Inexperience showed in her, making him question once again why she and Sally had stepped out of their boundaries and decided to play the part of investigators. Obviously, she believed him to be the culprit, and he doubted he could say anything to persuade her otherwise. Suspicion of her real intent niggled at him. Her acting rivaled his own, and he wasn’t certain what to believe. Was she really as innocent as she seemed?
He chuckled. “You think you have all the answers, but I assure you, I didn’t kill my brother.”
“And I’m just as confident that you have more secrets than you care to admit.”
“Just because one has secrets does not make one a criminal.”
As she tilted her head, her attention roamed across his face before trailing down his body. A spark of desire flared in her eyes. Without warning, heat stirred within his chest, and he recalled their kiss. Although she infuriated him, he also wanted her back in his arms so that they could continue the passion inside them that needed more examination.
“I don’t believe I’m wrong,” she replied.
“How will you know? You insist you are right, and I say you are not. We seem to be at an impasse.”
“The truth will be determined when I contact the constable to have your personal items checked for the missing family ring.”
Worry plucked at Nash’s mind, but he maintained his stoic expression and finished his drink. After placing the empty glass on the liquor tray, he studied her face. “What fate will grace this unfortunate criminal?”
“I’m sorry to say, but when we find the ring, you will be arrested, and chances of hanging will be in your future.”
“And what if I can prove my innocence?”
She shrugged. “Then you will have many of us fooled.”
Nash laughed, covering his growing unease. “Oh, Maxey.” He caressed her cheek. “If I were not so enamored with you, I would be insulted.”
Her smile softened. “And if I didn’t know what a great performer you were, I would believe in your innocence. But I know you are the man responsible for your brother’s death, and I plan on contacting the constable first thing in the morning to report your whereabouts. He will then arrest you.”
Panic constricted his chest as the walls of deception closed in around him.
*
Maxey had neverbeen so confident in her life. Although Nash’s excellent performing skills were evident, she still sensed deep in her heart that Nash was not an honest man. He had his brother’s ring. She could see it in his eyes. Of course, if he had the ring, that meant he killed his brother. Guilt and fear were his present emotions, no matter how hard he tried to mask them.
Perhaps she shouldn’t have informed him of her plans, but when he accused her of being a poor investigator, her temper made its debut. Now that she had spouted the truth, how could she keep him from running? She must find a way. Carolyn had faith in Maxey’s abilities, and she couldn’t let her employer down.
Then again, what if Nash decided not to let her go because she knew too much? She could probably handle this situation, but she needed her partner’s help to stay focused on her goal. Nash’s sensual nature was too strong, and Maxey had almost succumbed several times already. She prayed Sally would awaken soon.
Dropping his hand, he stepped back, his shoulders as stiff as the muscles in his expression. “Tomorrow? Do you think you’ll be able to contact the constable so quickly? I assure you, he is a busy man, and he might not believe your story.”
“And why would he doubt me?” She scowled, not liking the way this conversation was headed. “Is it because I’m a woman or because I’m a servant?”
He shrugged. “I suppose he might have time for you because you are a lovely woman, but he will undoubtedly lean toward listening to my story before arresting me because I was raised in an aristocratic family. He is also an admirer of the opera, and goes often. I believe he won’t be as quick to judge me as you are. Along with that, I can tell you that Constable Lawrence isn’t in the Lake District. I saw him in London three weeks ago. He was visiting family.”
Maxey felt she was losing again, and what he’d hinted about her lineage was quite rude. His words hurt more than she’d expected.
She couldn’t be certain that Constable Lawrence was in this area, but she must not let Nash see that she had doubts or that he had hurt her. “I’m certain once the constable hears that I have talked to you, he will quickly add you to the top of his suspect list. Killing a lord by strangulation or any form will put one on that list.”
Nash’s eyes widened as genuine panic crossed his face for the first time tonight. Shewascorrect in assuming Nash was the criminal, no matter how much he denied it. Excitement shot through her, and she wanted to jump up and down, clapping her hands. Instead, she would stay composed and not show her feelings.
He took long strides across the carpet as he swiped fingers through his thick black hair. Back and forth, he paced like a caged animal.
He cursed, but his voice trailed off, and she couldn’t hear the last part. But her father used to swear, and she knew what Nash had said.
His actions erased all doubt from her mind, placing victory within reach. Yet his temper frightened her. The opera singer she had conversed with for the past hour was nothing like the irate man he had suddenly become. Even when he threatened her before, he hadn’t appeared this menacing.
She swallowed a knot of fear and forced herself to stay strong. What other choice did she have? She glanced at her friend, praying Sally would soon regain consciousness and be the supporting partner Maxey expected.
Nash abruptly stopped in front of her. Maxey quickly forgot about Sally and focused on him.
