Page 36 of Kissed By a Scoundrel
Paula gave a jerky nod. “I’m fine, but I’m so afraid for Katie,” she said, crumbling into his arms and sobbing.
The dowager came rushing outside. “Heavens, what’s all this fuss about? And on the front steps?” she demanded. “Millie, what happened? Paula? Why are you crying? And where is Katie?”
“Let’s go inside,” Sebastian said in a tight voice, as he and Nelson ushered everyone into the house. He needed to maintain a cool head. Katie was gone. The bastard took her. Katie! A piercing pain stabbed his gut. Why hadn’t he insisted she stay home and not venture out without him? He had to find her. If she’s hurt, I’ll never forgive myself.
They explained to the duchess what happened. The dowager quickly and efficiently dealt with the situation.
“Franklin, please ensure that Millie is taken to her room and that the doctor is called. I’d also like to have Jason’s face looked at,” the duchess said. “Jason, can you tell me anything else?”
Jason shook his head. “No, Your Grace. I’m so sorry, I wasn’t able to help Miss Katie. I’ll never forget what happened until the day I die.”
“It’s all right, Jason. You were brave to try to stop them. We’ll get the doctor to sew up that cut on your face,” the dowager said in a shaking voice.
Of course! The cemetery! Jason’s comment had triggered Sebastian’s thoughts and he recalled Doogan telling them about the gatekeeper’s cottage at Blackfield Cemetery.
“Your Grace, we found one of the men that were involved with Lord Colborne’s death,” Sebastian said. “We need your help, but I don’t have time to explain. I have an idea where these men might have taken Kat—Miss Latham. I’ll need several of your footmen to help. Can you spare them?”
“Of course! Whatever you need,” she replied. “Do you need pistols? We have many here. My husband’s pistols are kept clean and ready for use.”
“I have weapons in the carriage,” Nelson said.
“Have them follow us to Blackfield Cemetery and meet us at the gatekeeper’s cottage,” Sebastian said.
“I will. Just find her. Hurry,” the dowager said, her eyes filling with tears.
“Please be careful,” Paula said.
“We will,” Nelson squeezed her hand.
“Let’s go,” Sebastian said, already striding to the door.
Please let us get there in time. Sebastian could not imagine what his life would be like without Katie in it. I’m coming, Katie. I promise.
Nelson looked at him. “We’ll get there, Sebastian. I promise,” Nelson said, echoing Sebastian’s thought.
Sebastian nodded as Nelson’s carriage sped along the road.
He would find those bastards and kill them with his bare hands.
Chapter Ten
Katie awoke with a gasp, breathing in through her nose, as she recalled struggling against her kidnapper, who’d muffled her breathing and rendered her unconscious with some noxious substance. She could still smell the acrid scent of the gag in her mouth. Trying to keep a level head, she realized that she was lying on a cold, dirty floor. She had no idea where she was and was thankful for the few rays of moonlight that filtered in through a window, giving her enough light to see that she was alone.
She tried to move but realized her hands were bound in front of her. With her eyes now adjusted to the darkness, Katie looked around her, trying to find something she could use to slice through the rope. Spying the rough edge of a table, she scooted across the floor and began to saw through the ropes on her wrists.
She bit her lip as she grazed her hands a few times but kept going until she was finally able to unravel the rope. Katie immediately ripped the nasty gag from her mouth. She stood on wobbly legs and searched for a weapon she could use. A sob of relief escaped her as she spotted her parasol across the room. She hurried over and grabbed it, thankful that the men who’d abducted her were somewhat dim-witted enough to bring the parasol with them. Perhaps they thought they could sell it for some quick coin.
Pressing the button on the underside of the handle, she withdrew the foil and walked to the door. She tried the doorknob, but it was locked.
Where were the men who had abducted her? Had they abandoned her here, hoping she would die in a ramshackle shed, tied up and with no food or water? Well, she refused to give up without a fight. She strode to the window and peeked outside, hoping she could discern where she was, but all she saw were patches of dead grass around the shed and trees in the distance. Her nostrils flared and she detected a musty smell, but there was something else. Perfume? How can that be? She looked around and noticed an old tarp in the corner near the window. She started toward it but heard voices outside.
She rushed back to the corner where she’d woken up, taking special care to conceal the foil beneath her skirts, where she could easily reach it. Retrieving the foul rag, she placed it back into her mouth, trying not to gag as she did so. Next, she wrapped her hands with the rope, hoping the men wouldn’t notice the frayed ends. Willing her heart to stop pounding, Katie leaned back against the wall, slumped her head to the side, and closed her eyes to feign sleep—just as the door opened.
“Look, Gummy, the chit is still out cold,” a deep, raspy voice said. “She doesn’t know what’s in store for her.”
Gummy cackled. “Maybe we can have a bit of sport. She don’t even have to be awake.”
“Never mind that just now, we have to attend to Endo—the widow. She’s over here.”
