Noble Scoundrel - Amy Sandas Page 0,18

Not completely unarmed any longer. A hatpin was clearly useless against a gun or a knife, but it was sharp enough to draw blood with a biting sting that might create a moment of distraction. Under the right circumstances, it could be useful.

To draw focus away from the movements of her hand as she tried to free the hatpin from her bonnet, Katherine spoke again in an intentionally haughty tone. “Where are you taking us?”

Craggy features twisted into a grimace as the man pulled the long knife from his boot to rest it across his thigh. He flicked a broad thumb against the blade as he replied with heavy menace, “I said shut it.”

His response, though threatening enough, didn’t bother her as much as it probably should have. His little show of intimidation had allowed her the opportunity to the get the hatpin clasped in her fist and tucked beneath the fall of her skirts.

Keeping her mouth closed for the moment, she considered possible options for escape.

The man across from them had at least two weapons she could see. Though the gun was no longer going to be easy to access, the knife was going to be a problem. Their coachman had likely been replaced by an accomplice who was currently driving their carriage at a reckless speed through very heavy traffic.

Their only advantage was the fact that, within the carriage, it was the two of them against the one man. Any planned attack and escape had to happen quickly and efficiently, before the driver could join in and overpower them.

Frederick’s quick and subtle squeeze of her hand drew her attention once again. His gaze flickered to the door next to her. It had been damaged either when she’d been thrown against it or in the subsequent collision and now was barely latched and hung by only one hinge. It wouldn’t take much force at all to shove it open and leap free. But the vehicle would have to be slowed to a near stop to prevent severe injury from a tumble to the street. And even if she managed to escape in such a manner, there would never be enough time for Frederick to follow before their captor responded.

She gave a small shake of her head. She had no intention of attempting a plan that did not free them both.

The flash of frustration in her brother’s eyes might have made her smile if they weren’t in such a dire situation.

Maybe the hatpin would be enough to momentarily immobilize or hinder their captor so she and Frederick would both have time to escape.

Before she could consider it further, the carriage began to slow.

The man across from them pounded his fist on the wall. “Get it moving.” The driver’s response was indecipherable, but the anger in his voice was evident. With a muttered curse, their unwelcome passenger shifted his weight to lean forward and peer out Katherine’s window. The new position brought his knife temptingly within reach. “Blasted idiots,” the man grumbled in irritation.

Glancing aside at Frederick, she noted his gaze flying swiftly from the loosened door within inches of the man balanced at the edge of his seat to the opposite door on his side.

Katherine’s eyes widened in understanding. The siblings’ gazes locked for a bare moment as they took a deep breath in unison.

Then with a tight nod, Katherine initiated their unspoken plan.

Energy rushed through her as she stabbed her hatpin into the man’s hand, causing him to shout a curse and drop the knife, which she quickly kicked to the other side of the carriage. At the exact same moment, Frederick braced his back against the opposite wall and shoved the flat of his boot against the man’s back. The carriage door did nothing to stop him from tumbling out of the carriage and disappearing into the passing traffic.

Frederick had already thrown open the opposite door and braced himself in the opening as he looked over his shoulder to ensure she was following.

“Now, Frederick!” she shouted.

Gratefully, he did as she ordered without further hesitation. The vehicle was still moving, but at a much slower pace, and she watched in relief as he leapt easily to the cobblestone. Grasping her long skirts in both hands, Katherine prepared to follow.

But the man they’d ejected had gotten back to the vehicle and was scrambling in from the other side. He swiped a meaty hand and grasped a fistful of her skirt just as she made the leap. Though she managed to