Page 117 of A Dangerous Lord (Regency Spies & Secrets 3)

“Have you considered that this could be a trap?” Baldwin asked.

“I have,” Corbyn replied, “but we have no other leads at this time. We must investigate the building.”

Baldwin gestured towards the door. “Then, by all means, lead the way.”

After they were situated in the coach, Stewart asked, “What is the plan?”

“I will go first,” Corbyn said, “and ensure it is safe for you both to enter.”

“Isn’t that risky?” Stewart questioned. “You could be shot the moment you set foot into that building.”

“I doubt Kerley will make that play.”

“Why do you say that?” Stewart pressed.

Corbyn glanced over at Baldwin. “It would appear that Kerley is determined to ensure that I suffer for my past transgressions.”

“What exactly did you do to this man?” Stewart inquired.

Corbyn pressed his lips together. “The unthinkable.”

“Which was?”

“We went on an assignment together in France, and I left him for dead,” Corbyn admitted.

“You did?”

“Kerley had been slashed along his face and shot in the chest,” Corbyn shared. “I truly thought he was dead, and I had to think about the other agents. If we had stayed a moment longer, we all would have been killed.”

Stewart bobbed his head. “I understand.”

“There is not a night that I don’t regret leaving Kerley behind,” Corbyn said, his hands tightening into fists.

“You made the right call,” Baldwin remarked.

“Then why do I feel as if I didn’t?” Corbyn turned his attention towards the window and retreated to his own thoughts. How he wished he could go back and save his fallen comrade.

It wasn’t long before the coach came to a jerking stop and a footman came to open the door. As Corbyn exited, he saw one of his agents approach him.

“Good morning, Brooks,” Corbyn greeted.

“Good morning,” Brooks responded as he came to a stop in front of him. “As I stated in my missive, no one has come in or out of the building since last evening.”

“That is most unfortunate,” Stewart said.

“I would agree,” Corbyn replied. “They might have abandoned the structure after we rescued Sanders.”

Brooks gestured towards a building further up the street. “If you would like, I would be happy to enter first.”

“That won’t be necessary. I intend to be the first one to enter,” Corbyn said.

“As you wish,” Brooks responded as he took a step back.

Baldwin spoke up. “Is there a back entrance?”

Brooks nodded. “Yes, it leads to the alleyway.”

“Will you show me?” Baldwin asked.

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