Chapter Twenty-Nine
Talon drifted back downstairs, taking care to remain unobserved by any of the servants. He wanted to surprise the bastard. Lord knew he needed every advantage he could get.
Thoughts of Elizabeth and of Kate and her impassioned plea echoed in his head, destroying his resolve. He took several deep breaths, trying to regain control.
At last, he managed to put everything except the need for vengeance out of his head. It was the only way he could do this thing, the only way he could face what would come afterward.
Sutcliffe was exactly where Talon had expected him to be, sitting in his library smoking an expensive cigar and sipping cognac. For a moment, Talon just stood in the doorway, watching him and letting his hatred simmer to the boiling point.
Sutcliffe finally turned to see who was behind him. “Talon.” Dismay flickered across Sutcliffe’s face before his features became inscrutable. “Come in, son. I’ll pour you a drink.”
“Don’t call me that. Don’t ever call me that again.”
Sutcliffe chuckled and filled another crystal shot glass with cognac. He sent it skittering across the desk and gestured to the chair across from him. “Go ahead, sit down. We have a lot to talk about.”
“I’m through talking.” Talon ignored both the drink and the chair. “I didn’t even plan to say this much. All I want to do is kill you, you son of a bitch.”
“Ah, so you’ve found out about your crew.” Sutcliffe gave a pitying shake of his head. “Come now, did you really think I’d stick my neck out for a bunch of worthless pirates?”
Talon reached into his waistband and pulled out the small, pearl-handled pistol he’d purchased in Nassau. He aimed it at Sutcliffe’s cold, dead heart, surprised to see his hands were steady. “I mistakenly assumed you might be a man of your word since we shared the same blood. Obviously, I was wrong.”
Sutcliffe glanced at the pistol. “You’ll never get away with killing me, you foolish boy. Lionel will be in here the instant you fire a shot.
You’ll never even make it out of the house.”
“I got in to the house, didn’t I? It doesn’t matter. I never expected to get away with it. I might even turn myself in. I’m more than ready to die, you see, as long as I can take you with me.”
Sutcliffe looked just a little taken aback by that, but then he smiled. “I’m surprised you came to me first. I expected you to go out to the country and see Kathryn and her child. She delivered several days ago.”
Talon forced himself not to react. He wouldn’t allow Sutcliffe to use Kate or the baby against him. “I guess that shows how little you know me. By killing you, I’m ensuring their safety. That’s all that matters to me now.”
Sutcliffe played his trump card. “They’re here, Talon. Upstairs. I had them brought here so I could see my heir. Are you sure you don’t want to go see your daughter before you do something you’ll regret? Surely you don’t want Kathryn to see you arrested for murder.”
The thought made him weak with despair. Sutcliffe was right, killing him would be harder than he’d ever imagined, especially after the ultimatum she’d given him. “I’m sure,” he managed, trying to remain impassive.
Sutcliffe must have seen his flicker of weakness, though, because he pounced on it. “A little girl, can you credit it? I thought you were more of a man than that.”
“Go to hell,” he whispered.
He should have just walked in and shot the bastard in the back of the head. It had been the height of foolishness to allow him to say a single word.
“A girl child simply won’t do.” Sutcliffe pursed his lips and shook his head. “I’m going to have to try again with one of my other by-blows. I’ll have to find one who is more agreeable for the next go round.”
All indecision fell away. Talon wouldn’t allow Kate or Daniel to be hurt again. He lifted the gun and took careful aim. “I don’t think so.”
“Don’t do it.” Daniel’s voice startled Talon, but he didn’t turn around. He kept his gaze locked on his father, gratified to see a few beads of sweat break out on Sutcliffe’s brow.
“It’s too late, Daniel. I should think you, of all people, would be glad to see him gone.” Talon’s finger tightened on the trigger.
“I don’t give a damn about him.” Daniel crossed the room until they stood side by side. “But I do care about Kate and your daughter. She’s been waiting for you. Don’t throw it all away now. He’s not worth it.”
Sutcliffe laughed mockingly. “Isn’t this sweet? Such a show of brotherly concern.” He smiled. “He wants you on your knees for him, Talon.”
“Divide and conquer, hmm?” Talon shook his head. “Daniel has earned my trust, you bastard. I happen to think he’ll make a wonderful earl once you’re dead.”
He risked a glance at his brother and was shocked to see the fury on Daniel’s face. “If anyone’s going to shoot him, it should be me,” Daniel muttered. “I don’t have anything to lose. Let me do it. It’s the only way.”
“You don’t have the guts,” Sutcliffe told him. “You’ve been a spineless ninny all your life, Daniel.”
