Seb shrugged. “Probably gone to release her brother.”
Danton had lost consciousness. Alex rolled him over and searched his pockets, but they were empty. “We need that sapphire to tie him to the Italian’s murder.”
Seb nodded. “I’ll take him back to the coach. You find Emmy, her brother, and the gem.” He grabbed hold of Danton’s ankles and began to drag the unconscious man down the lane.
Alex scooped the jewels from where they’d fallen in the mud and replaced them in the tin. “Take these too.” He balanced the box on Danton’s stomach so Seb could use him as a human sled. “Don’t feel the need to be gentle with the bastard.”
Alex headed through the trees in the direction of theThames. An excited bark helped him pinpoint a small, sleek vessel secured to a wooden jetty. Brutus was tied to a piling. Emmy and her brother appeared, both ducking to avoid the craft’s low doorway and then climbing back onto the dock.
Alex strode forward and held out his hand. “Still in one piece, Danvers? None the worse for your adventure?”
Luc Danvers returned the handshake with a smile. The man had a black eye and some ugly swelling on his eyebrow, but otherwise appeared unhurt.
“That’s quite the shiner you have there,” Alex said.
Luc grimaced. “Looks like I’ve gone six rounds with Gentleman Jackson, doesn’t it? Danton kicked my good foot from under me and I fell.” He shrugged. “Still, I’ve had worse.” He glanced down meaningfully at his prosthetic leg.
Alex sent him a respectful nod. They were both men who understood the subtle gradations of pain. “I need the sapphire he took from the Italian.”
Luc nodded toward the boat’s cabin. “He showed it to me. It’s in there. In the tea caddy.”
Alex inclined his head in thanks and stepped aboard. Emmy’s voice floated after him as he stooped into the untidy living quarters.
“Oh, Luc! I’m so glad to see you. You’re not hurt anywhere else?”
“I’m fine. In fact, I probably should be thanking Danton for kidnapping me.”
“Thanking him?” Emmys voice was incredulous. “What do you mean?”
“I haven’t been on a boat since Trafalgar. I thought I’d never want to set foot on one again, to tell you the truth. But this whole adventure has reminded me just how much I love being on the water.”
“What?”
Emmys voice was strangled, and Alex suppressed a smile. He could just imagine her horrified expression.
Luc’s voice came again. “After what happened, I thought being on a boat would give me nightmares. But it’s quite the opposite. My disability doesn’t matter when I’m on deck. I can sway around as much as I want.”
Alex listened for what would undoubtedly be Emmy’s scathing response, but her answer was too quiet for him to hear. Or maybe her brother had finally rendered her speechless.
He’d like to know how to do that, himself. The only wayhe’dever managed it was by kissing her. Come to think of it, he preferred his way. He couldn’t wait to silence her again.
Luc let out a satisfied sigh. “Ahh, yes. The wind in my hair, the seagulls calling, the spray on my face. I’m going to get a boat, Em. I’ll moor her at Southampton and take you and Sally on pleasure jaunts up the coast. Or over to France, if you like. I bet Camille would like to visit the old homeland.”
Alex spied a metallic silver tea caddy on a shelf. He pulled off the lid, upended it, and a blue stone the size of a walnut slid out onto his palm. The Ruspoli sapphire—evidence to link Danton to murder. Satisfied, he pocketed it and started for the door.
“Hoi, Harland,” Luc called out from the dock. “What do you suppose is going to happen to this ship, now Danton’s in custody? Will Bow Street confiscate it? I’ll give you a fair price for her, if so.”
Alex exited the cabin and clambered back onto the jetty. Luc was alone. “Where’s your sister?”
“Oh, she went back to the carriage with the dog.”
Alex started toward the trees. Luc limped alongside him. Out of politeness, Alex slowed down and shortened his stride so the other man could keep up, even thoughhe was desperate to see Emmy again. He had to speak to her. Had she left because she couldn’t stand the sight of him after the way he’d beaten Danton? The blackmailing sod had deserved every punch, but he shouldn’t have lost control like that in front of her. Thief she might be, but she was still a lady.
The dark bulk of the carriage finally came into view, with Seb and Dan the coachman standing at the horse’s heads, deep in conversation.
Alex tilted his chin at the vehicle. “Danton’s in there?”
Seb nodded. “Making the acquaintance of a pair of Bow Street’s finest shackles.”
