to take charge. Certainly no question about it after Gordon managed to get into our guest quarters and ye tricked him. I do not like that the man still resents ye.”
“It does not matter.” She cast him a pinched look. “We need to concentrate on finding this villain, not arguing among ourselves.”
“I am no’ arguing. I’m going to tell Watkins in no uncertain terms. If he disrespects ye, then it is the same as disrespecting me and I’ll have none of it.”
“My lord, I do not know what bee has suddenly stung your backside, but I would appreciate your keeping out of Bow Street business. I am well able to care for myself. I would appreciate your not meddling in my affairs. And need I point out you are the worst at taking orders? You ignore mine at your whim.”
He grinned at her. “That’s the privilege of my rank, lass. Watkins has no such privilege.”
They’d reached the library.
Taffy immediately sprang into her Bow Street runner role, entering first and giving the room an inspection before allowing them to enter. He indulged her because he did not think there was any danger now that Gordon was on the run. But tomorrow? He was going to protect her whether she liked it or not. “Ah, here come your colleagues.”
He stepped forward as three of the Bow Street men hurried into the library. Mr. Barrow, his colleague, Mick, and a glum looking Watkins. “Mr. Barrow, ye’re back so soon,” he said with a frown. “What went wrong?”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
TAFFY FROWNED AS she listened to Mr. Barrow relate what had happened during their chase. “He was right in front of us and in our sight until we rode through a patch of dense forest just outside of town. He was there one moment, and in the next, he was gone. We searched the area, of course.”
“How can a man disappear into thin air?” the marquis asked, his expression dark and angry. “And what of his horse? Are ye telling me that a beast as large as that simply disappeared, too?”
“No, my lord. The horse trotted back to us. We found blood on the saddle, so I think Lord Gordon has been injured. Perhaps caught by a protruding branch and knocked off his horse. The impact of that alone could kill him.”
“I doubt we’ll be that fortunate,” the marquis muttered.
Mr. Barrow’s jowls wobbled as he nodded. “Indeed. We tried to pick up his footprints. But the road, especially that close to town, is too well traveled.”
“And what of the forest path? Is that not where he likely fell off the horse?”
“Aye, m’lord. That’s where we intensified our search, hoping to find a clue. A scrap of wool. A drop of blood. A footprint. We found nothing. I’ve sent a man into town to report to the magistrate and ask him to conduct a search with his men and scent dogs. I took the liberty of taking small items off the…” He paused to glance at Rafe. “Off that other man, since he was wearing Lord Gordon’s clothes and the dogs might pick up on that scent.”
The marquis nodded his approval.
“My man will also notify the shopkeepers and innkeepers to send word if they see him.”
“Meanwhile,” Mick said, “Watkins and I have gone through the house and checked every door and window. No one is going to get in or out except through the kitchen entrance, and we’ll have two men posted there at all times to guard it.”
The marquis folded his arms across his chest. “Watkins, do ye have anything to add?”
Taffy did not bother to hide her annoyance at his impertinence. She had asked him not to confront Watkins. And yet, here he was, staring the poor man down.
She tossed him a scathing scowl that went unnoticed because he purposely refused to look her way, knowing she would be angry. The wretch! She was seated beside Rafe, who was absorbed in his game of spillikins, and did not wish to startle the boy by jumping up and railing at his father. Of course, she would never do such a thing in front of these men.
Watkins was obviously surprised to be addressed directly by the intimidating marquis. “No, my lord. It is as Mick says. We’ve secured all doors and windows. If this villain is still alive, he’ll have a difficult time gaining entry.”
The marquis nodded. “Keep alert, Mr. Watkins. This devil had little trouble breaking in through the music room doors. This house is sturdy,