Page 84 of A Stranger’s Gamble

Movement in the corner of his eye yanked Adam’s attention to the left, and he leapt forward as the unidentified man charged Sophie. Adam rammed his shoulder into the man’s gut and forced him backward into the wall. He glimpsed Balfour pushing to his feet from behind the overturned table.

Another weapon roared. Adam rammed his fist into the man’s jaw, then whirled and took two steps before his mind registered Balfour on the floor, and Sophie, still standing just inside the doorway, pointing a revolver with a whisp of smoke rising from the hammer. A large stain grew on the front of Balfour’s waistcoat. Sophie swung her gaze to Adam. He reached her in three paces and grasped the hand holding the revolver.

“You can release the revolver, Sophie,” he said gently.

She looked at him. “He meant to kill you.”

Adam nodded. “Aye, but I am well.”

She released the weapon, and he took it. Adam caught sight of three figures racing the last few feet to the cottage. Liam Shaw, his sister, and another young woman Adam didn’t recognize.

“What in bloody hell is going on?” Liam demanded as he rushed past the two women into the cottage.

“It would seem my wife saved my life,” Adam said.

“Is he dead?” Madeline demanded.

“I suspect Balfour is,” Adam said. “The other man is only unconscious.”

The young woman crossed to Balfour and knelt beside him. She pressed a finger to his neck, then stood. “Yes,” she said without taking her eyes off him. “He is dead.”

“Then this business is finished,” Liam said. “We will send for a constable.” He looked at Adam. “Did you get the information you needed?”

Adam slipped an arm around Sophie. “Nae. Our king will have to do without his stolen gold.”

“Oh, I know where the gold is hidden,” the girl said.