She unexpectedly squared her shoulders. "I thank you, but that will not be necessary."
Amadeus paused. While he found her valor a source of interest, it did not suit his plans to have her quite so independent. With an effort he determinedly curbed' his flare of impatience. He was an Immortal. He had learned that patience was a virtue that could not be underestimated.
"Are you certain?" he coaxed. "I may have momentarily frightened those louts, but there is no telling when they might return. Besides which, they are not, unfortunately, the only scoundrels who would be willing to harm a maiden."
She clutched her shawl about her. "I do not live far."
"It does not take far to discover yourself in danger in such a neighborhood."
"I am accustomed to traveling these streets," she retorted, although Amadeus did not miss the manner in which her gaze strayed toward the now-empty darkness.
"Ah, but on this night it is unnecessary. I stand eager to offer my arm and my escort."
He held out his arm, but once again she stepped back from his advancing form. Briefly he wondered if the Medallion somehow gave her the ability to sense the fact he was not mortal. Or perhaps even his evil intentions. It was a complication that did nothing to improve his thinning temper.
"You are very gracious, Mr.... ?"
"Vicar Fallow." Amadeus bowed low, careful to ensure his expression remained impassive.
Even if the woman did sense something unnatural about him, she would have no notion of what it meant. Or the danger that threatened her. "And you are?"
"Miss Kingly."
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance."
"And you, sir. However, I have a task I must complete on this evening, so if you will excuse me?"
Realizing that she was about to slip from his grasp, Amadeus smoothly blocked her path.
"May I offer my services in performing this task?"
Forced to halt, she barely managed to hide her flare of impatience. "I merely wish to speak with Molly."
"Molly?"
"She can always be found on this street."
Amadeus raised a hand to his heart and offered a soulful shake of his head. "Oh, my dear."
She frowned at his sudden expression of sorrow. "What is it?"
"Does this Molly have red hair and a freckled countenance?"
"Have you seen her?"
"I very much fear I have."
Forgetting her revulsion of him, Miss Kingly suddenly stepped forward. "What is it?"
He pretended to consider the matter for a moment before speaking. "I am uncertain how to tell you this, but she was discovered in a nearby alley just half an hour ago."
Her hand reached up to clutch the Medallion upon the chain as if seeking strength.
"Discovered? What do you mean, discovered?"
Amadeus briefly recalled the sweet delight as he drained the life from the struggling, terrified whore. It had been a hurried affair, without his usual finesse, but the blood still raced through his body with a potent force.
"She has been murdered," he announced simply.