Page 98 of If Not for the Duke

“I don’t have any information to give you,” Lena said, her voice barely above a whisper.

“That’s a lie. You’ve discovered the location of the Money Pit. It was in those letters Lady Bernice keeps going on about.”

Sterling continued to ease forward as quietly as possible, hoping the darkness hid him. He couldn’t see anyone. Where was Worley?

“The letters mention Oak Island, but they don’t mention the treasure.”

“Tell me the truth,” Winslow demanded. “Surely you want the treasure to be found. That would prove your father had been justified in digging all those years.”

“Even if I knew, I wouldn’t share it with you.”

Sterling grimaced at her belligerent tone. Was she trying to get herself killed?

“What does Ludham have to do with all this?” Lena asked.

Winslow scoffed. “He departed for America yesterday. Apparently, his father has a holding there in need of repairs that he wants Ludham to oversee. I said good riddance as he wasn’t any help to me.”

Sterling took another step past a tall bush and the pair came into view. Or rather, the vague outlines of them did. The night was too dark to see much else. Hopefully that meant he was hidden, too.

“You must know something.” Winslow’s tone was growing frantic. “Why else would you continue to tell everyone that Clarke is digging in the wrong place?”

“Because he is.” The certainty in Lena’s hushed voice was undeniable.

Damn if Sterling didn’t believe her. The memory of his conversation with Marbury at the club came to mind. “She tends to be right about many surprising things,” Marbury had said.

Suddenly, it all became clear. Lena saving Bernie from falling into the fountain at the garden party. Lena discovering Bernie injured in his study. Lena urging Sterling to go after his sister because she was in danger.

Her ability was more than just feelings. She truly had a gift of premonition.

But Winslow was having none of it. “Don’t force me to use this.” He raised his arm, and the outline of a pistol became visible, sending fear spearing through Sterling once again.

“Treasure is not worth killing over.” The calm authority in Lena’s voice was impressive.

“It is when you have creditors barking at your heels day and night.”

“Gambling is a nasty habit. Especially when you have no money to spare. Don’t expect sympathy from me.”

Sterling was nearly close enough to make a move. Two more steps and he’d be able to lunge for Winslow. That is, if Lena didn’t encourage the man to shoot her first. While Sterling admired her spirit, he wished she’d take more care.

“I don’t want your sympathy. I want the location of the Money Pit. Now.”

Sterling cleared the bush and rushed toward Winslow, keeping his focus on the pistol. He shoved the man’s outstretched arm upward as Winslow cried out in surprise. “Run, Lena!”

She didn’t move, seeming transfixed by the scene unfolding before her.

Winslow lurched back and wrenched free from Sterling’s grasp. “Damn you, Renwick.”

Sterling didn’t bother to respond. Instead, he threw a punch in the direction of the voice as it was too dark to see his face. His aim proved true, and his fist hit flesh with a satisfying smack.

Winslow stumbled back but quickly regained his footing. “You’ll pay for that, Your Grace.” He said the term with a snarl.

Sterling was painfully aware of Lena’s presence and Winslow’s gun waving wildly. He reached for Winslow again but couldn’t catch his arm. He shoved Winslow back, making certain he stood between the man and Lena. “Stop, Winslow. You’ve taken this too far.”

“Clarke promised me a share of the treasure.” Winslow’s voice took on a pleading tone. “Finding it will solve all my problems.”

“No, it won’t.” The voice came from behind Winslow and caused the man to spin to face it.

That was the opportunity Sterling needed. He leapt toward Winslow, taking him to the ground. Still Winslow struggled and tried to escape Sterling’s grasp.

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