Page 67 of Redemption

The boy howled with pain as he clutched his crotch and sank to his knees. Rhea didn’t hesitate as she kicked outward again. This time her boot connected with the side of Edgar’s head, and the boy fell backward into the street with a grunt and remained still. Rhea whirled around to see Percy hold his injured arm as he stood watching her with a mixture of anger, amazement, and what she thought might be admiration on his face. Rhea glanced away from him to see Peter staring out the carriage window while Ashford and another man stood next to the carriage. Tension reflected in their stance both men were clearly poised to do battle.

Rhea turned back to Percy. The disapproval darkening his face angered her, and she glared back at him. Percy didn’t say a word. He simply nodded in the direction of the carriage. Rhea didn’t fail to understand the silent command and blowing out a harsh breath of exasperation, she whirled around to stride toward the carriage. Peter’s eyes were wide in his face as he stared at her from the vehicle. But his smile was bright and cheery. When Ashford opened the carriage door the child flung himself forward to wrap his arms around Rhea’s neck. A small crowd was beginning to grow around Edgar’s unconscious body and Ashford touched Rhea’s arm.

“I suggest we leave now,” he said quietly. With a quick glance over her shoulder at the gathering crowd, she hopped into the carriage followed by Percy and Ashford. As the vehicle rolled forward, Rhea’s heart sank as her gaze scanned the vehicle’s interior.

”Fanny?”

“Harry could have come with us Miss Rhea, but he said he’d stay and bring Fanny with him when these gents come next week. Peter leaned into Rhea’s side as she wrapped her arm around him and hugged him close.

“I’m sorry it took me so long to keep my word to you Peter,” she said softly.

“It’s okay, Miss Rhea I knew you’d come for me, just like you always said you would if you ever escaped Ruckley,” the child said with a confident smile that made a knot rise in her throat. “When Vincent and Rufus went missing after you and Miss Arianna disappeared, I knew you were trying to get us away from Ruckley, so I just waited real patient like.”

The boy sighed with obvious relief and Rhea looked at the two men seated opposite her.

“Did you have any trouble?”

“No, we had no problems at all.” Ashford’s statement was both an explanation and rebuke. Percy uttered a quiet oath as the carriage hit a rough patch of street, and he was thrown into the sidewall of the carriage. Rhea pulled away from Peter and scooted forward in her seat.

“Let me see how badly Edgar cut you.”

“I’m fine,” Percy bit out in a tight voice.

“Oh for heaven sakes, Percy. Stop being an ass and let me see your arm,” she snapped. Clearly surprised by her chastisement, Percy didn’t protest as she gently pushed his coat off his arm then tore the bloodstained shirt apart to examine his injury.

“You need stitches,” she said with a frown as she looked up to meet his unreadable expression. Unwilling to try and determine what he was thinking, Rhea turned to Ashford.

“Where shall we drop you off Mr. Ashford?”

“I instructed the driver to take you home first.”

“All right,” she said with a nod and looked back at Percy. “I’ll see to your shoulder as soon as soon as I turn Peter over to Arianna.”

“I can—”

“No, you can’t. I’m well skilled in sewing up cuts.” Before Percy could respond the child seated at her side leaned forward.

“You should let Miss Rhea fix you up, sir. She does a right good job. She even gives you a kiss on the cheek if you don’t cry once.”

“Indeed,” Percy murmured as heat suffused Rhea’s face. As her gaze met Percy’s, her heart skipped a beat at the fire she saw burning in his eyes. Rhea quickly retreated from him and sank back into the cushions of her seat. Silence filled the carriage for a moment before Ashford cleared his throat.

“Do you mind explaining why you left the carriage, Miss Bennett when you were specifically instructed not to?” The investigator eyed her carefully. “We made an agreement when I first took on this assignment.”

“I know, and I apologize. But Edgar was troubling a young girl. I couldn’t let him do that. I didn’t even know it was Edgar until he turned around.”

“You took an unnecessary risk, Miss Bennett,” the private investigator said quietly. “If you wish for me to complete our task then you’ll have to remain at home next week.”

“You can’t possibly—”

“I’m afraid I can, and must, Miss Bennett. If something happened to you, I would not be able to forgive myself, and I’ve no doubt your aunt would lay the blame at my feet.”

The harsh, unyielding expression on Ashford’s face assured her that nothing she might say would change the man’s mind. Her gaze flitted to Percy who was clearly pleased with Ashford’s decision. Defeated, Rhea sank deeper into the seat cushions. Silence descended on the interior of the vehicle, and she wrapped her arm around Peter once more.

The ride home seemed interminable, and Rhea avoided looking at either of the men across from her. While she knew she’d taken a risk of leaving the carriage, it had been the right decision. Edgar had been forcing himself on the girl, and the sight had opened up old wounds, which had compelled her to interfere. Accustomed to taking care of herself, she’d never doubted her ability to handle Edgar. It had been unnecessary for Percy to interfere. Although she had to admit his efforts warmed her heart. It made her feel that she was valued for something other than bringing in coin. The carriage halted at the front door of her aunt’s house, and Rhea ushered Peter out of the carriage then looked at Percy. There was a stubborn set to his mouth indicating he intended to argue with her. Rhea narrowed her gaze at him then smiled.

“If you’re afraid, I’m sure Peter can hold your hand for such a…” She paused for effect. “Major surgery of this nature.”

Without waiting for his answer, she exited the carriage and heard his vicious oath filling the air behind her. She didn’t bother to turn her head to confirm whether he was following her or not. The heat of his gaze burned the back of her neck confirming he was following her despite his reluctance. She bit back a smile of satisfaction. For once he was on the receiving end of his own medicine. The front door opened and at the sight of Arianna, the boy uttered a soft cry of happiness and raced the last few steps into her sister’s arms.