Page 52 of A Dangerous Lord (Regency Spies & Secrets 3)

“Did the note say anything else?”

Corbyn reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out the piece of paper. “See for yourself,” he replied as he held it out towards Baldwin.

Baldwin read the note, then turned the paper over. “The message was precise.”

“It was.”

“If I didn’t know any better, I would say…” Baldwin’s voice trailed off. “Never mind. That’s impossible.”

“What is it?”

Baldwin shook his head. “This reminds me a lot of Adam Kerley,” he said. “He was an efficient killer, and his missives were always to the point. He was a man of few words.”

“I suppose it does, but Kerley is dead,” Corbyn replied.

“I am aware,” Baldwin said as he returned the piece of paper.

Corbyn tucked the paper into his jacket pocket. “I have no idea how this person even discovered that Miss Polly was my informant. I didn’t tell anyone.”

“No one?”

He shook his head. “No one that is alive.”

“Meaning?”

“Hannity and Kerley both consulted with Miss Polly on occasion,” he shared.

Baldwin winced. “Have you considered that someone may be seeking revenge for Kerley’s death?”

“Who?” Corbyn snapped. “Kerley didn’t have any family that he spoke of, and we were his only friends.”

“It was merely a suggestion.”

“I know,” he replied. “Sorry for my sharp tongue. I’m afraid it has been a long morning.”

“I can only imagine.”

“We have never had to enact the Greenwich Protocol since it was first created,” Corbyn shared. “I have no doubt that Lord Daniel Bradley will have a few choice words for me.”

“It is hardly your fault.”

“It is most definitely my fault,” he asserted. “Someone is targeting me and killing people that are close to me.”

“What are you going to do now?”

“I will send a missive to Lord Daniel to explain the situation,” he said.

“I wish you luck.”

“Thank you.”

Baldwin eyed him with concern. “How are you faring, Corbyn?”

He stiffened under his friend’s scrutiny. “I am well.”

“You have just lost two people that were close to you.”

“I did, but that is what we signed up for,” he replied, his voice gruff. “Wasn’t it?”

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