“We should go after her then,” Gabriella declared.
“Anderson and I should. You stay here.”
“But I—”
“Not up for debate,” Lewis said as he unlocked the door and pulled it open. “We’re sending the carriage back to Bow Street for Kendrick. Someone should be here when he arrives. In case we’re not back by then.”
His reasoning made sense and arguing was impossible now anyway since he was already gone. Anderson disappeared after him. Gabriella heard Lewis shout instructions to the driver. The carriage drove past within the next second. Then Lewis ran by with Anderson on his heels.
Rain blew in from Gabriella’s left. It swept across her face and sprayed her cheek. She shuddered and retreated inside. Her gaze slid toward the stairs as she pushed the door shut, the horror of what she would likely find at the top of them turning her stomach.
Best wait for Peter. Until he arrived, she’d simply pretend all was well. Perfectly normal. Nothing for her to fret about.
Taking a breath, she started toward the parlor. It would be nice to take comfort in the fire Anderson had made. As much as she wanted to help him and Lewis, she didn’t regret not having to spend extra time outdoors at the moment.
She reached the doorway, prepared to enter the room, when she registered a soft creaking sound. It came from the bedroom she’d passed on her way to the kitchen.
Apprehension shivered across Gabriella’s shoulders. She barely dared breathe even though she knew she was probably being silly. If the woman who’d killed Mr. Kipling had stolen the real landlady’s identity, chances were the true Mrs. Rivers had been incapacitated somehow and that it was she Gabriella had heard. In which case the lady would surely require assistance.
Reassured by this logic, Gabriella straightened her spine and did what she could to quiet her nerves. She then carefully asked, “Mrs. Rivers? Is that you?”
No one responded and Gabriella began second-guessing herself. Perhaps she’d imagined the sound. Or maybe it had been caused by a cat? The only way to know for sure was to check.
Gabriella swallowed and glanced toward the vase that stood on the entryway table. Having it at the ready, in case she needed a weapon, would bolster her confidence.
Intent on grabbing the item, she took a step forward. But then a movement somewhere to her right made her turn.
Gabriella’s heart slammed into her breast. The blood in her veins froze and reality tilted as she stared toward the woman who entered the hallway.
Her sharp gaze met Gabriella’s. An assessing look followed.
And all Gabriella could think to say was, “You’re not really Mrs. Rivers, are you?”
29
Standing in the spot where O’Leary had said to meet him, Adrian clenched his fists and waited for the bastard to show. The ongoing drizzle had dampened his clothes, infusing him with a clammy chill that had long since settled deep in his bones. The gusty wind worsened the effect tenfold.
With most of his associates at his back, he should look ready to do as O’Leary asked. Indeed, there was a chance he might still do so in earnest. It all depended on how the next few minutes played out. He’d have to gauge the situation in the moment, as it unfolded.
Whatever the case, he would do what must be done to ensure Samantha’s safety. Once she was out of harm’s way, he could rest easy.
Until this was guaranteed, he’d be an emotional mess.
He retrieved his pocket watch and studied the time. The hour had finally arrived, yet there was no sign of O’Leary or his men.
All was still. Eerily silent almost. Even though Adrian knew the alleyways leading here were carefully guarded by Edward, Kendrick, Moorland, Eldridge, and Wrengate, with Runners and footmen to back them up, he was unable to discern the sound of approaching footfalls.
Another glance at his pocket watch and he saw that it was now three minutes after the hour. Something wasn’t right. He shoved his hands in his greatcoat pockets and pulled out a pair of double-barreled pistols. To hell with this. He was going after his wife. Even if it meant searching every hovel in this God-forsaken place.
Prepared to spill blood, he started toward the nearest building, not caring who followed him into the hell that awaited. Long strides carried him forward. He sent a swift glance over his shoulder to see if he had the support he needed. His heart gave an unsteady thump when he saw that all his associates followed, their weapons at the ready.
They should have gone on the attack from the start. He’d been a fool to listen to Edward. Lord help him if this foolish plan of his sealed Samantha’s fate by delaying Adrian’s arrival. As it was, forgiveness would take time. But if Samantha had perished…
He’d go after Edward next, their history with each other be damned.
He was almost at the building he’d spied. He raised his arm, ready to knock before forcing his way inside.
When the world exploded around him.
