Satisfaction sparked in his eyes, like sunshine catching a shard of ice. “How are you finding married life?”
“It’s a change, though not an unpleasant one.” She crossed to the same chair she’d sat in a hundred times before and lowered herself to the velvet seat. “My husband is wonderfully generous.”
Harlowe tilted his head, considering, assessing. “He doesn’t suspect anything?”
“No.” Another smile accompanied by a sniff of amusement to sell the lie. “He actually thinks the world of me, which is why the decision to stop my pursuit of him is so very frustrating. I’m in the perfect position to continue my work.”
“Be that as it may, you have your orders.”
Orders Kendrick apparently meant to ignore. She’d keep that information to herself as well. Harlowe deserved nothing from her. “Of course.”
“That’s not to say things won’t change later,” Harlowe added. “They often do in these situations. If you’re bored, I suppose you could try to gather more intelligence so you’re ready when asked to continue your mission.”
When, notif. She watched him with heightened awareness as he strolled to his own chair and sat. “Will you ever tell me who’s truly behind all of this?”
“You know that’s not an appropriate question to ask.”
“He’s my husband now. Knowing would make this a whole lot simpler.”
“I don’t see how.” His voice had firmed.
It was time for her to move on before he became suspicious. She sighed. “Truth is, there’s a reason I’ve come to see you. It pertains to the boy I was using to send information between myself and Kendrick. Wycliff is treating him terribly. I’d like to help.”
“I trust the boy was paid whatever price you agreed upon while you used him?”
“Naturally.”
“Then you owe him nothing. He’s not your problem, Samantha.”
“But—”
Harlowe leaned forward, his mouth set in a rigid line. “Consider what will happen if Croft discovers your connection to him. Everything you’ve worked for could unravel. It’s not worth the risk.”
“He’s a ten-year-old boy who’s being abused by a fully grown man. All I’m asking is for you to lend me the money he needs to purchase his freedom.” She prayed he’d show some shred of sympathy for the child. “I’ll pay you back when I’m able.”
“The answer is no.” There was no budging him, no swaying his stance. As far as he was concerned, Isak would have to be sacrificed. He’d made the decision without even blinking. The heartlessness was unfathomable.
But of course, she could not allow him to know this was how she perceived him. So she dipped her head. A meek show of servitude. “Very well, then. I’ll put my attention toward my marriage instead.”
“A wise decision. Keep strengthening your bond with Croft. Gain as much trust from him as you can by supporting him and giving him honest advice when possible.” He gave her a frank look. “I trust things are going well for you in the bedroom?”
It took every effort Samantha possessed not to react with outrage. A quick intake of breath silenced her rising anger. She averted her gaze – pretended a moment of shy embarrassment over the issue. “Very much so.”
“Good.” His smugness made her want to smash his head in with one of his paperweights. “I hope you’ll stay for luncheon. We’re having your favorite – baked salmon.”
Despite everything, she smiled, the irony being that she was now using her training against the man who’d taught her. “Thank you, but Adrian expects me to dine with him, so I probably ought to get going.”
“By all means.” Harlowe escorted her back to the carriage. “It was truly lovely to see you, even if our opinions on various issues do differ. Hopefully you’ll visit again soon.”
“I’ll do my best,” she assured him, already dreading the next time their paths might cross. He was not the caring man she’d believed him to be but rather a calculating employee of the Crown, who saw her as nothing more than an asset.
Several Runners, strategically positioned, were busy keeping the public away from the York Water Gate when Adrian arrived with Orendel. The earl opened the carriage window and spoke to one, who promptly waved them through.
The carriage pulled up behind several others and stopped to let the men out. A stench of rotten algae hung in the air. Sparrows pecking at the ground took flight as Adrian strode forward.
He groaned when he spotted Kendrick, even though he’d known he would be there. The chief constable didn’t look happy to see him either. A frown puckered his brow when their gazes met.
Still, cordiality would be the simplest approach.
