Page 133 of A Troublesome Circumstance

And then—click.

A pistol being cocked.

Jude turned slowly, positioning himself in front of Josephine.

Mr. Broderick stepped from the trees, his pistol raised, a cruel smile twisting his lips. “How convenient. Thank you for finding her. Now, drop your pistol and step aside or else I will be forced to shoot Josephine.”

Jude’s jaw clenched as he placed his pistol onto the ground. “I may be unarmed, but I will not step aside.”

“Come now,” Broderick drawled, stepping closer. “I would hate to kill you over something so trivial as a woman, especially since she belongs to me.”

Josephine stiffened behind him. “I belong to no one.”

“You heard the lady,” Jude stated.

Broderick scoffed. “Josephine doesn’t know what she wants. She has been infatuated with me for years.”

She let out a sharp huff. “I have not.”

“It’s true,” Broderick insisted. “This has been nothing but a game to you. I’m simply finishing it.” His smile widened. “Your uncle promised me your hand, you know.”

“You’re lying,” Josephine said.

Broderick shrugged lightly. “He owed me a considerable debt. Rather than selling a property, he offered you.”

“I don’t believe you,” Josephine said, her voice wavering.

“Why do you think he abandoned you in the coaching inn?” Broderick asked. “He cares more for himself than for you.”

Jude’s hands balled into fists, but he managed to keep his voice steady. “She hasn’t reached her majority. Her uncle has no legal claim.”

“Perhaps not,” Broderick said, “but he helped plenty. He lured her onto the veranda. If not for the carriage accident, she would already be mine.”

“Never!” Josephine shouted. “I would never marry you.”

Broderick ignored her. “When I wed her, Society will embrace me. Now—hand her over.”

“You will have to kill me first,” Jude said.

Broderick raised his pistol, aiming directly at Jude’s chest. “Then I shall enjoy watching you die.”

“Stop!” Josephine cried.

She tried pushing past Jude, but he set a hand back. “Stay behind me.”

“No.” She shoved his hand aside and stepped towards Broderick. “If you kill him, you may as well kill me.”

Broderick’s façade cracked slightly, his emotions flickering. “I could never kill you. I love you.”

“No, you don’t,” Josephine stated. “Let us go.”

He snarled. “Why would I do that?”

“Because I will always run from you,” she said. “No matter where you take me, I will never stop trying to run from you.”

In a flash, Broderick’s free hand swung, striking her across the face. Josephine fell hard to the ground.

“Josie!” Jude lunged, but Broderick swung the pistol back towards him.