Another gunshot.
Leah could feel some of the blood recede from her face. Her stomach clenched with fear, but when she heard another pop, this one a bit more distant, she moved around to the backside of the large turbines. That’s when she saw a man disappear at the top of the hill, with two more shadows moving closer together.
Relief coursed through her—and when she spied the maid Benjamin had warned her about Leah moved out of the shadows. She didn’t have to do anything more threatening than that as the poor creature came to an abrupt halt and fainted.
Now, faced with Harlan’s furious expression, it should have been enough for her to cower. Instead, she faced him directly. “What thehellare you doing here?” he demanded.
Rather than replying immediately, she offered Benjamin a bright smile. “Would you mind leaving your fearless leader and me alone for a bit?”
At first, the other man’s gaze darted back and forth between them, but he reluctantly took his leave. Harlan snorted. “You’re orderingmymen about now?”
She took a step toward him. “Let’s talk about how you deceived me by making it clear that you had no true intention of allowing me to join in tonight’scoup de grâce.”
Harlan clenched his fists at his sides. “The less you occupy yourself with this affair, the better,” he snapped. “You know I was against this endeavor from the start, but I could see I was overruled, so I agreed to a portion of the truth so you might feel useful.”
Leah narrowed her gaze. “I dosoappreciate your generosity in that regard, but perhaps you might realize your error once you hear what I have to say. I think I have some information that will be of particular interest to you.”
He stilled. “Go on.”
“I discovered the maid. I dragged her into the back entrance of the windmill, some sort of stockroom, to ensure that she was kept away from any prying eyes until you could question her.”
He took no time in moving in that direction. “I hope Hugh is watching her to make sure she doesn’t escape.”
She felt personally affronted by that. “As if I don’t know how to properly tie a knot! I have been around some of the best sailors in Europe and Asia. She is quite secure, I can assure you.”
“We shall see about that,” he returned crossly, his lengthy strides making her gather her skirts and take two steps for every one of his. “You should have sent for one of the others.”
“They are enjoying the entertainments,” she returned just as irritably. “I saw no reason to deny them the chance to take a respite to spend such a fascinating evening with their families.”
Harlan shook his head. “Unbelievable,” he muttered beneath his breath.
Leah was under no misconception in thinking that it was a compliment.
He walked in the rear door with Leah on his heels. It was obvious this part of the windmill wasn’t used often. Everything was coated with a thick layer of dust. Random bits of stone and wood lay scattered about, as well as coils of rope. It was as if the workers had piled their materials to the side once they were completed with the construction and abandoned them to the fates.
In the midst of all the mess was the maid with a gag in her mouth, tied up in the corner, her wrists and ankles bound together.
“She hasn’t seemed particularly eager to talk since she woke up,” Leah offered.
“No, I don’t imagine she was,” Harlan murmured dryly. “But then, that could be because she is sympathetic to the rebellion. Or the way she is trussed up like a Christmas pheasant.” He walked over and bent down in front of the woman. “If I remove the gag, you must promise not to scream.”
There was a brief nod from the captive and then he removed the strip of linen. She coughed lightly and then demanded to be released. “This is an outrage! I haven’t done anything wrong!”
Harlan’s eyes narrowed. “I will determine that in good time, just as soon as you tell me everything that I want to know.” He tilted his head to the side and added, “But if it isn’t, then I’m afraid you will lose more than the feeling in your hands and feet once your transgressions are brought before the Crown.”
When she blanched, Leah had no doubt she was prepared to cooperate.
Chapter 11
Once the inquisition had concluded, Harlan and Leah released their hostage into the local magistrate’s care until her story could be corroborated, and then they returned to the festivities. As Harlan spoke to each of his men about what they had learned, Leah could see the wheels turning in his mind. He was already preparing for the next step. She wondered if he ever allowed himself to stop and enjoy life, like a wonderful evening such as this, just for a while.
Tonight, she was determined that he do just that, regardless of the fact he’d lied to her. She could see the grudging respect in his gaze after they had concluded their interview with the maid. She intended for him to admit it.
She intercepted him as he left Lucas. Near the musicians, she walked up to him with a mock curtsy. “Care to partner with me for the next set?”
He gave her a smile that was equally teasing and offered a bow. “I suppose I should be delighted to accept.”
"I feel so honored,” she retorted dryly.
