Page 19 of Tempting the Highland Spy
Mr. Jones glanced at his pocket watch. Light gleamed off the thick gold links of the chain. “I should remind you that at this point, you have not fulfilled the terms of the agreement.”
“You tricked me,” she said defiantly. “Iwillfind an attorney.”
He shrugged. “You did not allow me to finish. You may believe you have honored your part of the bargain. You might even convince some pencil-pushing bureaucrat of that fact. But are you willing to leave Mrs. McTavish behind to rot in a Scottish jail?”
His words were a body blow, but she held her chin high. “Surely you do not think I would abandon her.”
“Miss Winters, I do not pretend to know what anyone is capable of, but I believe a sweetener to a deal is more effective than a threat. I have been authorized to offer compensation. I’m confident you will find it more than adequate—you’ll never have to worry about money again. In addition, we will wipe your record clean.”
She blinked. Could this all be a lie, another enticement he’d snatch back once she’d fulfilled her part of the deal?
“Clean?” She struggled to conceal the hope in her voice, knowing it was one more weapon he could use against her.
He nodded solemnly. “Any reference to your crimes will be removed. It will be as if you’d turned back time.”
“And my aunt—you will do the same for her?”
“If that will ensure your cooperation, consider it done.”
Grace’s heart thudded wildly. She was not naive. The job that Jones wanted her to do was no doubt dangerous. But the rewards would be considerable.
With that money, she’d never again lose a night’s sleep over expenses she couldn’t afford to pay. She’d have ample funds to provide for Claire’s education. The ladies’ academy was doing a fine job of nurturing her sister’s mind and spirit. And Grace would be able to provide for Aunt Thelma in her old age, offering her a life of comfort and peace.
But still, she held back. Why was this mission of such critical importance? What hadn’t they told her? She had to know before she entered Belle Fairchild’s world.
After all, a dead woman would enjoy neither a fresh start nor the money Jones dangled as bait.
“Tell me this, Agent Jones—why is Belle Fairchild’s guilt or innocence so important to someone in the United States’ government? I deserve to know why you’re willing to offer me so much to perform this task.”
“Fair enough.” Jones hesitated, seeming to consider what he could reveal. “Herbert Fairchild and his father were valued members of President Cleveland’s inner circle, dating back to the president’s years in Buffalo. Currently, Miss Fairchild’s grandfather is a high-ranking official in the administration. Believe me when I say he has the ear of the president. John Fairchild has already lost his son. Understandably, he is determined to protect his only grandchild. If Raibert had a hand in Herbert Fairchild’s death—if he had the man killed to get to his fortune—Belle may be the next victim. Given the potential danger to her life, we have the president’s full support.”
“While I understand the gravity of this situation, the risks are too great.” Harrison’s voice was edged with flint. “You’re talking about putting a woman—an untested, untrained confidence artist, no less—in a perilous situation we cannot control.”
“She is the best person for the job,” Jones replied.
“You’re a damned fool. I’ve heard enough about you to know you’re reckless. Your reputation precedes you.” He turned to Simon. “As your brother, I cannot comprehend your willingness to go along with this scheme. If this charade goes wrong, the consequences could be disastrous.”
“You will be leading the mission. I thought I made that clear. Miss Winters will be your partner. As such, you will provide her security.” Simon’s response was laced with anger thinly disguised as civility. “We have full confidence you will take all actions needed to ensure a successful outcome.”
“Have you forgotten she is a thief? She is not to be trusted.” The cool contempt in Harrison’s words cut to the quick.
“That will not be a problem,” Jones said. “Miss Winters has a great deal riding on her performance. If she carries out her end of the bargain, the rewards are considerable. And if she does not, suffice it to say she won’t like the consequences.”
A vein pulsed in Harrison’s temple. He shot Simon a glare. “And if I refuse to be involved in this farce of a mission?”
“In that case, I am fully prepared to accompany Miss Winters.” Jones flipped the watch back and forth in his right hand in a deceptively idle movement. “I’m not known to Raibert or Miss Fairchild. To them, I’d be just one more American come to take in the scenery.”
A muscle in Harrison’s jaw hardened. “You don’t know what you’re dealing with. Raibert is known to display a canny ruthlessness that exceeds the typical criminal.”
“I didn’t come here to get a lecture from you about Raibert.” Jones tapped a finger against the face of the watch, tension infusing each movement. “I have my duty. I have my orders. Now, Miss Winters, what’s it going to be? I need your answer. Now.”
She gulped against a fresh wave of apprehension. Harrison’s gaze stayed on her, as if trying to will her to refuse. His concern was real—not for himself, but for her.
Oh, dear.
She had much to gain from accepting Jones’s offer. Surely he’d planned this out. They weren’t sending her into a lion’s den—were they?
The question played in her thoughts. Her fears were unfounded. The very thought of the heiress engineering her father’s death was preposterous. Herbert Fairchild had lost his life in an unfortunate accident. That was the most logical explanation. Belle was no more a killer than Grace was a princess.
She slanted Harrison a glance. The taut set of his jaw spoke even louder than his words. What did he know about Raibert that had set him so intractably against her involvement?
Couldn’t he see that she didn’t have an alternative? If she didn’t cooperate with Jones’s scheme, the consequences would be dire.
In the end, they’d find this mission was a wild goose chase. Nothing more.
She’d suffer through one more wedding. And then, she would be looking at a future that included neither prison nor poverty.
Pulling in a breath to steel herself, she met Jones’s dark eyes. “I’ll do it.”
