“That does not surprise me in the least.I told you he was a demon.It makes sense that he would be a traitor to his country as well.”He hastily led her toward the exit.
ChapterNine
It was not bad enough that Arkham had chosen to return to England at the worst of times, but to discover that, for whatever reason, he seemed to have set his sights on Astara, as well as deciding to trade secrets to the French, incited a burning rage in Knox.He wondered what they were paying him for the deception, or if he had volunteered the information he’d gathered.
He glanced over his shoulder as they entered his coach to make sure Arkham wasn’t in pursuit before he gave the direction of the Watch to his driver.
When they set in motion, he glanced at Astara who was rubbing her hands on her bare arms as if she was trying to return some warmth to her skin.
He moved to the other side of the coach and wrapped his arms around her.He did not like the current situation at hand, because now her safety was in jeopardy.
“Why would he choose to accost me?”she wondered aloud.
Knox had been pondering that very question.“I do not know for certain, unless it is to just strike out at me because of our past grievances.”
She shivered in his arms.“His eyes are so cold, almost soulless.I can believe he has transferred his heart to something black and unforgiving.”
He did not reply but put a hand on her hair and slowly patted.If he could do anything, it would be to make her feel that she wasn’t alone, that she was safe.
When they finally arrived at the Lion’s Watch warehouse, Knox got out and helped Astara down.It was not commonplace for anyone to be invited into the coveted heart of the headquarters of such a secretive organization, but this was not the time nor the place to discuss matters that he did not consider of true importance.Blackton wanted proof that Astara was worthy of joining their ranks and tonight showed Knox that she was more than qualified to take on whatever role was presented.She had a natural ability to discern people’s true nature, and if that did not count for anything, then he was about to offer a free lesson.
Blackton was in Scarsdale’s office writing some sort of correspondence when Knox burst inside.The marquess glanced up in surprise, his gray whiskers shaking with indignation at being disturbed so abruptly.“What is the meaning—?”He spied Astara and his face began to turn a mottled shade of red.“Hampton, what the devil is wrong with you?You know the rules?—!”
Rather than be cowed, Knox leaned on the desk and put his face directly in front of Blackton.“I think you are going to want to listen to what I have to say, and after that, you are going to offer Miss Smith an apology for ever doubting her.”
The older man’s mouth fell agape, and although his focus shifted to Astara, she merely stood aside and said nothing in her defense.
Allowing a moment of silence to intrude, Knox announced, “Lord Akham is back in London.”
The mottled shade of anger returned to Blackton’s countenance.He slammed a fist on the top of the desk.“The devil!”
“Indeed.I thought you would listen to that.”Knox straightened.“And it is thanks to Miss Smith that he was recognized as the same man from the ball and who had accosted her at the park.”
The older man’s gaze shifted sharply to Astara.“Are you certain it is the same man?”
“Without a doubt.”
Blackton muttered a curse under his breath and sat back in his chair.“I thought we had seen the last of Arkham years ago.”
“I’d hoped we had,” Knox muttered in return.“But I think we all know what has propelled him to return to English soil.”
“As a spy for the French,” Blackton growled.“I will need to send word to Scarsdale immediately.This is a new development that he should be apprised of at the earliest opportunity.I shall send a messenger with the news this evening.”He scrubbed a hand down his face.“How have none of the other agents we have placed around London not bothered to pinpoint this significant detail?”
“Because most of them are not aware of his sordid history as we are,” Knox said grimly.“It was only through Miss Smith’s intuition that he was discovered as soon as he was.I might have eventually noticed his resurgence, but until he decided to appear this evening in a brazen challenge, I had no reason to believe he was back.As far as I know, his father does not care to lay eyes on him ever again after what he did.”
“I would be inclined to agree with you,” Blackton noted.“However, I think it best to make sure the Marquess of Vale is aware of his return.”
“Indeed.I will pay a visit first thing in the morning.”
“I should like to join you.”Knox turned when Astara spoke.She walked forward.“Not only is curiosity propelling me to meet the poor parents of Lord Arkham, but I am curious how his father shall receive the news of this sudden resurgence.He might need a gentle hand there to soothe over the situation.”
Knox could not disagree with that reasoning.He was very matter of fact when it came to such things.It was likely because of his stodgy upbringing as a duke’s son and his subsequent role when his father had passed.He had always had certain expectations placed upon him, least of which was his calm demeanor in any situation, no matter how distressing it might be.
“You should get some rest this evening, Hampton,” Blackton said with a direct look.“Tomorrow will likely be a busy day.”
As they left the warehouse, Knox’s mind was whirling with what Blackton had inferred.Knox would probably be tasked with bringing down Lord Arkham, and while he would relish the opportunity with great enthusiasm, that also meant that he would be forced to leave Astara behind until such time the traitor was dealt with properly.It could be hours, days, or weeks, depending on how long the earl wanted to taunt him.If he was working for the French, there was no doubt in Knox’s mind that he had resources at his disposal which he could use to disappear at any time.
Lost to his own musings, he glanced down when a light hand covered his.“I can see how much Arkham bothers you.”
