Page 132 of A Dangerous Lord (Regency Spies & Secrets 3)

“Agents aren’t the only ones who get to have fun,” Stewart joked. “Bow Street Runners have been known to be involved in subterfuge.”

Corbyn chuckled. “I imagine so.”

“What do you have in mind?” Baldwin asked.

Corbyn sobered quickly. “I’ll ensure we have enough agents surrounding the building to prevent Kerley from escaping with Jane.”

“That’s wise,” Oliver remarked. “What would you have us do?”

Corbyn smirked. “We’re going to take Kerley by surprise.”

“Isn’t he expecting you?” Stewart asked.

“Yes, at dusk,” Corbyn explained, “but only I will go to meet him.”

“You must use caution,” Baldwin warned. “Kerley wasn’t known for playing by the rules.”

“I am well aware, and I’m expecting it,” Corbyn replied.

Chapter Eighteen

It was nearingdusk as they sat in the cramped coach, and Corbyn felt the tension building as they each retreated into their own thoughts. He knew what was at stake, and he had no intention of failing. He would do whatever it took to keep Jane safe, including risk his own life, as it was meaningless without her. Despite his best efforts to push her aside, he found he couldn’t stand the thought of living without her.

How had this happened? For a man who was determined to avoid complications, he’d sorely miscalculated his feelings for Jane. He loved her, and he always would. But would Jane even entertain a life with him after everything that had happened to her? He wasn’t sure.

Baldwin was the first to speak up as they turned onto Joshua Street. “Are you sure you want to go through with this?”

“I do,” Corbyn replied.

“Your plan is asinine,” Baldwin contended.

Corbyn smirked. “I prefer the term ‘unconventional’.”

Oliver spoke up. “You’re going to get yourself killed.”

“Perhaps, but Jane will be safe, which is all that matters,” Corbyn pressed.

“Don’t you value your life at all?” Stewart asked.

Corbyn shook his head. “I will gladly trade my life for Jane’s, if it comes down to it.”

“To walk right into Kerley’s trap seems foolhardy, even for you,” Oliver said. “There must be another way.”

“There isn’t,” Corbyn replied. “We have gone over every scenario, and this is the best option for her.”

“But not for you,” Baldwin pressed. “This is suicide.”

“This isn’t the first time I’ve had the odds stacked against me,” Corbyn said, hoping he sounded more confident than he truly felt.

The coach came to a stop and Corbyn stuck his hand through the window to open the door. He stepped out and saw Sanders approaching him with a determined stride.

“The agents are in position,” Sanders reported, “and they know to wait to enter until the first shot is fired.”

“Thank you for seeing to that,” Corbyn replied.

Sanders tipped his head. “You’re welcome, sir,” he responded. “We’ve watched men going in and out of the building, but we haven’t seen any sign of Lady Jane.”

“I assumed as much.”

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