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“Thank you, Broddington,” Nick said when they were alone. “I don’t think Nickie realizes how vulnerable she is right now. I worry every minute she’s by herself.”
“You can rest easy,” Trenton replied. “I know my brother. And he won’t let any harm befall Nicole. Ever. Moreover, it’s I who should be thanking you. By trusting us, you’re taking a risk. All I can say is, you won’t be sorry.”
“No, I don’t expect I will be.”
“One last thing. Does the name Coop mean anything to you?”
“Coop?” Nick frowned. “Not offhand, no. Should it?”
“That’s the man with the scarred forearm. Dustin thought the name might trigger something.”
“I wish it would.” Nick rubbed his chin. “That damned man’s been on my mind since Tyreham first brought him up. But for the life of me, I can’t figure out where I saw him. That doesn’t mean I’ve stopped trying. I haven’t. And I’ll remember yet.”
“I’m sure you will.” Trenton glanced up as Nicole descended the stairs, tucking pins beneath her cap. “Well, Tyreham’s famous jockey has returned. Shall we go?”
“Yes. Immediately.” Nicole drew an unsteady breath. “Before I lose my nerve.”
“Don’t be so skittish, Stoddard.” Saxon flipped through his portfolio, frowning as Stoddard paced circles about the library. “I’m merely going to ask you a few routine questions.”
“I’m sure you are.” Nicole came to an abrupt halt. “But my answers are going to be anything but routine.”
A pucker formed between the investigator’s brows. “Why do you say that?”
Crossing the room, Nicole tugged open the library door, peering into the hallway. Relief flowed through her as she saw Trenton posted on the opposite wall, standing guard as he’d promised. He gave her a nod of encouragement, and, smiling shakily, she retreated back inside, closing the door in her wake.
“The duke is protecting our privacy,” she told Saxon. “As I’m sure you’ve been informed, there’s a possibility that someone at Tyreham is untrustworthy. And it’s imperative that no one overhears this conversation. Only the marquis and his family are privy to what I’m about to tell you.”
Saxon lowered his portfolio. “With all due respect, I’ve been provided with full details of …”
“No, you haven’t.” Nicole approached him, lowering herself to the leather settee. “Not because Lord Tyreham didn’t trust you but because he was protecting me.”
“You’re Nick Aldridge’s protégé.”
“I’m Nick Aldridge’s daughter.”
The portfolio struck Saxon’s lap with a thud. “Pardon me?”
Quietly and without hesitation, Nicole filled in the pieces Saxon had been denied. “Lord Tyreham gave us a place to stay, an income, and his word that no one would know my identity or Papa’s whereabouts. But now that you’re privy to both, I hope it will help.”
“Well,” Saxon said after a moment, “so much for my questions about whether or not you’ve heard from Aldridge. Obviously you have”—an ironic lift of his brows—“daily.”
“Papa’s offered to speak with you. At the cottage.”
“Excellent. I’ll do so first thing tomorrow.”
“Please, sir.” Nicole leaned forward. “Come before I leave for the stables at six. I won’t let Papa answer the door, nor would it appear natural for you to be visiting Stoddard’s father.”
“I agree. However, given that you’ll be traveling with Lord Tyreham to Epsom tomorrow, and given that I’ve been hired to act as Lord Tyreham’s driver, it would be perfectly logical for me to visit Stoddard to make arrangements for the trip.” Saxon rose, closing his portfolio with a flourish. “I’ll be there at half after five.”
“Thank you.” Nicole rubbed her palms against her breeches. “There’s one thing more.”
“Yes?”
“I haven’t discussed this with the marquis yet, but I intend to.” She met Saxon’s gaze. “I could be completely wrong, but I’d rather be wrong than negligent. As of this week, a new trainer has begun working at Tyreham’s stables.”
“Raggert.”
“Yes, Raggert. He comes highly recommended and with a wealth of experience.”
