“Thatlout,as you put it, is the best lock picker in London.” Colton’s reply was to the point.
“A commendable skill,” Benedict said, making no attempt to hide the derision in his tone.
“Hugh’s a fine lad,” Alex said. “His services have proven invaluable.”
“Thank ye, Miss Quinn,” the young man said, brushing a shock of black hair out of his eyes.
So, Alex was well-acquainted with Colton’s motley band of investigators. Not surprising, really. She’d never been one to shy away from intrigue.
“You were attacked?” Matthew Colton turned to Alex. “Is the vermin still breathing?”
“Unfortunately, yes,” Benedict said. If he’d followed his gut, he’d have made sure Rooney never killed again. But they had to find out what the thug knew—it might be the key to saving both of their lives. “I suspect the bastard is well-known to you. Alfred Rooney’s his name.”
“Bollocks,” Colton said, nearly under his breath.
“He’s in my study.” Alex gestured to the trio to follow her down the hall.
As they entered the room, Rooney began to revive. Thrashing against the bindings, he hurled an epithet at Alex. Benedict restrained the urge to give the thug another dose of the cricket bat.
Colton gave a somber, knowing nod. “Now, now, Rooney, what have you gotten yourself involved in now? You should’ve stayed away from London.” His gaze shifted to Alex. “I regret you had to deal with him. He’s a vile sort.”
“Indeed,” she agreed.
“I followed the bastard from Cairo. I had to stop him,” Benedict said.
“I owe you a debt, Marlsbrook. Alexandra is family. And anyone who protects my family is an ally.” Colton’s low, gruff words came unexpectedly. Kneeling at Rooney’s side, he removed a knife from one pocket, cast it aside, then fished a gun out of the thug’s holster. “How did you know he’d come after her?”
“I can’t tell you that. I’ve been fool enough to trust the wrong people in the past.” Benedict threw the still-glaring youth named Hugh a pointed glance. “I know better than to make that mistake again.”
“I know these men well.” Tiny lines crinkled around Alex’s eyes. Her voice was quiet and gentle. “They’re good, honest souls.”
“That doesn’t matter. Even an angel can be corrupted.” Benedict caught her hand in his and drew her closer. “Come with me. I require a moment of your time…alone.”
Colton stepped into his path. “I’d think twice about that if I were you, Marlsbrook. I don’t give a damn about your title. I know too much about the kind of man you are.”
“I might say the same about you. Now step aside.”
“You’re a damned fool if you think I’m letting you alone with her.”
Alex broke away from Benedict’s light hold, pivoted on her heel, and crossed her arms over her chest. The slightest of scowls tugged at her mouth as she fixed Colton with a glare.
“Might I remind you that I am not a child? I have traveled the Nile Valley without benefit of a chaperone. I certainly do not need one now. Quite honestly, given the fact there is a tethered brute lying here in my study, I’d say there are far more pressing matters to consume your interest. Perhaps you have an idea of the best way to proceed where Mr. Rooney is concerned.”
Colton nodded his agreement, then instructed his assistants to prepare his carriage to transport their prisoner. The men marched from the room, their boots pounding heavy against the floor.
Turning to Alex, Colton softened his expression. “We will arrange to deliver Rooney to the Yard within the hour. I’ll work with the Chief Inspector to oversee his questioning.”
“An excellent idea,” Alex concurred. “In the meantime, if you will excuse us, Lord Marlsbrook and I have a matter of considerable importance to discuss.”
Lord Marlsbrook.Blast it, how cold the name sounded on her lips.
Colton directed a cutting stare his way. “I am not leaving this residence. Not until I have some answers.”
Mischief twinkled in Alex’s eyes. “That is indeed comforting. If Marlsbrook should be overcome by a sudden urge to ravish me, I am confident you and your men will be prepared to spring into action.”
“You are more like Jennie than you let on.” Colton’s words bore a note of wry humor.
Alex’s full mouth curved softly at the corners. Ah, what Benedict wouldn’t give to see her direct a smile at him.
