Engaging the Enemy (The Wild Randalls 1)

Tell the truth or leave him in the dark? If Allen was not involved, he could be useful. If he was involved, Leopold would be tipping his hat that he was aware of the danger posed to Edwin. Leopold did not want to believe that Allen could be a danger. “The duke has an enemy.”

Allen snorted. “He’s too young to have one yet. That takes years of scheming to arrange.” He turned away, heading back toward the stables as if the matter was of no importance.

Leopold followed. “There have been letters sent to the abbey threatening him harm.”

Allen slowed his steps. “Anyone can write nasty letters. What makes you think they are serious in their intent?”

“At first, I didn’t. I thought they were love letters to the duchess.”

“That must have got your hackles up. I’ve seen how you follow her about. She is lively, too kind by half for the likes of my sainted late brother. The only thing good about the marriage is that we have a bright spot of merriment most days when she’s haring about.”

Now that was interesting. If Allen was the one threatening Mercy and Edwin, he’d have had ample time to have done the deed already. And, by his own words, Allen had confessed to holding a soft spot for Mercy. “There have also been intruders in the abbey, or perhaps it’s a servant doing work other than what the duchess pays them for.”

Allen’s eyes narrowed to slits. “What kind of work, exactly?”

“It’s a grim business. Wilcox is finding and disposing of slaughtered animals. They have been left in the duchess’ bedchamber and in other parts of the abbey, I’m told.”

“Dear God! Why the hell wasn’t I informed about this? Father would be spinning in his grave at the idea of strangers making free with his possessions. You know how he was about the abbey.”

Leopold let out a sigh of relief. Allen wasn’t involved. Not with that attitude. “Yes, I remember. But why would you be told specifically? It is my understanding that the duchess does not even know who you are.”

“That bloody Wilcox does, however. Did the little turnip think that I might be responsible?” Allen’s hands curled into fists. “I’ll kill him for keeping me in the dark.”

When Allen made to shoot past Leopold on his way to a side entrance to the abbey, Leopold caught his arm and held him in place. “Wilcox said nothing about you, about any of it, actually, until I pressed for more information. I don’t even know if the duchess would have confessed to it at all if I had not read that first letter.”

Allen shook off his grip. “There have been more than enough secrets here to last a dozen lifetimes. Family should not hurt one another. Your side was the only part that was kind.”

“So, we are in agreement then. The young duke and duchess must be protected at all costs.”

Allen adjusted his sleeve and a small blade slid into the palm of his hand. “We have an accord. Wilcox is coming.”

Leopold turned. “Put the knife away, cousin. We might just need to keep Wilcox a while yet.”

Wilcox gestured wildly. “Come. Come.”

He fled back toward the abbey. Leopold glanced at Allen, and then they both followed Wilcox at a run. The butler stopped at the side door, waited for them to catch up, and then led them both upstairs. At Mercy’s bedchamber door, Leopold’s heart raced. What the devil had happened now?

Without a word, Leopold stepped into the room first. And then wished he hadn’t.

“Bugger me!” Allen exclaimed.

Leopold wished he could feel as surprised. Another small creature lay slain in the room, its blood splashed in a wide arc over Mercy’s bed. The dead staring eyes sent a chill through him.

“You have to get them away from here,” Allen said suddenly. “Somewhere safe. Maybe take her to the London Townhouse and engage more staff to watch over them.”

Wilcox sighed. “That has already been suggested many a time but she simply won’t leave. She is adamant that she will not be run off no matter what.”

Now he was seeing this scene, one similar to those described to him before, it surprised Leopold that Mercy hadn’t already fled the estate for the safety of friends or family. But she stayed here, practically alone. Ignoring this monster and caring for her son. Not for the first time did Leopold wonder why she hadn’t done the expected thing and run away from the coming trouble.

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Allen inspected the creature and then stood back. “Whoever did this is good with a knife. I take back my earlier kind words. The duchess is a fool.”

“Watch your mouth, cousin.”

“What would you do if I don’t? Shoot me.” A bitter laugh broke from Allen’s mouth. “I’ve been threatened with that before, by my own brother no less, and you don’t have the bollocks to do the deed.”

Leopold raked his hands through his hair. “There is always a first time.” He paced the room. “Lady Barnet and the duchess’ sister were both here today. It could be someone attending them.”