Devils Bride (Cynster 1)

Devil raised his brows, then sheathed his swordstick, clicking the blade into place. Transferring the innocent-looking cane to his right hand, he examined his left. "Other than a cut, which doesn't seem serious."

"Thank Gawd for that." Propped against the wall, Sligo closed his eyes. "The missus would never forgive me."

Devil frowned-first at Sligo, then at Vane.

Vane was studying the three discarded swords. "Funny business." Bending, he scooped them up. "Not your usual backstreet weapon."

Devil took one of the swords and hefted it. "Odd indeed. They look like old cavalry issue." After a moment, he added: "Presumably they knew I carry a swordstick and would use it."

"They also knew they'd need three to get the job done."

"If it hadn't been for him," Devil indicated the man on the ground, "they'd have succeeded." He turned to Sligo. "Any idea what he's doing here?"

The tone of the question was mild; Sligo clung to the shadows and shook his head. "Most likely out for the evening and on his way home. Saw you and the others-you're easy enough to recognize."

Devil humphed. "You'd better get him home and make sure he's cared for. I'll see him tomorrow-such timely devotion shouldn't go unrewarded."

Making a mental note to explain to the second undergroom that he'd had the night off, Sligo hefted the man over his shoulder. Wiry and used to such loads, he started off up the alley, plodding steadily.

Devil and Vane strolled in his wake. As they left the alley, Devil glanced at Vane. "Speaking of opportune events, what brought you two here?"

Vane met his look. "Your wife."

Devil's brows rose. "I should have guessed."

"She was frantic when I left." Vane glanced at him. "She worries about you."

Devil grimaced; Vane shrugged. "She may jump to conclusions, but too often they've proved right. I decided not to argue. The alley was an obvious place for an ambush."

Devil

nodded. "Very obvious."

Vane looked ahead; Sligo was making his way about Grosvenor Square. Vane slowed. "Did Honoria speak to you about your heir?"

Devil sent him a sidelong glance. "Yes."

Eyes narrowing, Vane sent the glance right back. "How long have you known?"

Devil sighed. "I still don't know-I suspect. I can't say exactly when I realized-I just suddenly saw the possibility."

"So?"

Devil's features set. "So I want to find out what I can from this madam-tie up that loose end, if loose end it proves. Bromley confirmed the where and when of the meeting. After that-" He grimaced. "We've precious little evidence-we may need to draw him into the open."

"A trap?"

Devil nodded.

Vane's expression hardened. "With you as bait?"

They'd reached the steps of St. Ives House. Devil looked up at his door. "With me-and Honoria Prudence-as bait."

The suggestion stunned Vane; when he refocused, Devil was climbing the steps. Webster opened the door as Sligo, lugging his burden, reached it. Setting the door wide, Webster called for assistance, then helped Sligo.

Pacing in the gallery, wringing her hands with frustrated impotence, Honoria heard the commotion. In a froth of silk and feathers, she rushed to the balustrade. The sight that met her eyes was not designed to reassure.

Webster and Sligo were carrying a body.