Kirk nodded then his expression became troubled. “Perhaps we should consider that England is behind the assassinations.”
Simon shook his head as if his vehemence could bend reality. “No. I cannot entertain such a thought. I won’t.”
Kirk looked as pained as Simon felt. There must be other forces at work. He wouldn’t entertain that his own government would be behind something so reprehensible. He needed to see the Duke of Ardmore immediately. Besides Kirk, he was the only man Simon trusted completely. He was the man who had recruited Simon, and the man who always gave Simon his assignments. He must know more about Leaudor he could share with Simon.
He glanced over at Isabella and then back at Kirk. “I want you to stay with Isabella and make sure she goes no where.”
Kirk gave him a startled look. “Where are you going?”
“I need to make arrangements for our travel.” As he spoke, his gaze drifted to Isabella. “I need to remove her from London as quickly as possible until we plot our next course. I need time to question her.”
Kirk nodded. “The old hunting lodge would be best. Once you decide your next move, leave me a message there. I won’t be far behind.”
Simon smiled slightly. Kirk knew him well. “I’ll return quickly.”
“Be careful. And hurry back. We won’t be safe here long.”
Simon saluted and ducked out of the doorway.
* * *
Isabella came awake in an instant, cursing herself for falling asleep. She sat up, glancing quickly around for Merrick. When she saw a man standing across the room, his back to her, her hackles immediately rose.
As quietly as possible, she eased from her perch on the couch. She froze when he turned around.
“Ahh, you’re awake.”
She backed warily away, her every muscle prepared to defend herself. “Who are you and where is Merrick?”
He held out his hands in a placating manner. “My name is Adam Kirkland, Kirk as I am known to most.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Where is he?” she asked again.
“He’s gone out for awhile. He should be back shortly. He asked me to stay with you, keep you safe until he returns.”
She studied his face, looking for any sign of deception, but like Merrick, she found nothing but steely resolve. Though not as impressive in stature as Merrick, he was clearly a man able to fend for himself.
Light brown hair, closely trimmed, rested just above his collar. His blue eyes, unlike Merrick’s dark, brooding ones, seemed to sparkle with a natural charm. As if aware of her scrutiny, he flashed a wide smile, bearing slightly crooked teeth.
“If you are through with your inspection, Your Highness, perhaps you would like to eat.”
He reached down and picked up a basket off the small table and held it out to her.
With trembling fingers, she took it from him and looked inside. “How do I know you haven’t poisoned it?” she asked suspiciously.
He laughed. “Poisoning is such a messy ordeal. Not very quick or pleasant. If I had wanted to kill you, I would have simply slit your throat while you slept.”
Her hand flew to her neck, and she rubbed and massaged repetitively. He had a point. Slowly her gaze dropped to the basket, and she moved across the room, farther away from him, to examine the contents more thoroughly.
Her stomach growled as she caught sight of the bread, cheese and leg of chicken. Attempting to act as if she had a measure of decorum, she squelched the urge to devour the food in one bite and tried to pick delicately at the offering.
Her fingers trembled and shook as she tore a small piece of bread and raised it to her mouth. Her earlier dinner, while tasty, was a distant memory in the shadow of so many missed meals.
As she licked her thumb, she glanced back up at Kirk, who was regarding her with amusement. She held his stare, refusing to back down until he finally turned away. She quickly consumed the rest of the portion she had set aside for herself and neatly wrapped the remainder for Merrick.
“What time is it?” she asked, folding her arms over her chest.
“Nearly noon,” he replied without turning around.
