Page 47 of A Rescue by the Rakish Duke
“There!” she exclaimed, sitting back on her heels.
Damian was instantly at her side, helping her pull the drawer further. Inside were several documents, some yellowing with age. He retrieved them almost gingerly. His heart stuttered as he unfolded the first sheet.
“Is that it?” Evan asked, joining them.
“Ledgers,” Damian said, his voice suddenly gravelly.
He scanned the pages, his frown deepening with each line. “Records of transactions,” he murmured. “Bribes. Payments to certain individuals. Oh, but this last one is perfect. Here’s a letter from Montrose himself outlining his plans.”
Gwendoline’s breath caught. “This proves his guilt?”
“Beyond a shadow of a doubt,” Damian confirmed. “You’ve done it, Gwendoline. You’ve given us the proof we needed. Names. Amounts. Transactions.”
“I t-thought you already had proof before?” Gwendoline asked, thinking back to the time the duke stormed Timothy’s townhouse parlor.
“It wasn’t enough. I also wanted to rattle Montrose a little. Make him sweat. Make him confess.”
Evan cleared his throat. “Before we celebrate, let’s think about the fact that Montrose is aware of the risk he was taking by keeping all his documents in one place.”
Damian tightened his grip on the papers, afraid that someone would snatch them. Tear them before he could do anything. “You think this is a trap?”
“It may not be, but we must consider everything. Montrose has been operating for a long time. He’s not a fool.”
“We certainly need to be careful,” Damian agreed. Then, he folded the documents and tucked them in his coat. “But these documents are worth the risk.”
Something crashed in the entrance hall.
The three of them froze, ready to tackle another intruder if need be. Footsteps echoed down the hallway, becoming louder and louder.
Evan drew his pistol, seemingly expecting the worst. “We’ve been discovered,” he hissed.
Damian pulled Gwendoline to her feet and stepped in front of her. “Stay close. I mean it, Duchess,” he ordered. “Evan, cover the door.”
The footsteps stopped just outside the study. Damian could feel his heartbeat pounding in his ears. The door creaked open, revealing a figure shrouded in shadow.
Damian put his hand on the pommel of his sword and stepped forward at the same time Evan aimed his pistol.
“Who goes there?” he demanded.
The figure stepped into the light, revealing a young servant. He was perhaps a few years younger than Gwendoline. His face was pale, and his eyes were wide with fear.
“My lords,” the boy stammered. “Whoever you are, please leave now. The earl won’t be happy if he finds you here.”
Damian’s jaw clenched. “How much time do we have?”
“I’m not certain,” the boy replied. “Perhaps tomorrow morning. Make sure that his men won’t be able to escape to report to him, or else he will be here before nightfall.”
Damian exchanged a glance with Evan. The boy was too young to have seen too much.
“We’re leaving,” he said. “But first…” He turned to the boy. “Thank you. Your warning may have saved our lives. We didn’t know if he was still using this place. I pray Montrose does not find out about your betrayal. Do come to Greyvale if you believe your life is in danger.
The boy nodded vigorously. “Thank you, my lord. I will.”
Damian took Gwendoline’s hand and led her in the direction they had come from. This time, though, they exited through a side entrance they had spotted earlier. Evan followed close behind, his pistol cocked and ready.
Damian knew they must escape. He had made a promise, and he did not intend to break it.
Then, the rain fell.
