Page 37 of When a Lady Desires a Wicked Lord
“You think I came for the map?”
“That is what you stated.”
“The map is only part of the answer. Haven’t you asked yourself why I didn’t simply break in and steal what I needed?” A harsh, strangled laugh escaped him. “I had a job to do. My employer demanded more than that bloody map.”
“And what might that have been, Mr. Rooney?”
Amazing, how she managed to hold her voice steady. Especially given Benedict’s urge to throttle the man.
“Proof of death—yours.”
The color blanched from Alex’s face. “Why would someone want me dead?”
“Marlsbrook knows the answer to that question better than I do.”
Instinct urged Benedict to go to Alex, but Mrs. Colton placed a hand on his shoulder.
“Not yet,” she whispered. “We must learn what it is he wants to tell her.”
Christ, this was hard. Harder than he’d expected. “I don’t trust that man. He’ll find a way to hurt her.”
“Believe me, we will not allow that to happen,” Mrs. Colton whispered.
Alex squared her shoulders. “Mr. Rooney, do you plan to tell me what you wanted me to know? Or was that it? You must admit, it’s not much of a revelation. Certainly not worth my time in coming here. Surely, there’s more that you wanted to say.”
Rooney laughed under his breath, a harsh, ugly sound. “If I’d had the time, I would’ve made your death appear to be an accident. It’s more interesting that way. Sir Clayton Finch’s demise was brilliant. I only wish I could lay claim to the deed. His killer was a clever one, one of the best. It’s a game to him, making bleedin’ fools of the Yardmen. At times, the foolish blokes suspect something is amiss. But there’s nothing they can do. Soon enough, you’ll wish I’d been allowed to complete my task. Your death would’ve been quick. Far more merciful—”
“That’s enough, Rooney.” Colton emerged from the shadows to confront the prisoner. “I did not bring Miss Quinn here to subject her to your abuse.”
“So whydidyou bring her here?” Rooney’s tone hardened. “As for you, Miss Quinn, why are you here? Did you think I’d reveal some bloody secret? Were you fool enough to think I’d tell you who sent me? There’s nothing a lawman can do to me that’s worse than what will happen if I say too much.”
Alex stood silent as the clock pendulum swished. “I wanted to gain some insight into your motives,” she said finally. “After all, it is not every day that someone tries to kill me.”
Her voice was quiet but firm, as if she exerted tremendous effort to maintain calm. Pride surged through Benedict. She showed such courage. Such spirit.
“Do you feel safer now, knowing I’m here in this hellhole?” Rooney’s question reeked with contempt.
“The stout metal bars do offer some reassurance,” she said.
“You’re a little fool. The professor is the one who condemned you. Not me.” His voice sounded like a snarl. “The map lays out the path to your grave. You won’t survive this. No one can protect you.”
Alex recoiled, a visible flinch. Yet, she made no move to leave. In a show of resolve, she squared her shoulders and faced him. “I’d say you missed your calling, Mr. Rooney. With your flair for drama, you might well have been quite a sensation treading the boards.”
Slowly, he shook his head. “You know I’m not the only one. There are more. Like me. They will not stop. Until you are dead. And Marlsbrook swings at the end of a noose.”
“What…what are you talking about?” she demanded.
“Ah, you believe him an innocent man?” Rooney laughed again, a grotesque sound.
“Lord Marlsbrook is not a murderer.” Each syllable sounded forced, as though she fought for composure.
“Murder is not the only sin. I will meet the executioner first. But Marlsbrook will not be far behind.”
Chapter Eleven
“Please, Alex, do have some tea.”
Jennie extended a cup filled to the brim with steaming Earl Grey. Perched on a delicate china saucer, the vessel wobbled a bit as Alex accepted it with a little sigh, only to set it quickly to the side on a doily-covered marble table. The small luxury might provide some comfort, but it would not ease the tumultuous state of her nerves. Not that anything could accomplish that feat after her encounter with Rooney.
