Page 84 of Redemption

“They’ll be along, shortly,” the crime lord said as he sidled up beside her to wrap his arm around her waist. “Why don’t you and I find a quiet place to enjoy ourselves.”

Without any effort, Rhea slipped free of his grasp and eyed him coldly.

“Our bargain was that Fanny and Harry would be delivered before any business was conducted between the two of us.”

Behind her, Fairlie coughed in obvious dismay. She glanced over her shoulder at the man and glared. The footman was clearly concerned, but he remained silent beneath her stern look. Rhea turned back to Ruckley.

“The children, per our agreement, please.”

“Please is it, now? That’s right pretty speech, Rhea,” Ruckley said with a chuckle before he turned and waved his hand.

From the back of the tavern, Rhea saw Harry guiding Fanny toward the front door. The moment Fanny saw her, the girl race forward to throw her arms around Rhea. Relieved and happy to see the excited child, Rhea hugged her close.

“I’m so sorry it took me so long to come for you, sweetheart,” she whispered as she bent and kissed the girl’s cheek. Her arm still wrapped around Fanny, she reached out to brush her hand over Harry’s curly locks.

“Have you come for us, Miss Rhea?” the boy asked with a confused expression.

“Yes, I made arrangements with Ruckley. You’re going to go with this gentleman here.” Rhea gestured to Fairlie. “He’s going to take you to Miss Arianna.”

“Are you coming with us Miss Rhea?” Fanny’s voice quavered as she clung to Rhea’s skirts.

“I have a few things to discuss with Ruckley first, sweetheart.”

Rhea shuddered as she gently pushed the child away from her. One hand on Fanny’s back she urged the child to go to the man behind her. Fanny reluctantly did so, her eyes wide in her pretty face. Rhea forced a reassuring smile to her lips as she encouraged the girl forward. No matter what happened tonight, Fanny would be safe. She turned back to Harry who was studying her with suspicion.

“Go on, Harry, Miss Arianna is waiting for you.”

“What sort of business do you have to discuss with the likes of him?” Harry bobbed his head in Ruckley’s direction. With the speed of a snake, the crime lord lashed out and struck the back of Harry’s head viciously.

“Get on with you. You got no business asking any questions.”

Rhea jerked at Ruckley’s violent actions, but knew better than to protest. Harry’s freedom was too precious to risk insulting Ruckley.

“Please go with Fairlie, Harry,” she commanded in the stern, but gentle, voice she’d always used when watching over the children.

“But, Miss Rhea—”

“Now, Harry,” she said sharply. The boy jumped in surprise at her harsh order, but reluctantly moved toward the door. As Fairlie opened the tavern door, Rhea saw one of Ruckley’s men beginning to move forward.

“Fairlie, please show Mr. Ruckley why he’s not going to let any of his men interfere.”

Rhea kept her gaze focused on Ruckley who scowled at her with annoyance. With a grunt, he angrily waived his men to stand down. The moment he did so, she knew Fairlie had displayed his weapon. Without taking her eyes off Ruckley, she ordered the footman to go. Both Harry and Fanny murmured protests, but she didn’t look away from Ruckley. The soft thud of the door behind her caused Rhea to flinch. Immediately a cruel smile curved his mouth.

“Well now, why don’t you give that pistol you’re hiding in that pretty little bag of yours to me.”

“I don’t have a weapon.”

She shrugged at Ruckley’s expression of suspicion and disbelief then offered up the reticule. As he tugged at the bag’s drawstrings, Rhea watched in silence. Just as she’d hoped, with his attention focused on the small purse, it was unlikely he would think to search her. As he pulled the bag open, Rhea released a scoffing laugh.

“They’re simply tools of my trade,” she bit out as a familiar sense of humiliation crashed over her. Amusement crossed Ruckley’s face as he pulled a French Letter out of the bag.

“I don’t think we’ll be needing this,” he chuckled.

“As you wish.”

“You answered that a might too quick, my poppet.” Ruckley’s eyes narrowed with distrust as he studied her carefully.

“Perhaps I have a small, but unpleasant gift to share with you.” Rhea smiled slowly, enjoying the look of indecision on his face.