“How could I live with myself if I brought danger to the children’s door?”
“I will explain your reasoning to Jennie,” Colton said. “Given this new development, I see two alternatives. First, we can arrange a stay on the Continent until we apprehend those responsible for the deaths.”
“Out of the question.” Alex sent Benedict a speaking glance. “He’s already made that argument, though he would take it a step further and see me on a ship crossing the Atlantic.”
Colton appeared to give the notion some thought. “All in all, not a bad idea. But I can see you’ve no taste for the notion.”
“Of course not.” Alex stiffened her spine. “Quinns do not run from a fight. Our father and mother did not raise us to flee at the first sign of danger.”
“I’d hardly say this is the first sign,” Benedict said, even though he knew it was futile. There would be no convincing Alexandra to leave London. The determination he found so appealing also worked against persuading her to flee the threat.
Damned if she wasn’t glorious when her eyes flashed with such spirit. How could he live with himself if anything happened to quash that vibrant energy, that conviction of spirit she displayed?
“I do take your point,” she said, softening her ramrod-stiff posture a bit. “But given the security measures that have been put in place and the fact that we have no way of knowing if the person behind these deaths might follow me out of the country, I see no point in leaving. I will be as safe here as I would be in Paris or New York. The threat is not tied to London, just as it was not tied to Egypt. Whoever is behind these murders either possesses the ability to follow those on his despicable list, or he has employed a network of hoodlums to do his bidding.”
“Your logic is sound,” Colton said, each word low and measured. “Jennie and I would prefer to see you far from this place. But the choice is ultimately yours. I will do whatever is necessary to intensify security.”
“I appreciate your concern. Truly, I do,” she said. “But we must keep our focus on how to bring the culprit to justice.”
“As we’ve discussed, your active participation in the investigation would be an asset to the case.” Colton slanted Benedict a dour glance. “Before we discuss this in more depth, do you care to explain why you sent for Marlsbrook in the middle of the night?”
The beautiful flush that had colored her cheeks following the pleasure they’d taken in each other’s arms had faded at Colton’s untimely arrival. If not for his intrusion, the look of desire in her eyes and the soft pink hue that highlighted her sculpted cheekbones would have answered Colton’s question without benefit of words.
As if she’d read his thoughts, a sly smile flickered over her mouth, only to be replaced by an appropriately serious expression. She turned to Colton. “I have deciphered a clue that I believe may be significant.”
“When were you planning to tell me about this?”
She pursed her lips, appearing to grow annoyed with him. “I hardly thought it appropriate to rouse an entire household from their slumber, but Benedict needed to know what I’d pieced together.”
Colton turned to Alex. “You have information as to the murderer’s identity?”
“Quite possibly.” She went to her desk and retrieved the photograph of the dead man’s message. “We’ve uncovered a clue to the murders. I believe the dying man referred to the victims, and possibly, the murderer.”
Taking the photograph in hand, Colton offered a cursory examination. “What have you learned?”
“Alexandra has worked out the meaning of the symbols,” Benedict said. “She’s deduced that the glyphs may indicate the victims. I presume your agency will be able to determine the dates of birth of the men who were killed both here and in Egypt.”
“Of course.” Colton handed the image back to Alex. “Might I ask why we should care about their blasted birthdates? Do you suspect a common thread between the men?”
“The symbols may refer to the position of a particular constellation on a specific date—the zodiac sign, if you will,” Alexandra explained. “If we can confirm the notations correspond to each man’s date of birth, we can determine the accuracy of the theory.”
Colton nodded. “I will assign the task to Mrs. Donahue in the morning. She should have the information you require by early afternoon.”
“Excellent.” A trace of enthusiasm colored her voice.
Alexandra’s long, dark tresses shimmied, the lamplight dancing gold and red over the strands. Benedict ached to touch the silken curls, but he steeled himself. God knew he didn’t need to raise Colton’s ire. He was no coward, but provoking Colton would be foolish. Alexandra had been through quite enough. She did not need to find herself immersed in a conflict.
Matthew Colton’s interest in Alex was brotherly and protective. That much was evident from the look in his eyes. His expression also clearly displayed his distrust. Perhaps the man was right to distrust Benedict where she was concerned.
Even now, he could not offer her a future. Alex would never approve of his pursuit of relics for the wealth they might bring. But he could not afford to spend weeks under the Egyptian sun searching for some long-dead royal’s possessions for the sake of preserving history.
But damned if he wouldn’t see her safe before he returned to Egypt. He’d find the map, but he’d wait to seek out the treasure. He needed those relics to settle his obligations, to guarantee a comfortable life for his mother in her silver years, and to provide the tin to live his life without the crushing yoke of debt.
She met Benedict’s gaze, then flickered her attention to Colton. “It is quite late, and I am so very weary. I would like to conclude our business and retire to my bed.”
Alone. The implication rang loud and clear in her words. Benedict nodded his understanding.
“We will continue this discussion in the morning,” Colton said.
