“Help prove my brother’s innocence. You have to understand.” She leaned forward, feeling that pernicious spark of hope once more. “Kenny could never have done something like that. He wouldn’t hurt a soul.”
“I’ve heard that from others, ones who were as guilty as jackals.” He continued coiling his wire, as if she were an insignificant gnat and he too full of ennui to even swat her. “Why not hire a Runner? Or an investigator to clear your brother? They are much cheaper, I assure you.”
His detachment prodded her anger, made her feel something other than soul deep despair.
“All funds are going to a barrister to help in court.” And wasn’t that a pity. She had smelled the gin on the barrister from the doorway of his office. But Mark had assured her of the man’s credentials, and she’d stayed quiet for once. Mark wanted to help their brother too. She just hoped it had been the wisest use of their remaining monies. “And Mr. Rockwood pointed out that if anyone could help, ’twould be you. And the payment of the favors—”
“I repeat that a Runner or investigator would be much cheaper. Ineveryway.” He continued coiling…coiling the unending wire. “What type of favors do you think I might ask?”
“I don’t know,” she murmured. It could be anything. She had realized that as soon as Rockwood had reluctantly repeated the terms of Noble’s agreements.
But she had little choice—her brother was going to hang for crimes he didn’t commit. It was evident that the law enforcement did not intend to do any further investigation. They wanted to calm the public. Needed someone punished for the crimes. Quickly. The trial would be a spectacle—enough of a sham to assuage the public that justice was being served. And Kenny—young, stupid, darling Kenny—would be executed.
No one would lift a finger, and the mob would be happy, too happy, with the living effigy they could burn.
She needed Noble, yet Rockwood had been insistent that she be very sure of her willingness to sell her soul before asking him for help.No oneturned down Noble’s favors. No matter what they were.
“I won’t murder or hurt anyone.”
She thought she caught a glimpse of amusement in his eyes before it disappeared. He leaned forward again. His eyes lovely green chips of ice. His body larger than moments before. “Be assured that if I asked it of you, youwouldcomply.”
She found it difficult to breathe as his eyes seared into hers.
Whatever showed on her face must have been satisfactory, because he relaxed back into his chair. His eyes scanned her for ten tense beats of her heart. He gave a slight tilt of his head. “However, I doubt such actions would be necessary. But don’t think of setting terms. There are onlymyterms. Do you understand?”
A thread of tension uncoiled from her gut even as his statement about her future formed a new one. It sounded like he was going to help her.Someonewas going to help her. “And you will gain my brother’s release?”
He tilted his head farther, a lock of jet hair falling across his forehead. “If I take your case and he’s innocent, yes. If he’s not, no, and you will still owe me the favors, whether you wish to or not.”
Outrage rose in her, despite the persistent fear. “How do I know you will be fair in determining his innocence? Better for you to simply proclaim his guilt and collect.”
He shrugged nonchalantly, as if they were discussing the evening’s menu. “That is a possibility. However, much as I’m sure Rockwood told you, I am my reputation. I doubt many would avail themselves of my services if I did that to my…clients.”
His lids dropped halfway over his eyes, and she shivered. Rockwood had said she could trust Noble with the job. That he always completed his tasks.
“If I take your case, you will not argue with my tactics. You will help me when I require it. You will do exactly as I say throughout.EverythingI say.”
His gaze raked over her. Chills, hot and cold, skittered through her, battling between his words and the look in his eyes. Her heart beat much faster than she preferred.
“Marietta Winters, the question then becomes, doyouaccept?
Chapter 2
He had sent her home without allowing her to answer.
I find myself intrigued,Miss Winters. But I don’t take cases like yours without probing further. Besides,you need time to decide yourself. You will essentially be mine once this task is complete. There is no going back on the deal,once accepted. Give your answer to my messenger at noon,and I will give you mine at dark.
Such parting words had done little to reassure her. She’d tossed and turned to the steady ticking of the clock, to the dawn seeping through the darkness, to flashes of taunting bright green eyes laden with shadows.
To perfect lips forming commands and demanding her soul.
An ink blot formed as she set pen to paper.
Dear Mr. Noble,
I find you outrageous and arrogant, regardless of whether your reputation demands such behavior. Still, I accept your conveniently vague terms.
She crumpled the paper into a ball and chucked it next to the other five around the waste basket, hidden in the morning shadows.
