Page 10 of Doubling Down on a Duke
“Drop the act, Kilman, you’ve never been one to stand on ceremony. Why are you here?”
Had her husband forgotten all his training?
He wasn’t supposed to offend the man, he was supposed to befriend the prospective informant and then once he’s gained their trust, then demand answers.
Leaned up against the bedpost, Kilman crossed his legs at the ankles and answered, “I’m traveling on official business.”
The man’s relaxed, unintimidated stance meant he wasn’t threatened by Bryce or his tone. However, Helen knew from experience her husband was not one to be underestimated.
“I seriously doubt that to be the case,” Bryce countered.
“It’s true. Archbroke has tasked me with tracking down a wayward lady who has been reported as missing by her family.”
Helen was in agreement with Bryce. Lord Archbroke was not only the Head of the Home Office, but also a PORF would never have deployed an agent to a mission that he knew was already assigned to the Network. Plus, Lord Kilman mentioned only one lady, not three. Lips firmly pressed together, Helen waited for her husband to point out that the gentleman had been caught in a lie.
Bryce finally asked, “And what is the name of this lady?”
As if contemplating how to answer, Lord Kilman stroked his jaw, half covering his mouth and the broad grin that the man was clearly trying to hide. Lord Kilman mumbled, “Her name is Lady….” Lord Kilman’s voice cracked and then the man made a show of clearing his throat.
“You’ve always been a terrible liar, Kilman. I sincerely don’t understand how you have managed all these years in the agency and why Archbroke continues to put up with you.” Bryce shook his head left and right before adding, “Explain how it is you were able to track Lady Phoebe down to this location.”
“Damn. Damn. Damn.” Lord Kilman straightened and then moved to sit upon the edge of the bed. “Lady Phoebe sent me a missive, direct.”
“She knows of your affiliation with the Home Office?”
“Yes.”
“You fool!” Her husband wasn’t following any of the standard protocols.
Lord Kilman jumped back up to his feet and began to pace in a circle. “What does it matter? I’m going to marry Lady Phoebe—well, sooner or later I hope to—and she would have eventually discovered the truth.”
Helen’s mind was abuzz with questions. Male logic was beyond her. She tilted her chin up to look up at her husband, who was pinching the bridge of his nose. Apparently she wasn’t the only one baffled by Lord Kilman’s reasoning.
Bryce glanced down at her and whispered, “Are you ready?”
“Ready for?”
With serious eyes, he answered in a muted voice for her ears only. “For me to say the three words you have waited half a lifetime to hear.”
Was he going to confess his love for her…now?
Mind blank, Helen nodded.
Looking directly into her eyes, he said softly, “You were correct. The ladies are not on the run but are in fact attempting to correct matters.”
She blinked and gave her head a slight shake. Had Bryce somehow figured out her code? For years, she had secretly confessed her love for Bryce by substituting “You are correct” for “I love you,” as she was unable to find the courage to tell him the truth of her feelings for him. The two phrases were synonymous in her head.
Bryce grinned from ear-to-ear like a fool. There was no way her husband somehow discovered her secret. She gave her head another slight shake and said, “You’re admitting I was right.”
He frowned and then said, “Yes, amongst other things.”
Lord Kilman stopped his pacing and placed his hands on his hips. “Have either of you heard a word I’ve said?”
Helen shook her head in shame at having once again fallen under Bryce’s spell. Just like when they were children, the rest of the world would melt away when he gave her his full attention. Bryce shifted his attention back to Lord Kilman and answered, “There is nothing for you to worry about. I have a plan.”
“Well…are you going to share your grand scheme with us?” Lord Kilman asked.
Lord Kilman wasn’t the only one lost. She too was curious as to what her husband had in store for them all.
