Page 27 of Lady Gambit
Daventry coughed to gain their attention. “While my opinion counts for little, you cannot allow Miss Chance to return to Fortune’s Den. Fifty men pass through there nightly. Let us not forget why your brother was shot.”
Aaron Chance swung around, his temper flaring. “Do you think I will ever forget seeing my brother lying helpless in that bed? This has nothing to do with Delphine’s parents. This isn’t the first time a peer has hired thugs to kidnap her. Trust me. I shall have my hands around the culprit’s neck before dawn.”
Miss Chance gasped. “So there has been a plot to kidnap me before. An actual plot, not a fear or suspicion. Not tittle-tattle or ballroom gossip.”
“Just verbal threats from debt-ridden fools,” her brother countered. “This was another such incident. Once I’ve dealt with the problem, no one will dare approach you again.”
The lady paled as if her life had just flashed before her eyes. Was she imagining days locked in her bedchamber? Was she thinking how cold and long the nights were when one sat alone?
“Aaron, I’m not going anywhere until you tell me about my parents.” Perhaps her brother’s revelation had given her the confidence to be bold. “You will treat me the way you do our brothers and allow me to form my own opinions. I’ll not go back to how things were.”
The man firmed his stance. “I’ll not leave this godforsaken house without you. Do you understand?”
Tired of watching from the sidelines, Dorian joined the battle. “Perhaps you should remember whose godforsaken house this is. I’ve been forced to take a case I don’t want. Tocreep about in yards and alleys and conduct secret meetings. I have risked my life to save a stranger. Now you test my patience and take advantage of my hospitality.” He hit Aaron Chance with a steely glare. “As I’m charged with solving this case, you will sit down and answer my questions, or you’ll get the hell out of my house.”
Daventry failed to hide a smile.
Miss Chance’s eyes sparkled with admiration as she scanned his physique. “Please accept our sincere apology, Mr Flynn. It’s extremely rude of us not to consider your wishes.”
With obvious reluctance, Aaron Chance inclined his head. “What case? What could you possibly want with me?”
Daventry explained. “I’m afraid this is now an official matter. Either Flynn investigates the shooting or Sir Malcolm Langley will appoint a man from Bow Street to act in his stead.”
“The men from Bow Street can go to hell. Half of them are corrupt. I’d sooner trust an alley cat.”
“Then unless you want them prying into your private affairs, I suggest you sit down and allow Flynn to do his job.”
Miss Chance sat in the leather chair. “Do you have sherry, Mr Flynn? If I’m to hear my brother’s confession, I will need something soothing to drink.”
“I have port or brandy, madam.”
“Anything strong will suffice. I am only permitted to drink sherry at home.”
Her brother looked at her and cursed under his breath. “Can we get to the matter at hand? I’m taking Theo home tonight.”
“That’s out of the question,” Dorian snapped. If he was to solve the case and be rid of Aaron Chance, he needed to show the King of Clubs he was not intimidated. “He’s a key witness in an attempted murder enquiry. And to move him would hinder his recovery.”
Aaron Chance firmed his jaw. “I’m taking my brother home.”
“He will receive the utmost care and attention. Your family is in grave danger, Mr Chance. We must focus on what’s important. We must find the culprit before someone else you love is shot.”
Dorian strode to the drinks table and poured two glasses of brandy. He gave one to Aaron Chance, who sat beside Daventry on the sofa, his mood as black as a thunderous sky. His heart galloped as he handed Miss Chance her drink and their fingers touched. She met his gaze, the jolt of attraction hitting him hard in the chest.
Mother of all saints!
His mild infatuation with his client only added to the complexity of the case. Perhaps his obsession was more than mild but it would pass. He needed to focus on the facts. Investigating a crime of this magnitude required his undivided attention.
Dorian sat in the wing chair next to the hearth. “Before we begin, I believe you have something to say to me, Mr Chance. You strike me as a man who always pays his dues.”
Aaron tossed back his drink. He pinned Dorian to the seat with his intense gaze. “I’m in your debt, Flynn. While I regret I cannot throttle you for meeting secretly with my sister, your swift action saved my brother’s life.”
Dorian inwardly smiled. “Then permit me to call in that debt. You already know I will do everything in my power to protect your family. Consequently, you will work with me and abide by any decisions I make.”
Aaron fell silent.
“We are on the same side,” Dorian reminded him.
Miss Chance shot her brother a challenging look and answered on his behalf. “He agrees, Mr Flynn. I am equally in your debt. Heaven knows where I would be if you had not intervened.”
