He strode arrogantly down the stairs and into the parlor where Penroth and the magistrate stood waiting. “What is the meaning of this?” he demanded, fixing them both with a chilling glare.
The magistrate squirmed uncomfortably. “My apologies, your grace, but Lord Penroth has launched a claim of kidnapping against you.”
Justin raised an eyebrow imperiously. “That is a serious charge indeed. Pray tell, who have I supposedly kidnapped?”
“You know damn well she’s here!” Penroth exploded, his face purpling in rage. “Just earlier tonight you became engaged tomywife, and now she has disappeared.”
“If you are unable to keep track of your wife, I fail to see how that is my problem.”
The magistrate was looking more and more uncomfortable by the minute. “If you would but answer a few questions, your grace, we can be on our way.”
“Ask then.”
“Is Lady Penroth here?”
“No, she isn’t,” he replied calmly.
“Have you seen Lady Penroth since the ball last night?”
“No. Now if that is all—”
“I demand we search the premises!” Penroth shrieked.
“You demand? You are in no position to demand anything. You burst into my home uninvited and level unfounded accusations against me. My patience is being sorely tested. Remove yourself from my house before I throw you out.”
“Thank you, your grace. My apologies for disturbing you.” The magistrate turned towards the door but Penroth looked wildly at Justin. “I will get her back, Whittington. There is no place you can hide her. I won’t rest until she is back with me.”
Justin bit back his response, clenching his fists as Penroth stomped angrily after the magistrate. God, how it had cost him not to beat Penroth into the floor. He turned and slammed his fist into the wall, ignoring the pain that snaked up his arm.
###
Case found Justin in his study slumped over his desk, his face buried in his hands. “Justin?” he asked, fearful of what news he might impart.
Justin raised his head and looked bleakly at him, and Case saw that he had been crying. His eyes were red and utter despair was reflected in their depths.
“How is she?” he asked softly.
“He beat her,” Justin said baldly. “Probably raped her. I found her bound to the bed, battered and bloody.”
Case tried to breathe around the emotion knotting his throat. “Where is she?”
“The doctor is examining her now.”
Case sat down in front of the fire and stared into the flames. “What will you do?” he asked quietly.
Justin appeared beside him, sitting in the chair next to his. “Penroth won’t leave her alone. He won’t let her go.” He ran a weary hand through his hair. “I thought to have her divorce him and marry her when she was free, but she will never be free of him. He’s already been here looking for her. He swore to have her back, and I believe him. He’s insane enough to devote his life to getting her back—to punishing her.”
Case swallowed convulsively. “How did you keep from killing the bastard?”
“The magistrate was with him. I bought us a little time, but I’ve got to get Jillian out of London as soon as possible.”
“You have a plan?”
“I do,” Justin said somberly. “Jillian and I will leave as soon as she can travel.”
An uncomfortable feeling gripped his chest. “Where will you go?”
“It won’t be temporary,” Justin said, looking intently at him. “Things won’t be easy for you here. The scandal will be great, but I can’t allow Jillian to ever be at his mercy again. I love her and if I can’t marry her, we will at least be together.”
