Page 106 of Uncrowned

“They’ll never let you through. Even with the box. Not if they’re keeping her isolated.”

He took in my words. “Perhaps, but I swear she knew there was something about me. The way she was looking back at me. I think she wondered if I was connected to you. I got the impression that she very much wished I was. Let me try to deliver the books and see what happens.”

“I have a better idea.”

My mind was swimming as I weeded through the best course of action.

“We print a new card. It won’t take half an hour.” I snapped to The Reeve who nodded, talking into the mic at his shoulder. “We print one with two phone numbers. Your phone number on the top, and mine underneath. Put “fax” next to mine. It’s a bit outdated, but maybe they won’t bother to pay it any mind if they confiscate the card. Point to the second number so she knows which one to call. Make it clear that I’m not leaving her a choice. She will call and let me know what the hell is going on. I don’t know what she’s up to with this mystery talk, and I’m not sure I like it. If this does revolve around me…”

Just the thought of her digging into my past made me feel ill. Everyone who tried to uncover the truth was murdered. To think that Penelope was putting herself in harm’s way, and I couldn’t protect her, left my stomach twisting in knots.

“You said you saw her there. That means they saw you too. You have to go today. As soon as possible. Especially if you want it to be believable that you found these books.”

I turned to The Reeve. “On your way to get the card, erase the footage of who picked up this package. We don’t want anyone to see that it wasn’t Theodore. Also, tape back up the box that way it doesn’t look tampered with. Theo.” I turned back to him. “Don’t take no for an answer. You get eyes on Penelope and give her that card. I want her calling me before the night is over with.”

“I’ll do everything I can.”

Nodding, I collected the books, putting them back in the box. I was tempted to write my number on a card and stick it in one of the pages, but it was too risky. They obviously wanted Penelope hidden for a reason, and I knew it was because they suspected that I was behind her abduction. She was former nobility. What if word was out that I was interested in settling? Mr. Prescott knew. Others might as well. And Penelope was a perfect choice. That’s what worried me. It was too obvious.

The Reeve took the box, and Theo paused at the door.

“I’ll fight like hell to get her down so I can deliver the message. If anything, I’ll see if Penelope will play along with my game. I have an idea. Don’t hate me. Don’t fucking kill me either.”

I stepped around the desk. “What are you up to?”

“We’re both eligible and young.”

A smile appeared—half amused, half threatening.

“You’re going to pretend you two share something.”

“You can say that. Like I said, I’ll do everything I can.”

Slowly, I nodded. “Thank you.”

“You bet. I’ll call the moment I know something.”

Theodore disappeared, closing the door behind him. I lowered, still staring towards the barrier.

I couldn’t deny feeling some sort of connection with Theodore Hart. I even sort of liked him. It wasn’t often I felt that around other men. For some reason, I felt like I could trust him. Not that I would, but a part of me did feel comfort in the possibility.

My head lowered, and I looked at the papers I’d been immersed in not twenty minutes before. Going back to looking at numbers was inconceivable. The wheels in my mind were spinning. I felt like I was going at the speed of light when in reality, time ticked by in torturous seconds.

For weeks I had been going crazy with wanting information. I had continued to drive around when I could. I stalked the streets. Nothing. And now that I had something, I was still powerless. There was nothing I could do to bring Penelope home. To make it worse, it appeared as if she were refusing to return, even if she had the opportunity.

What did this mean? What sort of mystery was she trying to solve?

I lowered my head to rest in my hands. The more I gave it thought, the more the fear grew. There was only one mystery I knew of. Me. Unless Penelope had something she wasn’t telling me, I couldn’t imagine her staying away for anything else. Unless it was an excuse to keep us apart. Maybe she just didn’t want to be with me and was too afraid to be honest about it. Was it possible she was finished with me?

Minutes passed as I weighed the sickening thoughts. I couldn’t just sit here and wait. Not while Theodore might possibly see Penelope. I wanted to be there. I wanted to see her, too. If I had to wait another day—an hour⁠—

Standing from the desk, I left my study, heading down the halls of The Order. The stone walls and guards blurred as I headed for the north entrance.

I wouldn’t see her. I knew it in the deepest crevices of my soul, but it hurt too badly to accept the truth. I hated it. The pressure inside me was going wild. It was pressing against every part of me so heavily that I was sure I’d burst. The sensation was as thick as it was hot, and it packed so much anger that it begged me to end this now. To get Penelope back no matter the cost.

I took out my phone, texting The Reeve.

Me: I’m taking position outside of Grove Square. I want to make sure no one is going to be waiting for Theodore after he leaves. A second appearance might trigger suspicion.