A Rogue to the Rescue (The Rogue Chronicles #4) - Lana Williams Page 0,27

arrest the man or was it a statement to the risk of doing so? Daniel would’ve thought the Runner eager to collect his reward, but perhaps Hurdy’s hesitation was justified. Financial gain served no purpose to a dead man. And from what little Hurdy shared, rumor had it that Finch put a quick end to his enemies.

Daniel appreciated the need to proceed carefully, but he wanted Finch and whoever else was involved in the scheme stopped. By now, more women like Beatrice could’ve been taken.

Even if Daniel had to spoon feed the Runner information about the brothel, its occupants, and routine, he wanted Finch stopped. He’d requested Pierre to accompany him this evening with the hope of gathering more details.

“It would be helpful if we could determine how many guards they normally have on duty as well as the number of women in there.” Daniel studied the soft glow barely visible around each of the upper windows. The drapes were closed, but the light suggested the rooms were occupied.

“That’s rather difficult to estimate from our current location,” Pierre said wryly.

“Yes, well, I thought it best to gain a general understanding of the place before we move closer.”

“A wise notion.”

“From what Miss Linfield said, the two upper stories are much like a normal house with bedchambers.” There were four windows visible, all with bars. Did that mean four bedchambers on this side and an equal number in the rear?

“Eight bedchambers on each floor for a total of sixteen rooms.” Pierre’s lips twisted. “Sixteen lost souls, at least.”

“Indeed.” Daniel’s attention returned to the house. “I’m going to look in the lower window to see if I can discover anything more.”

“Not without me.” Pierre started after Daniel.

“You should remain here on guard.”

“I will not. I can watch just as easily from your side and be at hand should anything go amiss.”

Daniel shook his head. “I’m not going to be caught.”

“Exactly. Let us go.” Pierre gestured toward the brothel.

Daniel turned, only to be reminded his shoulder was sore. He rubbed the ache there. “Your lesson this morning was particularly harsh.”

Nearly every morning, they sparred in what used to be a sitting room but now served as a practice ring.

“You were distracted. I easily got under your guard. See that it doesn’t happen again.”

There were times when Daniel wondered who was truly in charge in their relationship. Though he might pay Pierre’s wages, the man had strong opinions on most every topic and didn’t hesitate to share them.

Though Daniel wouldn’t admit it, Pierre was right. He’d been distracted since Beatrice’s arrival in his life. His days were spent thinking of her in one way or another. He was either planning a way to learn more about those involved in taking her, or he was wondering how she was faring at his brother’s house. He was pleased she and Caroline were getting along well, but that didn’t keep his thoughts from the lovely lady. What had she decided about her future?

“Are we going or are we just standing here?” Pierre asked.

There he was, distracted by her again. “Going.” After making certain no one watched, he led the way across the street.

The wrought-iron fence around the small garden was tall, but he quickly scaled it with Pierre directly behind him. This close to the house, laughter and voices could be heard. Anger speared through him. How dare they enjoy themselves while some of the women upstairs were either quaking with fear or had lost all hope and no longer cared what happened?

He clenched his jaw. Now wasn’t the time to allow anger to guide him. That would have to wait until he was doing more than merely observing. He told himself that gathering information before acting was the responsible way to approach the situation. But that didn’t keep him from feeling like it was a waste of time.

The hedges growing alongside the house made looking in the windows difficult. He couldn’t get close enough to see through the small crack between the drapes.

“Allow me.” Pierre bent down and clasped his hands together, creating a foothold.

Daniel stepped onto it, and Pierre lifted him above the hedge. Balancing as best he could with one hand braced against the house, he peeked inside. The chamber appeared to be a reception area. From what little Daniel knew, customers were offered drinks while they decided which woman they wanted, or were assigned a woman based on their preferences. Some brothels allowed the men to choose the hair color or body type of