Chapter Twenty-Two
Danny rushed intothe Duchess of Camine’s drawing room, certain she’d find Percy on the floor bleeding from multiple wounds.
The man had no decency. They’d been married less than a week and he was already running off. Now she got a message from her dear friend saying to come quickly as a matter of the utmost urgency. She should’ve known Percy wouldn’t keep his word. He’d no doubt run headfirst into danger the second after he’d promised they’d face his enemies together.
Danny pressed a fist to her churning stomach. He’d better be all right because she was going to bash his stupid head in for making her worry.
But when she observed the room and its full occupants, it was to find her husband pale but whole, surrounded by not only the Duke and Duchess of Camine, but Charlotte’s relatives, the Duke and Duchess of Lux, as well.
Directing her attention to the man who had the gall to not be prostrate on the floor, she said, “You’re not dying.”
Percy blinked. “I’m . . . sorry?”
Charlotte winced beside Percy on the settee. “My letter may have been a bit dramatic.”
Yet Danny had never known her friend to exaggerate.“Life and death,”her note had implied. From the grave expressions allaround, she didn’t think her wording was far off. “Tell me what’s happened.”
She saw Percy take a deep breath, but the Duchess of Lux cut in. “Fellow Hall is now the target of a sadistic killer with explosives at his disposal. Care to help us eviscerate him?”
Danny’s stomach twisted. Someone was going to attack Grandfellow? Notsomeone.Percy’s ex-partner. Judging by her husband’s gaunt face and colorless complexion, things were worse than before.
Forget evisceration, for making Percy worry, she’d take the man’s head in penance.
Regarding the Duchess of Lux—turned towards the fire so her long, red hair looked alive in the reflection of the flames—Charlotte’s sister-in-law, Danny knew immediately by her straightforward words and bloodthirsty nature they’d get along famously.
“How can I help, Duchess?”
“First, call me ‘Camille.’” A slender brow rose taking her measure. “Word has it you’re a good shot?”
Danny’s brows lifted. “How did you know that?”
An enigmatic smile curled the woman’s full lips. “It was in your brother’s file. Any truth to the rumors?”
Danny had no idea what ‘file’ her brother had, but now wasn’t a time for modesty. “Better than good.”
Percy shook his head. “Whatever you’re thinking, Camille, the answer is no.”
Camille shifted to fully face the room, revealing a tiny infant nestled in her arms. “We’re hunting a madman. Any successful ambush utilizes snipers and lookouts. You’re supposed to be some great spy. Shouldn’t you know that?”
Percy looked heavenward and cursed. “I hate that Renard lets you read.”
The Duke of Lux chuckled. “Like I have a choice.”
Danny didn’t hesitate. “The western side of Grandfellow has a chapel. I’ll have the best vantage in the bell tower, where I can survey most of the property without detection.”
Charlotte and Camille shared a grin.
Percy groaned. “Where did you learn—”
“The Art of War, French translation.” Danny explained.
A look of pure admiration crossed her husband’s face before he let out a huff. “None of you women should be allowed to read.”
“Get over it,” the Duchess of Camine said. “What’s our first step?”
“Round up his associates,” Hamish said. “A man alone is a man undefended.”
Percy shook his head. “We don’t know how many people are working for him. Mercenaries, workmen—half the rookeries could be in his pocket. There’d be no way of knowing.”
