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If Etherington was such a brave fellow, why was he still sequestered inside the coach?

After throwing one leg over Prometheus’s side, Camden slid to the ground.

His men followed suit, except for the rider at the rear. He’d give chase if required.

Blunderbuss at the ready, Camden edged closer. Only a fool rushed ahead without knowing exactly what he faced.

Sir Phillip Etherington mightn’t be alone, or he might be armed.

Before Camden could open the door himself, the panel swung outward, and the crow-like man pushed his narrow shoulders into the opening. “What is the meaning of this?” he demanded, all pompous outrage.

At Camden’s signal, his men also aimed their pistols directly at Etherington. With mufflers wrapped around their faces and only their eyes visible, Camden didn’t fear recognition. Though, in truth, he doubted the mercenaries cared about concealing their identities. Just as long as they received the rest of their coin when this was over, they’d be satisfied.

As satisfied as anyone with no conscience or moral code could be.

Craning his neck, Etherington scowled ferociously at the empty drivers’ seat, then brought his infuriated gaze back to Camden and sneered. “Bloody cowards. They didn’t even put up a fight.”

“I do have to wonder why,” Camden drolly observed, earning him a loathing-filled glare. “Show yer hands,” he ordered.

Etherington didn’t immediately comply.

“Ye should ken, three weapons are trained on ye. One false move, and it will be yer last.” Camden wasn’t foolish enough to underestimate the man.

Etherington’s expression grew more disdainful as he pursed his mouth and glowered at each gunman in turn. “You realize, of course, I wouldn’t be foolish enough to carry a large purse with me.”

Camden remained silent and cocked a brow mockingly, having learned long ago that nervous people often prattled. And for all of Phillip Etherington’s bravado, he was as nervous as a new whore.

Etherington swore beneath his breath as he began fiddling inside his coat pocket.

“I said, show yer hands. Now.” Camden bit out the last, leveling the barrel of his pistol directly at Etherington’s chest.

Eyes narrowed, his sunken features taut, Etherington slowly withdrew his hand from his coat. He clutched a small leather purse in his fist, but obediently extended his hands. “I’m not armed. I was but retrieving my purse.”

“We’re no’ interested in yer money,” Camden said, convinced more than ever the damning documents were concealed within the coach.

Else why would Etherington voluntarily come out and offer his purse?

He’d also wager Prometheus, a weapon or two lay within the vehicle. Camden jerked his pistol in a manner indicating Etherington should descend from the conveyance. “Get out.”

Etherington scowled sinisterly, his gaze shifting from gun to gun.

“There’s no need for me to descend.” He threw his coin purse onto the ground near Camden’s feet. “I haven’t any other valuables on me,” he declared. “Take it and be gone with you, bastards.”

Then he proceeded to spit, indicating his contempt.

“Does the sot truly think we’d believe him?” One of the men chuckled.

They were only too eager for a bit of sport. Etherington had better comply, or he’d be the worse for it.

They knew nothing of the document, or Camden’s real reason for robbing Etherington. Greedy lot that they were, they assumed the real valuables lay within the coach.

“I said, out.” Camden stepped forward. “Ye can do so of yer own accord, or I’ll have my men drag ye. Yer choice.”

“I’m just returning from a business meeting. As you can well see, I don’t even have luggage with me,” Etherington grumbled as he stepped from the conveyance. He made a point of closing the door behind him. “I don’t have any more coin on me, either.”

As if that would keep Camden from searching the vehicle from top to bottom. He would dismantle the damn thing, if necessary. He was convinced the documentation that would prove Etherington’s guilt, as well as those conspiring against the Crown, lay within the vehicle somewhere.

At once, his men stepped forward and constrained Etherington by either arm.