“We have all of Sayers little businesses to shut down now. We know what Sayers was doing. It is just a matter of working our way around those responsible and getting them off the streets. It takes time, but we will get there. Now that the ring leader has been taken, some of the people who have been forced into complying with Sayers demands will go home, ever so relieved to have their lives back. Those who have willingly been his accomplices will face time behind bars. Some will disappear, of that there can be no doubt. There is a finely woven network of people who are prepared to lie and protect loved ones from the authorities if they need to. Hopefully, Sayers’ cohorts won’t hide for long, though, because they cannot change the people they are. The money and notoriety they have become accustomed to will invariably draw them back to the old ways. I have no doubt we will get the majority of those who have helped Sayers along the way.”
Marguerite sighed. While she was glad that an organisation like the Star Elite existed, she hated Joe being a part of it. To think of him facing events like tonight, putting his life at risk so people he didn’t even know so they could benefit left her with the chills.
“What about you?”
Marguerite looked at him. She wasn’t sure what she expected of him. It was far too soon in their acquaintance to expect him to offer for her, or for her to push him for a further acquaintance but she couldn’t just allow him to walk away either. Stymied to know what to do, she sighed deeply.
“I will go home with my father. After what happened with that body, though, I am not sure if I can live there again. I think it might be better if we move somewhere else.”
“Where to?” Joe’s voice was sharp. He had a house in London. It was where he called home. To think of Marguerite not living nearby anymore was dreadful.
“I think we should try the countryside next. My father will get the peace he needs. We don’t have to go far; just find somewhere on the outskirts of the city. We can arrange for someone more reputable to look after the shop.” she replied.
“Don’t go too far,” he ordered darkly.
“Will you need me to help you with information about Sayers or something? I don’t know much about him-”
She was silenced by the finger he placed over her lips.
“I don’t know what this means right now, but I want you to know that you must remain a part of my life. Over the past couple of days, you have become an integral part of me. I should like permission to court you properly, without fear of danger, being shot out, nearly drowning, or being chased across London by a madman and his bunch of misfits.”
Marguerite began to smile. “I don’t know. Now that you have put it like that it all sounds rather dull and boring.”
Joe began to laugh. “Well, I shall have to make sure we don’t become dull and boring then, shan’t I?”
“That would be wonderful,” she whispered.
When he still didn’t get the message and gave her the one thing she truly wanted, she leaned toward him. However, when their lips were almost touching she hesitated.
“As long as there is no shooting.” She was delighted at the twinkle in his eye.
“Definitely no shooting,” he promised her with a mock frown.
“No knives either.” The movement of her lips against his made her shiver, but she didn’t pull away.
“No knives either,” he whispered teasingly.
“Definitely, no gangsters.” She shook her head and in doing so slid her lips against his.
“We will leave them well alone,” he promised huskily.
When he still didn’t get the message, she tugged his head to hers and planted a kiss on his lips that shocked her father into silence. Ignorant of his scrutiny, Marguerite kissed Joe with every ounce of the deep and tender feelings she possessed for him. She was starting to suspect that it was love but had never been in love before so couldn’t be sure. What she could be certain of was that this man was as essential to her as the air she breathed. She couldn’t live without him. As long as he was happy then she was happy, it was that simple.
The need to say the words was strong, and she would, at some point. Right now, she slowly became aware of the three people sitting nearby who were trying hard not to be noticed.
Joe, meanwhile, was locked in his own silent battle. Now was not the time to make her promises he wasn’t altogether certain he could keep. Until he had spoken to Sir Hugo, he had no idea if he had to remain in London for the time being. Given the number of men who had succumbed to the delights of matrimony of late, and taken time off to sort out their domestic arrangements, and settle into matrimony with their wives, he wasn’t sure there would be enough men left in London to deal with the rest of Sayers’ thugs.
However, while he was happy to see this investigation through to the bitter end, he wasn’t prepared to sacrifice any more of his life. He wasn’t prepared to lose Marguerite, no matter what Sir Hugo, Barnaby, or Simon Ambrose wanted. Until he had the matter settled with them, though, he couldn’t offer the delectable, decidedly strong, the woman before him anything.
“Marguerite?” Eustace said, looking a little stunned and worried at the same time.
Marguerite released her hold on Joe long enough to look at her father without any hint of apology.
“You have met, Joe, haven’t you father?” she murmured.
“Well, yes, sort of,” Eustace replied hesitantly.
“He works for the War Office, you know,” she replied.