Page 91 of A Dangerous Pursuit (Regency Spies & Secrets 1)

“For what purpose?” Baldwin asked defiantly.

Morton’s eyes narrowed. “You could have brokered a deal with the Bow Street Runners to ensure your freedom.”

“We both know that Bow Street Runners are not to be trusted, and I can assure you that I would never intentionally seek them out,” Baldwin assured him. “Furthermore, it would have been foolhardy to tip them off before I got paid for abducting the girl.”

“What about your cousin?” Morton asked. “Could he have tipped off the Bow Street Runners?”

Baldwin shook his head. “That is impossible.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“It is simple,” Baldwin replied. “I never told him that I intended to abduct a girl in the first place.”

Some of the anger in Morton’s expression dissipated at his words. “I do apologize for being suspicious but there is so much at stake here.”

“I understand.”

“I must assume that Oliver is with some woman,” Morton commented as he looked at Oliver’s empty mattress.

Baldwin shrugged. “Where else would he be?”

Morton walked over and sat down on the mattress. “Thank you for what you did back at the pub.”

“I didn’t do much.”

“If you hadn’t seen those Runners, then we both would have ended up in jail. You saved me.”

“I suppose that is true,” Baldwin agreed as he leaned his back against the wall.

Running a hand through his tousled hair, Morton sighed. “That was a close call. Too close.”

Baldwin chuckled. “You get used to those,” he said. “It’s what keeps you alert for the next time.”

“We were so close to a payday,” Morton declared, clenching his fists. “Why did the Runners have to raid the pub when they did?”

“Someone must have tipped them off.”

“Perhaps, or they just got lucky.”

Baldwin scoffed. “You are giving Runners entirely too much credit.”

“Who do you think could have tipped them off, then?”

“It could have been someone who worked at the pub,” Baldwin suggested with a shrug.

Morton’s expression grew hard. “I won’t rest until I discover who betrayed me,” he growled, “and then I will kill them.”

“Smart plan,” Baldwin said. “Make sure their death is especially painful.”

“That is a given.” Morton paused. “At least I can safely rule you out.”

“I appreciate that. Besides, I know my fate if I ever get caught.” Baldwin reached under his pillow and pulled out a stale piece of bread. “Are you hungry?” he asked, holding it up.

Morton stuck up his nose at the offering. “That is what you are eating for dinner?” he asked in disbelief.

“It looks worse than it tastes.”

“I can only imagine,” Morton muttered.

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