Page 47 of Redemption

“Damnit, Rhea, I only want to ensure your safety.”

The harsh anger in his soft words emphasized his concern was genuine. Inside her chest, her heart skipped a beat. His persistent efforts to protect her made Rhea consider the possibility of giving way. It would be so easy to let someone else take charge of the operation. Percy clearly wanted to help. Rhea halted her thoughts and the direction they were headed. The children were her responsibility. It had been difficult enough trusting Ashford to help her. She refused to shirk her duties completely.

“While I appreciate your desire to do so, your assistance is unnecessary. I’ve managed quite well without your assistance until now.”

“Don’t be a fool,” he growled as he lowered his head until their foreheads were almost touching. “You warned me not to underestimate Ruckley, and yet you’ve done just that from the moment you started pulling these children out from underneath the man’s nose.”

“But that’s the difference between you and me. I have never underestimated Ruckley,” she said with quiet resolve. “I know how he thinks, how to respond in certain situations. You do not.”

“Just because you know the man, doesn’t make him any less dangerous.”

“I don’t deny that, but let me ask you this. If Ruckley had a member of your family in his power would you allow someone else to take charge of their safety?” Her question made Percy frown darkly then answered her question with a sharp jerk of his head. Rhea nodded with resignation. “Then you can understand why I’ll not surrender involvement when it comes to the children I care for. I didn’t make my decision lightly. It is simply a matter of love and obligation.”

With a barely audible growl, Percy shoved a hand through his hair. His frustration vibrated through Rhea as she watched his beautiful mouth thin with anger. With an explosive grunt of aggravation, he glanced over his shoulder at the private investigator who hadn’t moved from behind his desk.

“Consider your fee doubled, Ashford, simply because Miss Bennett will be present tomorrow night. See to it that an additional man is hired to ensure her safety.

“Gladly, Mr. Rockwood.” At the other man’s response, a disgusted expression darkened Percy’s features as he turned back to her. Grateful for his reluctant agreement, Rhea touched his arm in a conciliatory gesture.

“Thank you.”

“I need my head examined,” he muttered tersely.

“Perhaps we both do,” Rhea said with a sigh. “But I see no other way to resolve the situation.”

“Ashford, how many other children are there to retrieve out of Ruckley’s hands?” Percy asked as he turned back toward the investigator.

“After tomorrow night, three.”

“Isn’t it possible to rescue the other children at the same time?” Percy frowned in puzzled frustration.

“Only if they happen to be with the child in question. I monitor one child’s behaviors at a time. It’s the best way to plan for their rescue. If we were to attempt one single rescue of all the children, we risk certain failure and the definite likelihood of Mr. Ruckley seeing to it there are no further opportunities to mount another effort in the future.”

Ashford’s response made Percy nod his head then fixed his gaze on her again.

“You’re not to leave the carriage at any point during the rescue. Is that clear?”

“Yes,” Rhea said with a nod. Her brevity caused Percy’s mouth to twist in a wry grimace.

“Why is it I’m sure you’ll disobey that order if it suits you.”

“Actually, it's an agreement I've had with Mr. Ashford from the beginning.”

At her response, Percy released a quiet noise of exasperation then turned back toward the private investigator.

“I’ll be joining you in this venture tomorrow night, Ashford.” At Percy’s matter-of-fact statement the other man nodded.

“I recommend clothing that is of a…less fashionable kind. We need to be as inconspicuous as possible.”

“Understood.” Percy nodded and Ashford turned his gaze to Rhea.

“I take it I’m to use the standard phrase when approaching Rufus?”

“Yes,” she said softly. “Never forget Timothy.”

“Very well, we’ll meet here at nine o’clock tomorrow night. I need to point out that on several occasions the boy has been in the company of a girl. She matches the description you provided.”

“Fanny?” Rhea exclaimed softly. “You’ve not mentioned this before.”