Kathryn Smith by In The Night Read Free Book Online Page B

evidence I have, however.”
    “What evidence?” But dread was already taking hold of his soul.
    The cocksure expression returned. Daniels was enjoying this. No doubt he’d been planning it for some time. “Come on, boyo, you know I kept records of everything. A package to Bow Street, and Duncan Reed would know all about you workin’ for me. A smart man like that wouldn’t takelong to realize you were the reason your brother left Bow Street.”
    No, it wouldn’t take long. “You still cannot prove it.”
    “I don’t need to prove it. I just have to make people wonder. I send this information to the newspapers, and your brother will find himself at the center of a nasty scandal. What do you think that will do for his political aspirations?”
    Wynthrope’s tenuous grasp on his control snapped. Once again he grabbed Daniels by the lapels, but this time when he hoisted the older man to his feet, he didn’t stop. He hauled him toward the door, even as Daniels protested and dragged his feet in an effort to stop him.
    Pausing only long enough to open the door, Wynthrope tossed his former employer into the corridor and glared at him, breathing heavily from exertion and rage.
    “Get the hell out of my sight,” he rasped. “Do not come near me again.”
    Daniels brushed the wrinkles from his dark green coat once again. “Do not be so hasty, m’boy. I know you don’t want to be the ruin of your brother’s career, not after all he did for you.”
    Grinding his teeth, Wynthrope inhaled deeply. Any second now he was going to lose all control and strangle Daniels with his bare hands.
    “I’ll give you a few days to think about it,” the older man continued in his charming tone. “It’s just a small job, one you could do in your sleep. You’d be repayin’ me for that little double cross years ago, and think of all the embarrassment you would be keepin’ from your family. I’m sure your oldest brother would appreciate that.”
    Former father figure he might be, but Daniels knew exactly where to strike. He knew Wynthrope would not want anything to happen to North. He also knew that Wynthropewould do almost anything to keep Brahm from finding out just how royally he had made a mess out of his life.
    But he would not allow himself to be blackmailed, especially not by an Irishman as adept at lying as he was at picking locks.
    Slowly, his gaze unwavering, he closed the door, the heavy oak eventually obliterating Daniels from his view.
    “Three days, boyo,” the singsong lilt carried around the closing door. “I’ll expect you to have changed your mind by then.”
    The door shut with a click that echoed in Wynthrope’s mind like the sound of a hammer on steel. Let Daniels come back. It wouldn’t make a difference.
    Three days wasn’t going to change anything.
     
    “I cannot believe he chose you over me.”
    It had been two days since the party at Octavia and North’s, but Moira did not need her sister to explain who “he” was. Despite her usual chatter about her various beaux and their marriageability, Minnie kept coming back to one topic: that Wynthrope Ryland had wanted to dance with Moira rather than her.
    “You are being very rude,” Moira told her without sympathy. They were having breakfast in the front parlor, the morning sun twinkled through the windows warming the pale blue walls. “Mr. Ryland undoubtedly has sense enough to know that he is far too old for you. Unfortunately, I believe that very sense is what makes him so attractive as far as you are concerned. Please pass the jam.”
    Minnie shot her a pointed look as she handed her the porcelain pot from the other end of the gleaming oak tabletop. “Do not eat too much. You do not want to get fat again.”
    Moira froze. Her breakfast consisted of toast and tea,hardly cause for concern, yet she was tempted to push the plate away and listen to her sister.
    Which was just what the brat wanted, of course. Minerva didn’t like being tossed over