Page 60 of A Raven Reformed

“Understood,” Michael said with a nod.

“I doubt he’ll use it, but I’ll leave something for him to take for the pain, just in case.”

“Thank you.” Michael escorted the man from the room.

As they reached the building’s exit, he turned to Michael and spoke. “Thank you. I appreciate what you did up there. I’ve known Ash a long while, and forgive me for saying so, but he can be as stubborn as a mule. He’ll likely be furious when he comes around, so be prepared for that.”

“Oh, I’ve been on the receiving end of his ire before. I’ll survive. Thank you for doing what needed to be done.”

“Happy to be of service.”

Michael returned to Ash’s room. “Where is Fogg?” he asked Patrick.

“One of the men involved in the robbery got away, and apparently he went looking for him.”

“Ash is shot, and his valet runs off to chase after a criminal rather than seeing to his welfare?”

Patrick gave an exaggerated shrug. He was obviously just as perplexed by it as Michael. Fogg never had been a typical valet, that was for certain. He performed the duties of a valet, but Michael had also seen him knock a man unconscious with a single punch, and he always seemed to just know things.

“So, tell me what happened. Why does Ash think it was his fault?”

“You know how Ash is.” Patrick and Michael settled themselves in the chairs near the fire. “Apparently, there was a group of men working together. A few of them created a distraction to draw security away from the back hallway, while one of them slipped upstairs. Ash was in the office going over some kind of paperwork and didn’t even know anything was happening, which is why the idiot blames himself. ‘I should have been watching the floor.Someone else could have been hurt,’” Patrick said in a mimic of Ash’s deep voice. “Then, Ash refused to open the safe, so the man shot him. Fortunately, it was in the leg. He no doubt thought that would be enough to convince him to open the safe. But O’Connell was up the stairs about three seconds after hearing that shot, and I’m sure the man was unconscious a second later.”

“Thank God for that, at least. Is everyone else alright?”

“Aside from the people who tried to rob the place. Only the one who managed to slip away got out of there alive. I think Giles and Isaac may both have sustained a few bumps, but nothing too serious.”

“I suppose someone was bound to try to rob us eventually. Why was Isaac there?”

“He comes by sometimes when you give him the night off. Gives each of the security guys a few minutes of a break. Didn’t you know?”

Michael was a bit surprised. “No. Is there anything suspicious about it? He wasn’t involved in the robbery in any way?”

Patrick shook his head. “I don’t believe so. Honestly, I think he just likes to visit because he doesn’t really know anyone else around here.”

“That’s true, but I’m kind of surprised he’d be so willing to strike up a friendship with O’Connell and McKinnon. They were the ones who held him while I beat him, and then subsequently, his jailers.”

Patrick nodded. “From what I’ve heard, I think he’s just trying to do his best for you. Trying to assuage his own guilt and atone for his actions, maybe? I think O’Connell and McKinnon were surprised when he showed up the first time, but they seem to have brought him into the fold when he’s around.”

“Well, that’s good. I was planning on having him help out at the club when I’m up at Glenwood anyway, so that’s one less thing I’ll have to worry about.”

“He’s a good sort, Michael. He really does seem eager to make you proud.”

“I’m glad to hear it. That was my opinion of him too, but it’s always nice to have it confirmed by someone on the outside.”

Michael looked over at the bed where Ash still slept soundly. “Since he’s going to be sleeping for a while, do you mind if we talk about something? Belle and I were discussing our future living arrangements, and she came up with a solution that I think might help you and me both.”

ChapterEighteen

Belle was delighted when, due to Ash’s still healing injury, the men decided to close The Raven’s Den until after the start of the new year, giving everyone a chance to spend the holidays with their families. For the past two weeks, Michael had been gone more often than not, looking after Ash and covering for him in his absence. She was looking forward to finally spending some time with him. Ash, Giles, Patrick, Rosie, and Isaac all traveled with Belle and Michael to spend the holidays at Glenwood.

Entering the house on Christmas Eve was like stepping into a festive wonderland. A huge tree stood in the center of the entrance hall, trimmed with decorations of reds and golds and capped with a sparkling star, paper-wrapped gifts at its base. Fragrant garland adorned the banisters of the large staircase, and the staff stood to greet them with smiles on their faces. Everything about it was beautiful.

“Oh, you all have outdone yourselves!” Belle wrapped her arms around Mrs. Thistle in what was surely a very un-countess like manner, but she was overwhelmed with gratitude. The decision to come to Glenwood for Christmas was only made a few days before, so they must have worked day and night to pull off this surprise.

Belle let go of the short, stout woman to see a proud smile beaming on her face. She looked around at the rest of the servants. “Thank you. All of you.” She was met with a sea of bows and curtseys, something she was slowly growing accustomed to.

There was a commotion and Belle turned to see Ash being wheeled into the room by Giles.

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