Page 55 of Rakes & Reticules
He cracked an eyelid open and, winking, formed his lips into a silent “Shh” before feigning unconsciousness again.
Siobhan gasped, causing the smaller blackguard to turn and glare at her.
“Spi-der,” she stuttered and gave an exaggerated shudder. “I saw a spider.”
He rolled his eyes in disgust.
The tiniest morsel of hope sang along her blood.
IfGod heard her prayers,iffate smiled upon them,ifFletcher had a plan, she and Fletcher might get out of this alive after all.
CHAPTERTHIRTEEN
Fletcher’s office
Five minutes later
Time crept by interminably slow as Viscountess Huxley, yet wielding the ivory-handled pistol, paced back and forth in Fletcher’s office. Agitation fairly radiated off her as she muttered under her breath.
Though only five minutes had passed, each second lengthened into what felt like an hour. Smoke’s choking stench and the frantic sounds outside filtered through the drawn draperies.
A myriad of questions pummeled Siobhan.
Where were Paddy and Kimber?
Had someone made sure they made it outside?
How big was the fire?
Had it been extinguished?
WasDe la Chanceat risk?
Were others still in the club and in peril?
Were she and Fletcher going to die at the hands of these lunatics?
Do not think about it.
She grazed her fingertips across Fletcher’s forehead and down his cheek. Only to reinforce the ruse he played at, of course. Not because Siobhan couldn’t help reassure herself that he was alive and, though bruised and cut, would be all right.
Ifthey managed to escape the demented curs holding them prisoner.
That was a very big if.
The fact that none of Fletcher’s security team or his brother had appeared didn’t portend well.
Siobhan forced her thoughts elsewhere, for if she dwelled on the danger, she’d become paralyzed with fear, and Fletcher needed her to have her wits about her to assist him in whatever he had planned.
He’d best get to it, however.
If the blaze spread toDe la Chance…
Setting a fire.
What a stupid and reckless scheme. However, it wasn’t the first time her ladyship had employed the method.
It spoke to the absolute insanity of the Huxleys. Their accomplices too.
