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convince you to share the location with them. Am I right?”
Despite his badly swollen features, there was no mistaking the surprise on Sullivan’s face. “How … did …”
“It’s a long story. We’ll discuss it later. For now, let me summon a physician. I’ll pay him enough to ensure his silence. But those wounds need to be professionally treated.”
A long hesitation.
“Sullivan, Aldridge will have my hide if I don’t take proper care of you.”
Dustin’s comment elicited a pained glimmer of amusement. “You’re … right. Go ahead.”
Squelching his myriad questions, Dustin rode into the village, returning in an hour with a man he’d discreetly learned was a skilled and trustworthy physician. He waited patiently while the man did his job, then had the Tyreham driver escort him home—after slipping a hundred-pound note in his palm and eliciting his promise never to discuss this incident with anyone.
Retracing his steps, Dustin found Sullivan propped up in bed, looking much improved, his breathing and color restored to normal.
“How are you feeling?”
Sullivan angled his head in Dustin’s direction. “Better. What did you tell the physician?”
“Only that you owed a bit of money to some unsavory characters who extracted their pound of flesh.” Dustin shrugged. “He understood how embarrassing it would be for you if the turf learned of the incident. That and the money I gave him was enough to ensure his silence. Don’t worry, Sullivan. No one will hear of this episode.”
“Thank you, my lord,” Sullivan said, shoulders sagging with relief.
“No thanks are necessary.” Dustin pulled up a chair. “However, a conversation is. Are you up for talking?”
A wary look crossed Sully’s face—one that had nothing to do with discomfort and everything to do with loyalty.
“I’ll begin by telling you what I know,” Dustin offered. “That way, you won’t feel you’re endangering the Aldridges by having this chat.” Noting the stunned lift of Sully’s brows, Dustin grinned. “Yes, I know I’m housing both Aldridges. And, to be frank, your friend is less difficult to manage than his daughter.”
A pained chuckle. “I expected as much.”
“They wanted me to assure you they’re both well, safely ensconced in a cottage at Tyreham, where Nick stays at all times.”
“I’m sure he’s thrilled with that arrangement,” Sully inserted dryly.
“You’re right, he’s not. But he realizes he hasn’t a choice. As for Nicole …” Dustin’s grin widened. “She’s playing her role to perfection. In everyone’s mind but mine she’s Alden Stoddard, a jockey who’s so damned good, he’ll be riding my stallion in the Derby. And believe me, that’s no easy feat. Like Nicole, Dagger is a handful.”
A faint, proud smile touched Sully’s lips. “The Derby—Nickie’s wished for that since she was barely more than knee-high, from the first time she watched Nick race.”
“So I’ve heard. Well, she’s going to get her wish. And more,” Dustin added with an equal measure of pride. “Not only is she going to run that bloody race, she’s going to win it.” Intently, he returned to the issue at hand. “Sullivan, I’m privy to the reasons for Aldridge’s concealment and Nicole’s masquerade. And I have a strange feeling ‘those reasons’ were the ones who beat you within an inch of your life. Am I right?”
Slowly, Sully nodded.
“Did you tell them what they wanted to know?”
“Of course not. I didn’t tell them a blasted thing.”
“Then they’re probably expecting you to dash off to alert Aldridge.”
“Right. With them at my heels. I already thought of that. That’s why I’m not moving a muscle.” Sully shifted, wincing as pain lanced through him. “Literally,” he muttered.
“Do you want a drink?” Dustin suggested. “It will help ease the pain.”
“Yeah, but not yet. I need a clear head for this talk.”
Dustin nodded, admiring Sullivan’s loyalty. “You’re a good friend. The Aldridges are lucky to have you.”
“It works both ways. Nick would do the same for me. So would the elf.”
