Page 172 of Unmasked

Another sob, but I didn’t miss the glare that returned or the anger radiating from her as I stood and walked away. Vaughn. Penelope. I could see them both in her, as if she were two entirely different people—broken woman—psychotic killer. It caused me to pause as I took her in.

I opened the door, closing it behind me as I headed down the hall and into the decently sized living area. For a cottage, it wasn’t very small, but it was in comparison to the other properties I owned. And I liked this one. It had oddly always felt like home. It was the reason why I chose to bring Penelope to this place.

“Your Majesty.”

George stood from watching the television, and Dr. Ayden turned from the window as I walked forward. The doctor took in my bare chest and pajama bottoms, immediately lowering his eyes. George didn’t skip a beat as he headed forward.

“The palace has issued a statement on your behalf. It would appear the news is going crazy over the events of the ball between you and Mr. Masterson. People are saying the two of you are feuding over your titles. Other reports are speculating it’s over Ms. Penelope.”

“Lady Penelope,” I corrected. “She’s of noble blood. A duchess. Her relinquishment was Vaughn’s doing and can’t erase the truth. It doesn’t matter. Let them speculate. It’ll look better when they find out she’s with me.”

I spoke the words, but it didn’t stop the odd trace of uncertainty that sparked.

“What of the patrols?” I continued. “Do we have enough men keeping an eye on the perimeter? I don’t want any mistakes. No one is to know where we are.”

“We have it covered. What about on your end?”

I paused. “What do you mean? I told them what they needed to know. Nothing. I said I was leaving for a small vacation, and I would keep in touch and return when I was ready. They know I have detail with me. They’ll take care of the press. In the meantime, phones stay off. For everyone,” I threatened. “I will not have Vaughn Masterson or The Council finding me before I’m ready. When I return, it’ll be with Penelope… and she’ll be married to me.”

CHAPTER 58

Vaughn

Dawn came and went as I set up the Throne Room into my new War Room. I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t eat. All I knew was that Penelope was out there, and I wasn’t resting until she was found.

Coffee and secret planned attacks from my connections kept me going.

Elec and Bram helping me strategize kept me going.

Waiting for Luke and Everleigh to discover footage kept me going.

Even Theodore’s connections with criminals kept me moving forward.

What wasn’t helping me was the visions that slipped in when I dropped my guard. I couldn’t think about worst case scenarios. I couldn’t stomach the thought of him touching her. Hurting her. I wouldn’t think of that now.

Penelope needed me.

She was being held against her will by a fucking psychotic madman, and there was nothing I could do. Nothing but stay rational and plan.

I took in the multiple screens now mounted to stone wall. Table upon table was full of weapons. I had maps of the city and surrounding areas laid out, and pictures of men who I’d discovered were high in Lawrence’s guard that might be with him.

We were currently waiting on word for who was still at the palace and who was missing.

Luke and Everleigh were already tracking Lawrence’s phone. Not that they could get a read on it. But they would when he turned it on. We just needed a break. One thing to help steer us in a direction so I could find Penelope. I had to find her. And fast.

“So, these are the properties The Sultan has given me for King L—” Bram stopped, lifting his eyes to me. “I mean, Lawrence. We can start here. I say we don’t waste our time driving to any that don’t stand out as occupied. He’ll have guards with him, and they’ll be patrolling. We won’t miss them.”

My head shook.

“How do we not have any footage from him leaving the palace? There has to be something. His car didn’t just disappear and reappear to where he had her taken. I know we have no video from the palace itself, but what about just out of their range? Stores, restaurants, something?”

Bram shook his head. “Whatever he left in wasn’t one of their vehicles. He got out secretly. He planned this. We still have people looking through every car that goes by, but there’s nothing so far.”

The rage inside me was intense. It was hard to control. Somehow, I managed.

“What is The Council doing? Mr. Prescott said he was heading into a meeting with those in the city, yet here you are. Why are you not at this meeting?”

Bram hit one of the touchscreen monitors on the wall, zooming out of London.