Page 102 of Stolen By the Heartless Duke
It looked even more unsettling from the road.
The warehouse stood on slightly higher ground than the neighboring buildings, its broad double doors facing the river. Thick ivy climbed one wall, disguising cracks in the old brickwork. Several broken crates lay scattered near the entrance as though discarded years ago.
Nothing moved. Nothing stirred.
Jane folded her arms against the cool night air. “It hardly looks occupied.”
“It isn’t meant to. Someone wants us to think it is empty.” He studied the structure carefully.
Boarded windows. Uneven patches of mud surrounding the entrance. Fresh wheel ruts. Very fresh.
Someone had been here recently. His gaze dropped lower. Boot prints.
“What is it?” Jane whispered.
He pointed toward the ground.
She followed his gesture. “I see wagon tracks.”
“They’re recent. And footprints. Several men.”
Jane frowned. “How can you tell?”
“The edges haven’t softened.” He crouched, running two fingers lightly over the damp earth. “It hasn’t rained in a day or so. They’re only hours old.”
She watched him with open fascination. “You notice everything.”
“I try.” His eyes continued searching.
One corner of the building caught his attention. A faint glow escaped through a narrow gap where warped boards failed to meet properly. Candlelight.
His pulse quickened. He rose smoothly. “There.”
Jane narrowed her eyes. “I almost missed it.”
“Most people would.”
A long silence stretched between them. Neither spoke above a whisper. The river lapped quietly against old pilings. Somewhere farther away, a gull cried into the darkness.
Even old warehouses creaked. This one seemed almost to be holding its breath. Hector disliked that more than he cared to admit.
Jane took a cautious step forward. “I should do something.”
“No.” His voice came low and firm.
She stopped immediately. Hector was surprised. She had listened without argument. For some reason, that unsettled him more than if she had challenged him.
He turned slightly towards her. “Stay here.”
She nodded once. “I will.”
“If I raise my hand,” Hector said, “you stay. If I wave twice, you come in.”
She hesitated. “Hector.”
He looked back. “Be careful.”
Something warm settled unexpectedly beneath his ribs.
