Octavia gave him a blank stare. “I’m afraid I don’t understand. Was this not just a random attack?”
“I don’t know,” Caleb said. “And until we do know, we can’t go to the constable.”
Roswell knew that Caleb was right. They couldn’t risk bringing in a constable until they discovered why someone had attempted to abduct Anette. It was never a good idea to have someone else meddle in their business.
A silence descended upon them as they rode in the coach. With every rotation of the wheels, Roswell felt a sense of dread. He had failed Anette today. He had failed himself. He wasn’t a very good spy if he couldn’t even protect himself from someone sneaking up on him.
What would have happened if Anette wasn’t able to retrieve her pistol? He shuddered. He didn’t even want to think about that.
The coach came to a stop in front of Roswell’s townhouse and he moved to exit the coach. “Let me escort Octavia inside and I will return shortly.”
Once he assisted his sister out of the coach, he started leading her towards the main door with a purposeful stride.
“Will you slow down, Brother?” Octavia asked.
“I’m sorry.” He opened the door and stood to the side to let his sister enter first. “I’m afraid I have a lot on my mind.”
“Anything you wish to share?”
“No,” he replied. “Goodnight, Octavia.”
His sister gave him a knowing look. “What happened tonight wasn’t your fault,” she said. “You did nothing wrong.”
“I did everything wrong.” He kissed his sister on the cheek. “Go to bed and we will talk tomorrow.”
“No, we won’t,” Octavia asserted. “You never tell me what is truly going on.”
“You should be grateful for that,” Roswell said. “There are some things that are best left unsaid.”
“You are quite vexing.”
Roswell mustered up a smile to his lips, but he didn’t feel like smiling. “So I have been told.” He exited the townhouse, closing the door behind him and approached the coach.
Once he stepped inside, he sat next to Caleb and noticed that Anette was staring daggers at her brother.
“What is wrong?” Roswell asked, glancing between them.
Anette squared her shoulders and replied, “My brother thinks that I should remain at our townhouse for the foreseeable future.”
“That isn’t a bad idea,” Roswell said, earning a disapproving look from Anette. “You would be much safer at your townhouse.”
“I am more than capable of protecting myself. Did I not prove that tonight?” Anette challenged.
“You were lucky,” Caleb said.
Anette shifted her gaze towards her brother. “Is that what you think I was- lucky?” she asked, saying her words slowly.
“I do,” Caleb replied. “You seem to forget that your attacker is still out there and he is now aware you carry a pistol on your person. If he attacks again, he will be prepared.”
“Why do you suppose he will try to attack me again?” Anette asked.
“It is a possibility that we can’t rule out,” Caleb replied. “Until then, you will remain at the townhouse.”
Anette crossed her arms over her chest. “You do not get to dictate my actions,” she said firmly.
“I’m trying to keep you safe,” Caleb contested. “You cannot possibly understand how much depravity is in this world.”
Roswell could tell by Anette’s expression that she had no intention of backing down, but he needed her to be safe if he was going to investigate her attempted abduction.
