Page 54 of Thief of the Ton
“Is that so?”
“Yes,” he said. “And, if I were you, I’d be very careful.”
Her gut twisted into knots. “C-careful?”
“Yes, there’s a thief about,” he said.
Lavinia tilted her head to one side and narrowed her eyes.
“Ah yes, the”—she hesitated—“falcon, wasn’t it? Or griffin?”
“The Phoenix.”
“And you think I’m in danger of being robbed in the middle of a ball?”
“The Phoenix is capable of striking anywhere,” he said, “and he steals for a very specific purpose.”
“Does he?”
“Oh yes,” he replied, “and once I’ve discovered that purpose, I’ll catch him.”
“How will you manage that?” she asked.
“That’s simple,” he replied. “A pattern exists between the items he’s stolen. More complex than that of a common thief, I’ll grant—but a pattern, nonetheless, like a series of steps in a dance.”
“I-I don’t understand.”
“Consider this dance, Miss de Grande. We may be, at first, unfamiliar with the steps—but, by careful observation of the dancers, we can discern a pattern such that we can anticipate the steps. The Phoenix is leading me on a dance, but soon I’ll be able to anticipate his moves and play him at his own game.”
A game!How dare he liken the restoration of her beloved papa’s peace of mind to a game!
“You think it a game?” she cried. His eyes widened at her outburst. Then he nodded.
“I do, Miss de Grande—a game that relies on wits and luck. But do you know what they say about wits and luck?”
“What do they say?”
“That a man cannot survive on wits alone,” he said, twirling her around as the dance came to an end, “and luck always runs out in the end.”
She shivered at the determined set to his jaw and the darkness in his eyes.
“Why do you suppose he calls himself the Phoenix?” she asked, forcing a lightness in her voice. “Is he a lover of mythology?”
“I believe it’s more personal,” came the reply. “He steals with a purpose. Doubtless he’s chosen his title with equal purpose. My guess is that something he valued was destroyed—and he’s risen from the ashes of his misfortune to seek vengeance.”
How the devil could he have workedthatout?
She bit her lip to stem the sharp intake of breath. “Your imagination seems a little lively tonight,” she said.
“Perhaps, but one needs an imagination in order to outwit a clever adversary.” He pulled her close and lowered his voice. “Shall I let you in on a secret, Miss de Grande?”
“Please do.”
“I’m closer to catching the Phoenix than many believe.”
“Y-you are?”
“I’ve reason to believe that he’s a member of theton. I’ve drawn up a list, and I’m certain that one of the names on that list is my adversary.”
