“Good.You made the right decision.”He swept his hand toward his study.“Join me for a drink.We’ve much to discuss.”
Harlowe poured them each a glass of port and handed one to Samantha.Eying her with that inscrutable expression of his, he asked, “Are you prepared for what comes next?”
“How do you mean?”Just to be sure she understood him.
“Croft’s proposition.It’s not exactly what you trained for.”He leaned against the edge of his desk and stretched out his legs, crossing them at the ankles.“Might be useful to bring in an expert to walk you through the details.So you know what to expect.”
No question as to whether or not she wanted to do it.
Her interest in discovering what it would be like to have a man like Adrian Croft as her lover was beside the point.Harlowe didn’t know her mind.In his eyes she was an agent, raised to serve the country, and apparently to sacrifice her innocence in the process, if need be.
She was expendable.
Not loved or cared for, as she’d believed, but a weapon.To be used without thought for the impact it would have upon her.
She sipped her drink slowly.Allowed herself time to process what he was saying.All the while eyeing the silver letter opener on his desk.It would be so easy to stab him in the throat and watch him bleed out.
But what would that lead to?A quick hanging or a life on the run?
She’d no desire for either.And besides, pretending nothing had changed might prove useful.In case she needed Harlowe later.
So she did what she had been trained to do and buried her anger as deep as it could possibly go.“That’s not a bad idea.Thank you for looking out for me.”
“It’s what I’m here for.”He swirled the contents of his glass while considering her.“I’ll have Blush’s owner drop by in the morning.Mrs.Butler’s her name.She’ll give you the information you need and answer whatever questions you have.Any idea of when you’ll be sealing the deal?”
Deep breaths kept Samantha grounded.She’d not considered it yet, but the intensity of Harlowe’s gaze pressed her to answer.“Perhaps after the ball, if I’m able to tempt him with the suggestion.”
The edge of his lips curled with approval.“I’m sure you’ll manage.Just be sure you’re prepared when you go to him.I recommend that you take a vial of laudanum with you.Put a few drops in his drink so he doesn’t disturb you while you search through his things.”
No suggestion as to how she would make sure Adrian drank the concoction she served him.That would be up to her.Provided she did as Harlowe instructed.Assuming Croft brought her into his home instead of using an inn.
She drank the last of her port and returned her glass to the sideboard.“If that’s all, I’ll go write a message to Kendrick.Make sure he’s kept up to date.”
Not until she’d reached her room and locked the door behind her did she permit her mask of agreeability to slip and her rage to show.She’d never felt so used or betrayed in her life.
Snatching her pillow from her bed, she pressed it firmly against her face and screamed, allowing the down-filled item to block out the sound.She punched at her mattress next, forcing the anger and hurt through her fists until exhaustion took over.
Sinking to the floor, she sat with her back to the bed and her knees curled up under her arms.Hard breaths followed.She tilted her head back, stared at the ceiling, and contemplated her next move.For now, she’d feed the illusion of following orders without asking questions.
But if she went to Adrian’s bed, she’d damn well do so for herself.
Not for Harlowe.
Not for Kendrick.
And not for some bloody Prince Regent she’d not even met.
35
“This just arrived.”Peter Kendrick handed the note he’d received from Miss Carmichael to the chief magistrate.“Looks like the ultimatum I gave her worked.”
Sir Nigel scanned the paper and nodded before returning it to Peter.“While this may suggest our odds of arresting Croft are greater than catching that blasted murderer, it’s no guarantee.Our agent may have formed a closer attachment with our target, but her ability to use it against him remains to be seen.”
“I understand.”Peter shoved the note in his pocket.
“We need results, Kendrick.”Sir Nigel’s voice was as grave as their failure to solve the murders.“Eldridge has already been to see me twice more.He’s questioned our worth and has threatened to advocate for our replacement.”
Kendrick shivered.As a duke, any suggestion Eldridge made would be considered with the utmost seriousness.“I’ll let you know as soon as I have something more.”
