Page 36 of Good Duke Gone Far

“Foolproof.”

“Exactly. So glad you agree.”

Whether Kat ignored or misread his sarcasm was not worth squabbling over. Quinn racked his brain, thinking of who else they may need to target should the duke not be in residence. Perhaps a man of business? A butler? Some servants? Surely he could find someone. And he could attempt to get that someone to talk.

Stretching his arms awkwardly overhead, to avoid the roof of the carriage, Quinn set his mind to improving the foolproofness of the plan before them. But before he could really expand upon the details, he was interrupted.

“Do you have a gun?”

What was the correct answer to that question? Quinn couldn’t be sure honesty was the best policy here, but it was the only one he had ready.

The answer would be offered slowly though.

“Why?”

“It’s a simple question, isn’t it?”

“I’m not so sure it is.”

Kat huffed. “It’s simple, Quinn. Gun?” Thumb high, index finger and middle finger out to him, and the last two pulled in to her, Kat aimed at his chest. “Or no?” She made an x with her two index fingers.

“Yes.”

“You do?” She clapped her hands in delight. “That’s wonderful news.”

“Is it?”

“Yes. For part of my plan.”

This time Quinn did pinch his nose. This was not going to be good.

He really did not want to know this part of the plan, except the only way to really prevent it from occurring was to ask again, “What’s the plan?”

“You’re going to teach me how to use it.” The light dancing in her eyes, and the coy curl of her lip upward, almost–almost–made him give in.

“I don’t think so.”

“I do.”

“Well, it’s my gun.” That sounded more childish than he meant it. “I brought it along in case we need it.”

“Exactly. We. As in you and me. Surely everyone would agree that a woman ought to be able to defend herself. What if I need to protect myself at some point on this trip?”

“Heaven help us all,” he muttered. In a flash, a thousand scenarios flew through his mind. None of them good. Most of them hopeless. And certainly none in which Kat would be the one saving them both with a gun. Highwaymen attacking them. Him being overtaken by three maybe five men. No ten. It would have to take ten at least. If anyone were able to isolate Kat from his protection, well, maybe he should show her how to use a gun. He shuddered.

“Quinn.”

“Kat.”

“I’m serious.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “I want you to teach me how to use it. You taught me how to use a knife. Why can’t you show me how to use a gun?”

“They’re completely different weapons.” She huffed. He replied by raking his hands through his air. “Someone could get hurt. Badly.”

“That could just as easily happen with a knife.”

“Not as easily. And not as likely fatally.” How could she not understand the–literal–grave difference between wielding a knife versus a gun?

“This is a long ride, Quinn. And I don’t give up easily.”

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