Betrayal of Innocence (A New Adventure Begins - Star Elite 1)

Justin stepped around her and stalked over to her father. He took the man’s weight easily, and practically carried him over to the chair before the fireplace.

“Thank you,” Graham murmured breathlessly as he slumped wearily into the chair.

“What are you doing up and about like this?” Vanessa demanded as she slammed the door closed behind her. She yanked her cloak off and threw it carelessly onto the table.

“I am not a damned invalid,” Graham grunted dourly. “I can get about. I was just worried about you.”

Vanessa realised then that her father’s pale and trembling demeanour was because he was relieved to see her alive and well. She suddenly felt awful for having caused him such distress.

“I am sorry, I just went out. It was early when I life, and you were still asleep, so I didn’t bother to wake you,” she murmured, reluctant to tell him where she had really been.

Graham nodded. “I think you should sit down,” he whispered.

Vanessa knew immediately that she wasn’t going to like what he had to say.

Justin stepped toward her and eased her down into a chair as well. Rather than take a seat himself, he stood protectively by her shoulder and waited.

“There has been another kidnap,” Graham announced to them both.

Justin froze. “When?” he demanded.

“Yesterday, apparently,” Graham reported. “Or, rather, last night. Mrs Montgomery came around to tell you not to go to the orphanage today. They don’t need you. The children are upset.”

“Oh, good God,” Vanessa breathed. “Who?”

Her mind raced in several directions all at once. She felt the heavy weight of Justin’s supportive hand on her shoulder and, without thinking, reached up and took it.

“Little Jemima Coleman,” Graham whispered sadly. “She assured Magda she could get home when she left after her shift last night. She only had to go to the end of the road.”

“She didn’t get there?” Vanessa cried. “What on earth could have happened to her? Didn’t anybody see anything?”

Justin cursed bitterly, then apologised to them both when he realised what he had done. Graham waved his apology away.

“Believe me when I tell you that my daughters have heard worse,” Graham grunted. “Sit down, man.”

“I have to speak with my men,” Justin replied. “Tell me what you know about Jemima.”

“She is one and twenty. Her father owns the tavern in the village but doesn’t live there. Their house is at the opposite end of the road to the orphanage. Last night, she left as usual. It had just started to go dark. Everything seemed fine, but an hour later her father called at the orphanage to ask where she was.”

“She hadn’t returned home,” Justin murmured.

Graham shook his head.

“What does she look like?” Justin asked gently.

Vanessa stared blankly at the floor.

Justin squatted down before her and tipped her chin up until she met his gaze. “This is close, Vanessa. There isn’t a moment to lose. I need to know what she looks like.”

“She is pretty. She has light brown hair and is of small build.”

“Eye colour?” Justin replied.

Vanessa opened her mouth to ask him if it was important but then sucked in a breath.

“Blue, I think,” she replied.

Justin smiled encouragingly at her. “Good enough. Leave it to me. I will go and speak with Magda and find out a few more details. Does Jemima have a suitor?”