He swung back to Edward. The betrayer. “The message specifically told me to come alone and to be punctual. Otherwise, he’s going to start cutting. One finger here, another one there, for each point I choose to ignore. For every minute I’m late.”
“You’re understandably upset,” Kendrick said, in response to which Adrian sent the imbecilic chief constable a look of disbelief. “However, Marsdale was right to stop you from meeting O’Leary’s demands.”
Ignoring the fool, Adrian tightened his hold on Edward’s throat and leaned in close. “You will pay for this, you bastard.”
Someone grabbed his upper arms and pulled him away from Edward, who started coughing as soon as Adrian let go. He shook himself free and strode to the opposite side of the room. The space was too bloody small to house his violent emotions.
“Adrian, I—”
“You will not speak to me anymore,” Adrian roared as he whirled on his former friend. The man who’d been like a brother — a person he’d trusted. No more. Edward could go to the devil for all he cared.
Eldridge stepped forward, arms slightly outstretched as though he were trying to herd a beast back into its cage. “What do you suppose would have happened if you had done as O’Leary asked?”
“Samantha would have been returned to me. Murry too.”
“Do you honestly believe that’s true?” Kendrick asked. When Adrian only stared at him, he added, “Finn O’Leary is a dangerous thug who will kill if it strikes his fancy. According to Marsdale, he’s seeking revenge for the death of his father. A death you apparently caused.”
Adrian launched himself at Edward once more, this time with every intention of breaking each bone in his body. He was stopped by Wrengate and Moorland. The men restrained him until he stopped fighting, then slowly released him.
“I had to explain the situation,” Edward said with a look of sadness that might have touched Adrian’s heart before this.
Now it just made him want to snuff him from existence.
“You might as well have signed my death warrant,” Adrian growled. “Samantha’s and Murry’s too.”
“I believe you were doing just fine with that on your own,” Eldridge said. “If anything, Marsdale gave you a fighting chance by informing us of what’s happened.”
“No.” He shook his head. “If I bring you lot with me the deal will be off and O’Leary will—”
“Stop.” Kendrick’s voice slammed against him. “If you were to follow through on his order and go to that meeting alone, what do you imagine the result would be? After you hand O’Leary the keys to your kingdom in front of all your associates, what do you think he will do? What would you do if you were in his position?”
Adrian blinked. He hadn’t considered. The only thought filling his head had been: do what needs doing to save Samantha and Murry. No matter what that entailed, he’d do it.
But he saw the trap now as clearly as if he’d laid it himself. “He’ll never let any of us walk away from that meeting alive.”
O’Leary was merely using him to gather all his associates in one place. For the sole purpose of having them watch his execution. Oh, he’d give the speech O’Leary asked him to make, transferring power to him. But once that was done, O’Leary would kill him as a show of strength and to avoid the risk of a coup later. He’d kill Samantha and Murry too so neither of them posed a threat in the future.
The bastard might come for others as well. Anyone who’d been loyal to Adrian. Especially those who’d known his secrets. Which pretty much included his entire household.
“We’ve a couple of hours to spare until you’re to make your appearance at Seven Dials,” Kendrick said. “To his credit, O’Leary realized you’d need time to send word to all your associates. I recommend you do so at once, after which we’ll help you strategize.”
25
It was nearing suppertime when Harlowe arrived at Heathbrooke House. Melody was descending the stairs to the foyer after unpacking when Jarvis opened the door and admitted him to the foyer. She froze on the third to last step and stared at him. Not because it had been several months since their paths had crossed, or because she’d not heard a word from him in response to the letter she’d sent to inform him of her departure, but rather because he’d never shown up here before.
“It’s imperative that we speak,” he said, forgoing a proper greeting and even ignoring the butler who waited to take his hat and gloves.
“I, um…” Melody glanced around while attempting to figure out what to tell Lady Heathbrooke. Of course the dowager marchioness knew that Harlowe had raised her, that they shared a familial bond, but how to explain his sudden presence?
“There’s an urgent matter we need to discuss.” Harlowe gave her a pointed look.
“Of course.” Melody snapped to attention and looked to Jarvis. “Do you know if her ladyship is still resting?”
“I believe so,” said Jarvis. “She hasn’t come downstairs yet.”
“Thank you.” Melody descended the last few steps and led the way to the parlor.
“Should I have some tea sent up?” Jarvis asked.
