Page 12 of His Wicked Charm

“I don’t know. But who has a grudge against the Morelands? Who is in desperate need of money? Who likes to abduct people to get their way? The answer to each of those questions is Niles Dearborn.”

“I would have recognized the Dearborns,” Megan pointed out.

“They wouldn’t do it themselves. They hired someone.”

“It’s what they did with Alex,” Theo agreed.

“Then that’s my first stop,” Rafe said.

Everyone began again to talk at once.

“Quiet!” Thisbe’s husband, Desmond, jumped to his feet. He was normally such a quiet man that his outburst shocked all of them into silence. “We can’t go running off in all directions. We need to get organized. Maybe it’s the Dearborns and maybe it’s just some men hoping to make a profit. We need to be ready for all contingencies, including a ransom demand. We haven’t received one yet, but I would wager we will—no matter who took them. Let’s divide up. Rafe, you and Stephen go confront the Dearborns. Theo, Alex showed you where they held him. You and Reed make sure they don’t have Thisbe and the others there.” The men left immediately as Desmond went on, “The duke should stay here because he’ll be the one they ask for ransom. The same for Uncle Bellard because we need his brain.”

“And you, as well,” Con told him. “To keep us all straight.”

Desmond sighed, casting a glance at the duke, who was pale and shaken. “Yes. I’m afraid I must stay. Con, can you follow the kidnappers?”

“I intend to. That wagon Megan described will make it easier.”

“I’ll go with you.” Megan stood up.

“What?” Con whirled on her. “No. Absolutely not.”

“Are you saying that I’m not capable?” Megan’s chin thrust out. “That I’m too delicate?”

“I’m saying that Theo will have my head if I drag you around the city when you’re bloody, bruised and concussed.”

“That’s—it’s—”

“It’s smart,” Lilah said, rising to her feet. “Megan, you have been through enough today to fell anyone. You’re sore. You’re tired. You would slow Constantine down. Think of all the time and effort that would be wasted if you should lose consciousness again and he had to bring you back.”

Megan regarded her stonily for a moment. “Oh, hell...” She sank back down on the couch.

“Anna, too,” Lilah went on before Anna could speak. “You both need to recover.”

“Exactly.” Con turned toward the door.

“That’s why I am going to accompany you,” Lilah continued.

Con stopped abruptly. “No.”

“Why not? I trust you’re not going to say because I’m a woman.”

Megan snorted with laughter. “Yes, Con, why not? I think she should. Don’t you, Anna?”

“Yes, indeed.”

“After all—” Lilah plowed ahead “—as you said, I am logical, rational and right. It will be an excellent counterpoint to your qualities.”

Con glowered. “Blast it, Lilah, you’ll slow me down. What if we catch up with them? What if there’s a fight?”

“Then you’ll have someone to help you. I kept up with you when we went looking for Alex, didn’t I?”

“Yes, but...what about your aunt? Won’t she wonder what’s happened to you?”

“I can send my maid back to tell her I’ve been invited to stay for tea.”

“I’ll send her a note extending our invitation to you for dinner and the evening,” Anna offered. “Or, even better, Megan can. A marchioness is much more impressive.”