Page 37 of A Little Bit Dangerous
“What does that mean, sir?” Miss Lawton sounded impatient.
“The man went missing for weeks on end. When we asked to catalogue the treasures during the long voyage home, he refused to let us have access to the hold. He said his crew feared bad omens. Said some of the pieces were cursed.”
Miss Lawton straightened. “He could have tampered with your crates, and you’d be none the wiser. Therefore, you cannot attest to their authenticity.”
A sudden flare of anger had Woodrow shooting out of his chair. “Of course they’re genuine. We spent hours examining them before approaching the museum. I’m not an imbecile, madam.”
“Sit down, Mr Woodrow,” Christian said firmly.
A few questions sprang to mind, but Miss Lawton could read his thoughts and said exactly what he was thinking.
“I believe they’re excellent forgeries, and Captain Snell swapped them for the original artefacts during the voyage. He may have smuggled contraband, too, hence his sudden absence.”
From the look of resignation on Woodrow’s face, he thought the same. “We’ve agreed not to hire Snell again. We sold the items to the museum for a ridiculously low price. I’m not sure what else we can do.”
Christian doubted they had told Lord Oldman about the disastrous voyage but said nothing. He’d keep that under his hat for the time being. “How do you explain the woman’s warning to the curator?”
The man thought for a moment, then shrugged. “Perhaps she’s a sailor’s wife or sister and knew of Snell’s cunning operation. Perhaps she was hired by someone to cast doubt over the purchases.”
“Or she is your mistress, sir,” Miss Lawton said brazenly, “and knew of the problems you’d had with Captain Snell. Perhaps you cast her aside, and she sought revenge.”
Woodrow’s cheeks turned an unhealthy shade of purple. “That’s outrageous. I’ll not credit these slanderous remarks with a reply.”
“Tell us where we might find Mr Quigley,” she pressed, taking advantage of Woodrow’s agitated state. “He chartered the ship on your behalf.”
“I don’t know anyone named Quigley. In the interest of historical study, Lord Oldman chartered the ship and paid the advance.” He tugged on his waistcoat and called for his assistant. “Now, if you have any more questions about the voyage, I suggest you speak to my colleague Mr Clarke. He’s away but will return to town sometime next week. Good day!”
Miss Lawton stood and offered a graceful smile. “Let us hope we uncover the truth soon, Mr Woodrow. How embarrassing it would be if the Society of Antiquaries became embroiled in a plot to smuggle opium. Good day.”
God, she was incredible.
Overcome by a swell of pride, Christian was still smiling when he escorted Miss Lawton through the grand doors and into the vast courtyard.
“Why are you looking so pleased?” she said, frowning when she noticed his broad grin. “Mr Woodrow is clearly hiding something.”
“I’m not so sure. Perhaps he’s just a naive fool.” He touched her lower back while rounding the huge bronze statue.
The lady’s head shot in his direction. She felt it, too, the spark of attraction that accompanied every intimate gesture. “Such a learned gentleman should know better than to trust a man for hire.”
Christian brought her to a halt and faced her. “Are you going to avoid discussing the real question burning in your mind?”
She arched a coy brow. “And what question would that be, Mr Chance? Why Mr Woodrow became defensive when I mentioned his mistress?”
“No.” He cupped her elbow and drew her a little closer. “Why, whenever we touch, it’s like the planets collide.”
Her breath caught in her throat. She met his gaze, and his stomach flipped inside out. “Because you want what I cannot give. I’ll never be any man’s mistress, and it’s evident that whatever lies between us is growing in intensity by the day.”
“At least admit you want to kiss me.”
She sighed and shook her head. “As you said this morning, I often look at your mouth. That’s why it’s better we keep ourselves busy trying to solve the case.”
He refused to give up so easily. Something drove him to press his advances, and he feared it wasn’t entirely lust. “What if I’m the only man you ever want to kiss? What if you never find anyone who stirs the same reaction? What if we were destined to meet again?”
Despite his experience, he had never met a woman whose mind he admired and whose body he craved. No one had ever made him question his loyalty to his kin. Why was she so different?
He had to know.
“Are you telling me this is fate, Mr Chance?”
