Page 66 of When the Duke Met His Match

“My inability to turn my back on anything pertains especially to her,” Theophilus admitted with a small smile. Her beautiful face appeared in his mind, and he couldn’t help but wish he could kiss her again. “I hoped we could run off to France and start our lives there, but we may never outrun this bounty. We will always be on alert.”

“If it counts for anything, I believe you made the right choice,” Eric said easily, taking his turn to pat Theophilus on the back. “Besides, who knows if any other woman could love a brute like yourself?”

Amused by the sentiment, he shook his head and chuckled. “Believe it or not, it seems she can punch harder than I can.”

More relaxed than he had been in some time, Theophilus was reminded about the seriousness of what they were about to attempt once the prison came into view, and they carefully made their way to the side.

Once he found the right window, he peered inside to find it completely dark and empty. Feeling fortunate, he slid it open and bent down to offer Eric a hand. With a boost, the shorter man was pushed into the open space as he climbed inside.

Able to boost himself, Theophilus followed behind him and landed on the hardwood floor with a light thump.

“What now?” Eric whispered, looking around the empty office.

Sighing, Theophilus found a plush chair behind the grand desk and leaned back. He folded his arms over his chest and sunk into the cushion comfortably. “Now, we wait until he gets here.”

Shrugging, his old friend dropped himself into the chair in front and relaxed. “That I can do.”

Less than an hour later, Lieutenant Wright entered. Moonlight flooded in and offered just enough light to give away the figures sitting in his office.

The lieutenant jumped, startled by the intrusion, and drew a pistol on them.

He glanced between both men quickly, and recognition spread through his face. Tight-lipped, he alternated aiming at either one of them.

“What are you doing here?” he demanded, gazing especially hard in Theophilus’ direction.

The two of them stood with their hands raised in defense.

“Let us explain,” he stated as clearly as he could, afraid the lieutenant might intend to truly fire his weapon.

Wright let out a humorless chuckle. “Isn’t this quite the reunion? I didn’t think you’d be that foolish to come back here.”

“I know,” Theophilus said, reassuring him with his hands. He took a step closer, but he hesitated when the short barrel was pointed at his face again. He took a deep breath. “If the situation weren’t dire, I wouldn’t have. But I came here to warn you that the king is in danger, and rebels are coming after him.”

“Rebels such as your French lover?” Wright muttered, laced with his accusatory tone.

“No, she has nothing to do with it. She has no interest in harming the king, but the others want nothing more. They won’t stop until he’s dead. You have my word.”

“Your word means nothing to me anymore,” Wright countered, gaze sharp while he did a once-over of Theophilus. “Ever since you went against orders and freed her in the night, you lost that privilege.”

“Please, Lieutenant. I know how this must seem, and I understand your resistance to trust me. But this matter is bigger than myself, Odette, or anything we have done. This is about the king and his safety. If I didn’t care, I would be far away and not here like a hen in a fox den,” Theophilus appealed to him, mustering up as much sincerity as he possibly could.

“I could arrest you right here, right now, and you’d have no choice but to comply, not only for being a fugitive with a bounty on his head but for breaking into my office. What makes you think I won’t slap cuffs on you?” Wright asked, eyeing him skeptically.

“You haven’t yet, which I am grateful for, believe me. Nothing is stopping you, sir, yet I do hope at least part of you is concerned by what I have said already.”

The lieutenant stared at him for some time, as if contemplating whether he should drag Theophilus away and throw him into a cell. But he shook his head and lowered his gun enough to seem less intimidating.

“Tell me with all honesty, Clough. Was she worth it?” he questioned, still critical of him. “Was she worth throwing away your entire life for, everything you made for yourself?”

Knowing nothing could change his mind about that, Theophilus stood up straight and put his hands behind his back. He stared at his old superior with every ounce of confidence he possessed. He had never been more certain of anything in his whole life.

“Yes, she was. I implore you to do the right thing. You know I wouldn’t risk my life or hers if this wasn’t important.”

Wright stared at him for another moment, never taking his eyes away from him. Many thoughts moved through his eyes, but he didn’t speak yet.

Every part of Theophilus hoped for a positive outcome. He wished he could be back with Odette and reassure her that there was no need to worry and that everything would turn out fine. But the longer Wright looked at him, the more troubled he felt.

The lieutenant sighed and scratched beneath his cap before completely lowering his gun. He gestured for Theophilus to move away and went behind the desk. He sat in the chair and leaned back, reaching for a nearby drawer. He pulled out a cigar, lit it before bringing it to his lips, and puffed on it for a moment.