Guardian Angel by Julie Garwood Read Free Book Online Page A

a hack,” she told him. “I didn’t think I’d be returning to my lodgings tonight.” She pushed away from his hold and picked up the large gray satchel from the walkway. “All I own is in here. I came directly from the country,” she added, almost as an afterthought.
    â€œYou left your possessions on the street for anyone to snatch?”
    â€œIt was my intention to have my things stolen,” she answered. She sounded like a tutor instructing a deliberately obtuse student. “I was hoping my clothing could benefit some poor soul. I wasn’t supposed to have further need once you . . .”
    â€œEnough!” he nearly growled. “You aren’t going to mention murder again. Have you got that?”
    She didn’t answer him quickly enough. Caine tugged on her hair. She let out a shrill cry just as he noticed the large swelling above her ear. “Good God, Jade, when did you get that?”
    â€œDon’t touch it,” she demanded when he tried to prod the edges of the bump. “It still stings.”
    â€œI would think so,” he said. His hand dropped back to his side. “Tell me what happened.”
    â€œI caught the heel of my boot on the carpet loop in my brother’s house and tumbled down the stairs,” she explained. “I hit the side of my head on the banister knob. It fairly knocked the wind out of my sails.”
    The wind out of her sails? Caine thought that was a rather odd remark to make, but he didn’t take time to reflect upon it. “You could have killed yourself,” he stated. “Are you always so awkward?”
    â€œNo, I’m never awkward,” she countered. “I’m usually very ladylike. Lord, you’re rude,” she ended with a mutter.
    â€œWhat happened after you fell?” Monk asked.
    She shrugged. “I went for a walk to try to clear my head. Then they started in chasing after me, of course.”
    â€œOf course?” Monk asked.
    â€œThey?” Caine said at the very same time.
    She paused to give both men a frown. “The men I saw kill the finely dressed gentleman,” she explained. “For heaven’s sake, do pay attention. I’m certain I mentioned that fact earlier.”
    Monk shook his head. “I’m just as certain you didn’t, miss,” he confessed. “I’m sure I would have remembered.”
    â€œYou witnessed a murder? No, Jade, you sure as hell didn’t mention that fact.”
    â€œWell, I meant to mention it,” she muttered. She folded her arms across her chest and looked disgruntled again. “I would have explained it all to you if you hadn’t turned my attention by arguing with me. So you see, this is your fault because I lost my train of thought. Yes, you’re to blame.”
    â€œDid you witness the murder before or after you hit yourself in the head?” Caine asked.
    â€œDo you suppose it was a titled gentleman she saw murdered?” Monk asked Caine.
    â€œI did not hit myself,” Jade snapped. “And it was before . . . no, it was after. At least I think it was after I fell down. Oh, I don’t remember now. My head’s pounding again. Do quit your questions, sir.”
    Caine turned back to the tavernkeeper. “Now I’m beginning to understand,” he said. He looked at Jade again. “Were you wearing your cloak at the time of this mishap?”
    â€œYes,” she answered. She looked perplexed. “But what does that . . .”
    â€œYou tore your cloak and bruised your face when you fell down, didn’t you?”
    His tone was a little too condescending for her liking. “Tell me exactly what it is you think you’re beginning to understand.”
    â€œIt’s really very simple,” he answered. “Your head suffered a trauma, Jade. You aren’t thinking logically now, though I must admit that most women aren’t ever logical. Still, with