Page 84 of A Dangerous Lord (Regency Spies & Secrets 3)

“That is wonderful.”

Frowning, Corbyn replied, “The suspect is Adam Kerley.”

Baldwin blinked. “Adam Kerley?”

“The man who attempted to abduct Jane informed us that he was approached by a man with a scar that ran from his right cheek down to his neck.”

“I am sure Kerley is not the only one who could have a scar like that.”

“And he said that he had grey eyes.”

Baldwin looked heavenward. “Blazes,” he said. “What are the chances?”

“My sentiments exactly.”

Walking over to an upholstered armchair, Baldwin sat down. “But why would Kerley target you?” he asked. “We both left him in France.”

“I was the senior agent on the assignment.”

Baldwin placed his glass onto a table. “This is rubbish,” he declared. “Kerley wouldn’t try to kill you, and he wouldn’t have killed all these people to get to you. Furthermore, he has no reason to abduct Jane, since she is not a part of this.”

Corbyn reached into the pocket of his waistcoat and pulled out the crumbled piece of paper. He extended it towards Baldwin. “This message was supposed to be delivered to me after Jane had been handed over to Kerley.”

Baldwin accepted the note and frowned while he read it. “Why is Kerley under the impression that Jane is so important to you?”

“I am not sure.”

Baldwin dropped the note onto the table. “Do you hold my sister in high regard?”

“It doesn’t matter if I do or not.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Because I would never act on my feelings,” Corbyn replied honestly. “I refuse to let your sister get caught up in my life.”

With a knowing look, Baldwin said, “You didn’t answer my question.”

“I am well aware of that.”

Baldwin let out a sigh. “You deserve to be happy, Corbyn.”

“I am happy.”

“Are you?”

Nodding, Corbyn replied, “I am doing my duty to King and country.”

“And that is admirable, but there is more to life than what you are doing.”

Corbyn scoffed. “What would you have me do?” he asked. “Marry Jane and spend my lifetime lying to her about where I have been and whom I have spoken to?”

“No, but you could always tell her the truth about you.”

“I will not,” he declared. “I am responsible for all the agents of the Crown. That is a job that I do not take lightly.”

Leaning forward in his seat, Baldwin asked, “Do you have reason to believe that Jane holds some affection for you?”

“It doesn’t matter if she does,” Corbyn asserted. “I won’t bring her into this life. It is dangerous; I am dangerous!”

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