Page 86 of No Place in Time

Then Benedict’s face smoothed into a pleasant smile.

“My dear, forgive me. For a moment, I was confused.” His voice was warm now, thick with concern. “You look so well. Much better than when I last saw you.”

She took a step back, pulling her arm away from his grasp.

“This is no place for you to be alone. Does Lord Julian know you’ve left Veyron? Where are you staying?”

The questions were casual and friendly. But his eyes held no warmth at all.

“I must go,” Cecily said, stepping back.

“Let me help you.” He moved toward her as if to take her arm again, but she backed away. “You shouldn’t be wandering about by yourself. Are you staying at one of the inns? I’ll escort you back.”

She retreated again. He wanted to know where she was staying. She couldn’t let that happen.

“I’m fine. Thank you.”

“Truly, I insist.” Still pleasant. Still smiling, still warm, though the warmth stopped at his lips. “It’s not safe for a lady alone. Just tell me where you’re lodging and I’ll walk with you.”

“No,” she said, her voice rising. “No, thank you.”

“At least let me send word to Julian.” His tone was all solicitude. “He’ll be so relieved to know you’re well. Where should I tell him to find you?”

She knew he was trying to trap her with fawning kindness.

“I must go,” she said.

She turned and walked away. She did not run. That would draw attention. She just walked steadily and with purpose.

“Lady Cecily, wait—”

She didn’t stop. Around one corner. Down another street. Past a church. Then into an alley. She glanced back. There was no sign of him.

Only then did she run. Her heart pounded as she wove through the narrow lanes. She didn’t look back. She was afraid to. She didn’t stop until she reached the inn.

She dashed inside, up the stairs, and into their room. She locked the door and leaned against it, breathing hard.

He knew. She could tell by the look on his face. He’d figured it out.

And he’d been so pleasant. So concerned. But she’d seen his eyes. Heard the careful questions. Where are you staying? Which inn? Let me tell Julian where to find you.

He would tell Julian. They’d come looking. They’d find her and Finn.

And then what? What would they do to people who knew about the machine? People who knew about the other timeline?

She sank onto the bed, shaking. Every sound made her jump. Footsteps in the corridor. Voices outside. The creak of the stairs. As the sun moved and shadows lengthened, still there was no Finn.

Where was Finn?

She went to the window and peeked out, making sure she couldn’t be seen. There was no sign of Benedict. But he could be watching. Waiting.

Every sound made her jump. Footsteps in the corridor. Voices outside. The creak of the stairs.

What if Benedict had followed her after all? What if he was down there right now, asking the innkeeper about guests? About a woman traveling with a man?

They couldn’t stay here. They had to leave.

There was a knock at the door. Cecily spun around, pressing herself against the wall.