Sebastian's tension eased as he replaced the dagger back into his hidden pocket. His expression, however, remained hard with annoyance.
"William." His brows drew together in a threatening motion. "What the devil are you doing here?"
Obviously impervious to Sebastian's dark temper, the young gentleman smiled with a sweet happiness.
"Nice man."
Sebastian's frown only deepened. "You do know that your sister believes you to be safely eating breakfast? She will be sick with worry when she discovers that you are missing once
again."
William merely pointed toward the hedge. "Cats."
"Yes, I know about your damnable cats," he growled. Although he possessed compassion for the young man, the knowledge that he was so willing to lure his sister into danger was enough to set his teeth on edge. He did not doubt for a moment that Miss Hadwell would soon be scouring the streets in search of her missing brother. "What am I to do with you?"
"Me?" William wrinkled his brow. "Me, William."
"You should be at home. Did you not promise your sister to remain there?"
A familiar stubborn expression settled on the round face. "Cats."
"Blessed Nefri." Sebastian sucked in a deep breath. With an effort he calmed his rising temper. This man was a child at heart. He could not bully nor threaten him. All he could do was attempt to prevent him from leading his sister into disaster. "You are obviously determined to be with those mangy kittens regardless of the danger to your sister."
His smile returned. "Milly, nice."
"Milly?" Sebastian was briefly caught off guard. "Ah, Amelia. Yes, she is nice. Far too nice."
"Nice man."
"You are wide of the mark there, my boy," Sebastian retorted in dry tones.
William frowned. "No. Nice man."
"Blast it all." Giving a shake of his head, Sebastian surrendered to the inevitable. William was determined to be with his cats. There was only one certain means of ensuring that Miss Hadwell was not spending her nights in the dark and dangerous alley. "Get your blasted kittens."
"Cats?"
"Yes. We will take them to my home. At least then you will not be roaming the lanes and your sister will not be placed in such danger."
The frown disappeared as if by magic and the dark eyes abruptly glowed with pleasure.
"Nice, nice man," William chattered, hurriedly turning to pile the kittens in his large arms.
Sebastian suppressed a shiver. His aging housekeeper would no doubt desire his head upon a platter when she discovered his latest houseguests, if she did not simply walk out. And his privacy would be in constant danger with William wandering in and out of his home.
Still, he would do whatever was necessary to keep Miss Hadwell from Drake's clutches.
No, he sternly reminded himself. Not Miss Hadwell, but the Medallion. It was the Medallion that was important.
He heaved a heavy sigh.
"No, not a nice man," he muttered. "Merely a man who wishes he was back among the peace of his books. Now bring your cats along before I come to my senses."
Chapter Three
Amelia endured yet another sleepless night.
On this occasion, it was not the formless shadow nor the impending sense of danger that kept her pacing the floor of her bedchamber. At least not directly.