A Rogue No More - Lana Williams Page 0,45

you see your father home?”

Relieved at the suggestion, she nodded then glanced at the gathered men. “Thank you all for your assistance.” She nudged her father’s arm, her gaze holding his with the hope he’d add his thanks.

“Yes, thank you,” he said.

“I’ll be in touch soon.” Thomas’s expression of concern touched Annabelle. He’d proved to be the hero she believed him to be, despite his protests to the contrary.

Unfortunately, she had a soft spot for heroes.

Her heart trembled as she nodded in response then turned toward the carriage, hoping she could make it that far on her shaking limbs.

Chapter Ten

Several hours later, Thomas paced the Gold’s drawing room, hardly able to believe the events of the day. His nerves had yet to settle. All he could see was the iron rod poised to strike Annabelle. He shuddered at the memory, wondering if the sight—along with the terrible fear that had gripped him—would ever fade.

“Thomas?” The sound of her quiet voice had him turning, his gaze taking in the sight of her. The ache in his chest eased as her dark eyes held his.

“Annabelle.” Much to his relief, she was alone, though he doubted that would last long. He walked toward her, wishing he could take her in his arms to breathe in her sweet scent and allow her warmth to chase the chill from his bones.

“You’re hurt.” Her brow puckered as her gaze lingered on his cheek. She lifted her hand and gently touched the mark.

“It’s nothing serious.” He longed to lean into her hand and allow her to soothe him. As much as the bruise stung, he could only imagine what it looked like. But it was her that he worried about. He took her bare hands in his and rubbed the pads of his thumbs over her soft skin. “You’re certain you’re well?”

“I’m fine. Truly.”

“I’m so relieved. And your father?”

“He’s well if confused.” She glanced down at their clasped hands as if gathering her thoughts before meeting his gaze again. “As I mentioned before, his mind isn’t what it used to be.”

“That must be difficult for your family.”

“Aberland normally accompanies him to the office, but he was detained so I went with Father today.” She bit her lower lip. “I had no idea we might be in danger, that anyone would want to harm him.”

Thomas didn’t add that he was certain Pickford would’ve hurt them both if given the chance. “The police arrested the man.” He hated that he had to tell her the fact didn’t mean the danger was over.

“Who was he? What did he want?”

“James Pickford. The foreman, Mr. Atwood, said he’d only been employed a few weeks. Pickford refused to say why he attacked you and your father. Perhaps the police will be able to convince him to reveal the reason.”

“My father has always been liked and respected by the employees. I don’t understand how this came to pass.”

“I believe the attack had to do with our other mystery.”

“The murder?” Her lips parted in surprise, and she blinked rapidly. “I don’t understand.”

“I’m not sure I do either. But a friend of mine with ties to the East India Company called on me at the office this morning to share something he overheard. That was what prompted me to call on you. When your butler advised that you and your father had gone to the shipyard, I followed you there.”

She shook her head. “This is madness. The Company has pressed Father to sell many times. In fact, the dock manager mentioned it again today. But to attack anyone over a business matter seems insane.”

“Apparently they’re trying new tactics to convince him and others to do so. They’re also after Arlingwood’s dock.”

Annabelle gasped. “You think the East India Company murdered his brother to convince him to sell?”

“Further investigation will provide answers, but there has to be a connection. Hopefully, the police can uncover the details now that they have Pickford in custody.”

“Annabelle.” Lady Gold appeared in the doorway, frowning as her gaze swept over them.

“Mother, you remember Mr. Raybourne?”

“Lady Gold.” Thomas released Annabelle’s hands and eased back then bowed.

“I’m told we owe you our gratitude for your valiant efforts today.” From the woman’s expression, Thomas was willing to wager that while she was grateful for his assistance, she had difficulty believing a rogue like him could truly have saved her husband and daughter.

That was all right as he had difficulty believing it himself. Yet seeing Annabelle in danger had spurred him into action without a second thought.

Lady