“That would be most generous of you, sir!” Charles beamed, grateful the negotiations had ended and I hadn’t led them both into my basement at knifepoint.
Thomas looked wary but nodded his consent. The two merchants backed out of the room, and I returned my gaze to the Grimm’s blade. I wasn’t the only one searching for the mystical weapon; I was just the one who’d gotten to it first.
Pride and anticipation flowed through my veins, though it wasn’t as satisfying as I imagined. There was nothing stronger than getting revenge on those responsible for ruining my life, so why did the thought of a mysterious woman give me pause? My fingers drummed the desktop as an idea formed.
Did I dare?
A sharp rap on the door claimed my focus, and I spotted my friend Gavin leaning in through the doorway.
“The merchant’s carriage is being prepared. They should be on their way soon.”
My reckless thought returned, taking hold with gripping force. I’d have to act quickly.
Motioning Gavin closer, I rose from my chair and rested my fists on the desktop. “They look like fine men, don’t they? Certainly not the type to steal.”
Gavin’s brow furrowed, but then a slow smile spread across his face. “I’d say not, Bowen.”
My lips flattened. “Unfortunately, I have placed my trust in the wrong people before.”
“You have.”
I walked toward a display cabinet, searching for just the right piece.There.I opened the glass door and removed a diamond-encrusted scepter. On the outside, the scepter appeared purely ornamental, but inside, it hid a hollow shaft where a capsule of poison resided. But I didn’t plan on poisoning anyone. I had a different crime in mind.
“This looks expensive, doesn’t it?”
“It’s probably worth more than my family home.” Gavin’s grin widened. He was enjoying our little game.
“What do you think would happen if it wound up inside the merchants’ carriage?”
Gavin slapped a hand to his chest in mock horror. “Well, they’d likely get away with it.”
I rubbed the scar along my jawline with my thumb and debated whether this distraction was worth the risk. Could I have my revenge and my commission? Thomas’s strong refusal echoed in my mind. I should leave the girl alone. She’d already done enough by crafting the blade that would help exact my revenge.
But they had piqued my interest. There was no going back.
“Someone should alert the authorities then.” I tossed the scepter to Gavin and matched his wicked grin. “I’ve been robbed.”
“I’ll make sure they’re alerted right away. After I hide this in the merchants’ carriage.” He winked.
“Let the authorities know I intend to press charges unless we can strike some sort of deal. Possibly an exchange of services?”
“I’m sure everyone involved will be amenable to your offer.”
I laughed, the action pulling my scars tight. I highly doubted that. It would have been so much easier if Thomas hadn’t said no. He’d given me no choice.
After Gavin left to do my bidding, I wandered toward the window overlooking the grounds. The merchants’ carriage was still parked on the driveway. I placed my fingers against the glass, feeling the icy sting from the chilly morning. Frost tipped the overgrown lawn, the weeds thinning near the rocky cliffs leading down to the ocean’s surf.
If I felt the tiniest prick of guilt, I smothered it. I’d have my revenge, and I’d have my commission. I’d have it all. No one would ever deny me again.
The merchants came into view, laughing and slapping each other on the backs from their windfall. I’d paid them a fortune. Too bad where they were headed, they wouldn’t be able to spend it. After they were settled inside the carriage, it jolted forward, disappearing down the driveway, the passengers oblivious to their stolen cargo and the trap I’d set.
Chapter 3
Liana
“Tell us a story!”
I thrust the length of steel into the smoldering coals and glanced down at the set of six-year-old twins. Bridget and Benjamin fidgeted on the balls of their feet, their eyes wide with expectation.
