrella braced before her like a bloody baton. Christ, he loved this woman.
“You murdered George Nicholson,” Gray said.
The man held a pistol pointed his way.
“Will you take us all out, then?” Devonshire Sinclair asked.
Gray’s pistol had been taken off him before they threw him in that room.
“Ellen?” Leo said.
