Page 46 of Redemption

Chapter 10

Behind the glass pane of Luke Ashford’s office door, Rhea heard the quiet murmur of voices. For a moment, she hesitated knocking on the beveled glass that formed the top portion of the door bearing Luke Ashford’s name and title in gold lettering. Had she recorded her appointment incorrectly on her calendar?

Certain she had the correct time, Rhea tapped the glass with her knuckles. Upon hearing the verbal command to enter, Rhea passed through the door into the small, almost barren office. The moment he saw her, Luke Ashford was on his feet. Another man sat in front of the investigator’s desk, and Rhea’s muscles tightened in dismay as she recognized Percy’s broad shoulders.

Slowly rising to his feet Percy turned to face her. With a jerky movement she rolled up the veil of black netting covering her face until it rested on the brim of her hat. Although she knew full well why he was here, Rhea swung her gaze back to the private investigator.

“Did I err in thinking we had an appointment today, Mr. Ashford?”

“Not at all, Miss Bennett,” the investigator said with a shake of his head. His hand extended in a polite gesture, he pointed to the second chair in front of his desk. “Please, won’t you be seated?”

When Rhea didn’t move, Percy arched his eyebrows as he silently challenged her to either stay or run. Irritated by his arrogance, she glared at him before taking a seat in the other chair that faced Luke Ashford’s desk. Deciding to confront Percy head on, she clasped her hands in her lap and turned slightly to look at him.

“Why are you here, Percy?”

“I came because I wanted to meet the man you selected to assist you in this dangerous venture you’ve taken upon yourself. I wanted to ensure your safety was in good hands.”

“And now you have,” she said in a dismissive tone. “So, if you don’t mind, Mr. Ashford and I have plans to discuss.”

“Plans that put you in harm’s way.” Percy’s quiet words made Rhea jerk in surprise before she narrowed her gaze in his direction.

“My plans are my business, and I would appreciate you not interfering.”

“If you’ll recall, I have a vested interest in your efforts.” The reference to his desire to make Ruckley pay for his transgressions made Rhea flinch. There was a determined glint in his eye that warned her not to challenge his presence. As silence filled the office, Ashford cleared his throat.

“Mr. Rockwood was expressing his concern for your safety tomorrow night.” The private investigator eyed her intently, and Rhea’s mouth tightened with anger. It was the same argument she had with Ashford every time they pulled one of the children out of Ruckley’s grasp.

“While I appreciate your concern, we’ve had this discussion before,” she said coolly. “We both know the children will be less than cooperative with you if I’m not there to ease their fears.”

“Nonetheless it’s still dangerous for you,” Percy interjected quickly in a voice tight with frustration.

“Of course it’s dangerous,” Rhea snapped as she turned her head to study his irritable expression. “However, I’ll be well-hidden in a carriage with the driver to keep me safe from harm.

“And if Ruckley discovers where you are and has you followed? What then?”

“I’ve always taken extra precautions for these rescues.” Rhea eyed him with disgust. “I’m well-versed in how to deceive a potential mark. The only difference this time is that the mark is Ruckley, or rather the children Ruckley believes are his property.”

“A man who is capable of murder and won’t hesitate to express his fury where you’re concerned.”

Percy’s oblique reference to that night in the museum made her wince. She knew he was right. What she was doing was dangerous. But her life under Ruckley’s rule had been no less precarious. She tilted her chin upward as she studied the disapproval on Percy’s strong features for a long moment. Before he could say anything else, Rhea jerked her gaze toward the man seated behind the desk.

“Mr. Ashford, am I the one paying your fee or is Mr. Rockwood?” The question made Ashford frown with a look of discomfort. The man clearly didn’t like being caught in the middle of an argument between Rhea and Percy.

“You are, Miss Bennett,” the investigator replied politely.

“I’ll double your fee if you rescue the child without Miss Bennett’s participation.” Percy’s words rang out clear and firm in the office.

Stunned by his offer, Rhea jumped in surprise then twisted in her chair to eye him balefully. Satisfaction crossed his features, and he met her gaze steadily. The man was determined to thwart her being present during the rescue operation. The anger spiraling through her at his interference made her fingers dig into the hard wood arms of her chair as she glared at him in silence. She wavered between haranguing him like a fisherman’s wife or simply walking out of the room.

Even despite her anger, a small voice in the back of her head expressed delight that he would go to such lengths to protect her. But she didn’t want Percy Rockwood’s protection. What she wanted was to ensure the safety of the children Ashford had agreed to help her extract from Ruckley’s charge. Her gaze shifted back to the private investigator who appeared even more uncomfortable now.

The man had been placed in an untenable position. There was little she could do except find an alternative route to save the children. It meant taking a more dangerous, drastic approach, but Percy had left her little choice. Rhea pulled in a deep breath as she met the private investigator’s gaze.

“I cannot match his offer, Mr. Ashford,” she said in a cool, serene voice. “Therefore, I believe it necessary to terminate our business relationship.”

Not waiting for a response, Rhea rose from her chair and walked toward the door. The instant Percy gripped her arm she quickly jerked free of his grasp and eyed him imperiously.

“If you don’t mind, Mr. Rockwood, I have another appointment,” she snapped in low voice.