Dark Rider by Iris Johansen Read Free Book Online

truly danger?”
    “I can’t be sure.” She tried desperately to recall every trait of the man on the beach that might prove deadly. Power, strength, recklessness. What if they were turned against her father? “Yes, I think so.”
    “Then we must not rely on the messenger. I told him of a few places Charles likes to go to paint, but he may not be able to find them.” She grimaced. “Andhe may not try too hard. My people tread warily on Pelée’s ground.”
    “I’ll go,” Cassie told her as she headed back to her bedroom. “If the Englishman comes here first, try to send him away.”
    “What is this?” Clara Kidman appeared in the doorway of her room, the light from the candle in her hand lighting her grim expression. “Who was at the door?”
    “It was a messenger from the King,” Cassie tossed over her shoulder. “I have to go find my father.”
    “You’ll do no such thing,” Clara said. “Respectable people don’t go running to do the bidding of heathens. You can wait until he returns to—”
    “I’m going.” Cassie slammed the door behind her.
    She hurriedly threw on the riding habit and boots she had discarded only a few hours before. The clothing would offer protection from the brush and rocky trails. She would have to go on foot; the country was too wild for horses.
    A few minutes later she flew out of the room but stopped warily when she saw Lani and Clara still in the hall.
    “It’s all right, Cassie,” Lani said quickly. “I’ve explained to Clara that Charles would want you to go.”
    “And I’m not sure I believe it. I’ll expect you back before dark,” Clara said coldly. “With a note from your father that your journey was both necessary and important.”
    Cassie didn’t even know if she could locate him before dark. Her father drifted around the hills like a piece of ash from the volcano; there was no telling where he was today. “I’ll do my best to find him as quickly as possible.”
    “Before dark,” Clara repeated.
    Anger flared through Cassie. What was she supposed to do? Whisk him out of thin air? All the tension and worry suddenly exploded. “I said I’ll do—”
    “Come along, I’ll walk you down the hill.” Lani took Cassie’s arm and pulled her away from Clara. “I don’t think you’ll need a torch. It will be dawn soon. Are you warmly dressed?”
    “Yes.” Lani, as usual, was stepping between them, trying to divert Clara’s venom and Cassie’s rage. Cassie knew Lani was right; she shouldn’t waste her time battling Clara when Papa might be in danger. She pulled away from Lani as soon as they were out on the veranda. “I’m sorry, I’m over it now. I’m just worried about Papa.”
    “I’m worried, too,” Lani said gently. “And there’s nothing to be sorry about. I understand.”
    Lani always understood. “Go back inside,” Cassie said gruffly. “You’re wearing only your dressing gown, and it’s cool out here.”
    Lani nodded. “Go with God, my friend.”
    Charles would be no match for this man, Lani thought as she gazed at the face of the Englishman. It had taken only a glance after she had opened the door to his knock to realize that Jared Danemount possessed the cool, deadly confidence she had seen in the finest warriors in her village. She and Cassie had been wise to take extra precautions. “I regret you have come this far for no reason, Your Grace. Charles is not here.”
    “And where is he?”
    “He took a boat to the island of Maui. There is much to paint there.”
    “Indeed?” His expression didn’t change, but she was aware of a slight edge to the silken politeness ofhis tone. “I heard he was content to paint here.” His gaze wandered to the trail leading up to Mauna Loa. “Or near the volcano.”
    “He’s an artist and they are never content.” She started to close the door. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have duties to perform. Good day, Your Grace.”
    “Wait!” He put his foot in the door. “I need to