Page 34 of A Rogue to Watch Over Me
“I believe she left England after my brother’s death.”
“There’s reason to believe she’s back.” MacLain placed the missive on the table. “I took the liberty of asking my businesspartner to make some inquiries. The man who attacked ye last night had been asking around about a woman—a fortune teller. She calls herself Madame Helena.”
Chapter Ten
Ready for troubleas he escorted Amelia from her home, Logan counted himself ready to face most any threat that might arise. Before leaving the Rogue’s Lair, he’d strapped asgian dubhto his calf and holstered a gun beneath his jacket. He’d inspected the derringer she carried in her reticule, judging with his own eyes that it was a viable weapon in the event something rendered him unable to defend her. Determined to ensure her safety, he’d mentally mapped out the spots along the way to and from her residence where an assailant might hide in wait. He thought he was well prepared to watch over Amelia.
Bloody hell, he’d been wrong.
He could not have predicted that Amelia would thrust a leather travel case containing her wee beast—a decidedly unhappy wee beast at that—into his hand. Nor that she would flash a deliberately sweet smile as she made her request that he, of all people, transport the dog to his coach.
When he started to scowl, signaling that he’d prefer a night in the Tower to the task, her delicate brows knit into the beginning of a frown.
“Heathyisexceedingly unhappy. Perhaps I should reconsider... leaving, that is.”
“The dog will be well enough once he can take leave of this little box.”
She nodded, her weary expression making it clear that the wee beast was not the only one who felt no joy at leaving her home.
“You’re quite right,” she said. “I suppose we should hurry along.”
“My housekeeper will see to it that the dog has an abundance of bones to gnaw on and whatever else it is that he fancies.”
“He’ll like that,” she said half-heartedly. “I’ll gather my things.”
With that, she turned on her heel, leaving him standing on the front steps, bearing cargo thatyippedin an infuriatingly steady rhythm. Bloody hell, was the dog actually counting the beats between his plaintive barks? If the good townsfolk were to witness the sight ofThe Outlaw MacLainhauling a mop with teeth, they’d bloody well enjoy a hearty chuckle at his expense.
“Well, well, Logan MacLain. If this isn’t a rich sight.”
Blast the infernal luck.Hearing the laughter in the man’s familiar voice, Logan tossed a glance over his shoulder, spotting Finn Caldwell as he cut a quick path across the street.
Holding the carrier steady as the squirming dog within let loose a mournful howl, Logan met his cousin’s questioning gaze.
“Murray said ye’d be here,” Finn said. His eyes narrowing, he stared at the bag. “Good God, man, thatisa hound, isn’t it?”
“Unless the lass’s clothes have come to life, I’d say it bloody is.”
Finn chuckled. “And a fearsome little beast he is.”
“I’ll have you know heisquite fierce,” Amelia said as she emerged from the library, carrying a bulging traveling bag in her hand. “There, there, Heathy. You’ve no need to fret.”
As if in hearty disagreement, the dog barked more vigorously. Blasted shame the pup didn’t realize he was not likely to stir a fright in any creature larger than a field mouse.His niece’s wee tabby kitten wouldn’t even bat an eye over the dog.
“Naughty boy,” Amelia scolded lightly. “Hush.”
Finn hiked a brow. “I presume she is speaking to the hound.”
“Ye’re still an arse, Caldwell,” Logan muttered.
“Ah, tell me something I didn’t already know.” As Finn laughed, his attention lingered on Amelia. She’d hiked her skirts to the ankle while making her way down the stairs.
“I take it you are a friend of Mr. MacLain,” she said as she stepped onto the pavement.
“Cousins. I have far better taste in friends,” he said. “Finn Caldwell, at yer service. It is my pleasure to make yer acquaintance.”
A raw epithet sprang to Logan’s lips, but he thought better of it. “If ye’re attempting to win over the lady, she will not be impressed by whatever it is ye’re calling wit.”
“Mr. Caldwell, if you would be inclined to assist me, I have another satchel.” Her expression bland as porridge, Amelia motioned to the entry. “It’s just beyond the door.”
