The Beauty and the Spy by Gayle Callen Read Free Book Online

“Sorry, miss, I’m but a stranger here like you.”
    Though she would have politely continued their conversation, he rubbed his leg a few times and looked pained, until she said she didn’t want to disturb him. She and Will left eventually, but Nick knew Will would be back.
    It took him only an hour, and this time he came alone. He ignored Nick and sat at the bar for several beers while he talked to the innkeeper. Occasionally, Will let his arm drop, and his hand made the gesture they’d long used for “meet outside in the back.” After Will left, Nick waited a few minutes, then went out the back door, following an alley toward the stables. In the gloom a man passed him going toward the inn, and Nick was certain it was Will’s servant Barlow, but neither of them acknowledged the other.
    Will stood near a carriage parked beside the stables, and Nick limped toward him. There was no one else in sight.
    â€œIs the wound real?” Will asked.
    â€œNo,” he said. “Nice to see you, too.”
    Though Will shrugged idly, his gaze was direct and challenging. “I’m not sure I’ll be able to say the same. The disguise doesn’t reassure me.”
    â€œIt shouldn’t. There’s trouble. I never would have bothered you otherwise. But let’s not talk here. I have a room above a tavern nearby. Follow me.”

Chapter 5
    A spy keeps tight hold on all information until he needs to use it.
    The Secret Journals of a Spymaster
    N ick led Will back through the decaying alley that paralleled the Ouse River, then held up a hand when he reached his lodgings. “This is the place. I’ll go in first. Take the steps in the back, right corner. I’m the first door on the right at the top.”
    He went in ahead of Will, limping through the smoky, loud taproom to the far staircase. His room was in one corner, where the ceiling slanted over the bed and he had to duck if he wanted to pace. After tossing his cloak and cane on the bed, he threw another piece of peat on the iron grate in the fireplace, and it belched out smoke.
    When Will gave a soft knock, Nick let him in. They sized each other up for a moment, and he saw the suspicion Will didn’t bother to hide.
    Nick looked at Will’s fine garments. “I should have given you the cloak. You stand out around here.”
    â€œThey thought I was drunk, so I fit in well enough. Now what do you want?”
    â€œSit down,” Nick said, nodding toward a wooden chair. He had never had to figure out a way to talk to Will before. They’d always known each other’s thoughts, yet this well-dressed Will, this fine gentleman who’d recently become a baron, was almost a stranger.
    After explaining to Will where Sam was, Nick was able to get to the most important question. “So who’s the woman? She looks of quality, yet she’s traveling with you.”
    â€œ I am of quality now, old man, thanks to our good queen. But her name will tell you who she is—Jane Whittington.”
    This new information sent Nick’s thoughts ricocheting in another direction, but he had to be sure. “As in Colonel Whittington?”
    â€œShe’s his daughter. I’m bringing her north to see him.”
    How had they both gotten tangled up with the colonel’s daughters? There was no such thing as a coincidence. “And she doesn’t mind traveling alone with you?”
    â€œWe’re engaged.”
    Nick pretended casualness with a whistle. “Well, look at you—a nobleman, a dandy, and soon a married man. Hard to believe.”
    â€œMiracles happen.”
    But even Will’s assurance seemed forced.
    â€œNow why did you feel the need to find me?” Will continued.
    â€œDo you remember General Reed?” Nick asked. “He had a sister named Julia.”
    â€œI remember. He was with the Bengal army.”
    â€œYes. Do you remember how his sister came with all