Page 29 of Secret Dynasty

I couldn’t move. I didn’t know how he’d found out about my attacks. Very few people knew about them. I’d been careful to keep them quiet since coming to London. Eliza knew, but she wouldn’t tell. Holden had been there for one, but I hadn’t described it to him.

“I’ve consulted with a colleague in Zurich and I think a different approach is warranted if you wish to pursue this avenue.”

I shook my head. “No. I don’t want to pursue this.”

Dr. Simmons smiled sadly, nodding with understanding. I hated the pitying way he looked at me. “I’m not sure I can help you then.”

“Why?” I demanded. Wasn’t that his job? Why couldn’t he just listen? Why wouldn’t he allow me to convince him that I was telling the truth?

“Because, my dear, you don’t want to be helped yet.”

I slammed the door to Willoughby Place behind me and raced up the stairs. I’d been waiting for Eliza to call me, but I couldn’t wait any longer. I wouldn’t. I’d grab my bag—the one I’d brought with me from West Bexby—and get a bus back to the one-pub village. My job would be waiting for me at the Hare and Hound. Eliza would let me crash while I figured things out. I didn’t care about my arrangement with Tod or my engagement to Spencer. I didn’t want any money from them. I only wanted my life back.

Rounding the corner to Kerrigan’s room, I discovered a crew of men carrying boxes out of it.

“What the hell is going on?” I demanded from one of them.

He nearly dropped the box, barely managing to right his grip before it crashed to the floor. “I was hired to help move some things. That’s all I know.”

I stepped to the side and let him pass, knowing the poor guy wasn’t to blame for what was happening. But who was? I waited for another mover to carry a box out before I walked in to find Giles and Iris overseeing the process.

“Did I miss something?” I asked.

“Oh, you’re home!” Iris smiled brightly, but as she looked at me, her cheerful mood faltered. “What’s wrong? Did things not go well at the doctor’s?”

Things had not gone well, but I wasn’t about to admit that. Plus, there was the much bigger issue of Kerrigan’s life being packed up and taken away. “What’s wrong? Why are you packing up my room?”

Iris and Giles shared a look. She took a cautious step forward. “We assumed you knew about this. The movers showed up after Spencer called.”

“Spencer?” I repeated in a strangled voice.

“Yes, he said you were moving into Sparrow Court. With the wedding so soon, I didn’t think anything of it. He didn’t ask you?”

“No, he didn’t,” I said through gritted teeth.

“I’m sure he assumed it was okay,” Iris said, but I tuned out her excuses.

Everyone knew what was best for me. They were all acting in my best interest. No one bothered to consult me, at all. No one cared what I wanted. I twisted Spencer’s engagement ring around my finger. I’d been prepared to leave London behind, but this time I wouldn’t run. They’d lied to me, manipulated me, and robbed me.

I wouldn’t leave here empty-handed. I wanted answers. I wanted revenge. I would face my captors, one by one.

Starting with Spencer Byrd.

Chapter Sixteen

I took the steps down two at a time, but before I reached the bottom of the stairs, Tod Belmond appeared in the foyer. His face was white as if he’d just seen a ghost. I paused, noticing an envelope clenched in his hands.

“This arrived for you,” he said in a strained voice and held out the letter.

I took the last few stairs slowly, unsure I wanted to take it. Whatever it was, it had upset him. He passed me the envelope. It was addressed to Kerrigan Belmond, and my heart stuttered when I saw the return address. I flipped it over, surprised to see it was still sealed.

“You didn’t open it,” I said.

“I don’t have to open it.” His hands remained balled at his sides.

If he hadn’t seen what was inside, why was he so upset?

“Go on,” he urged.