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Chapter 20
“I’m going to go into Middlesbrough,” Victoria said as she buttered her toast.
Rafe looked up.
“Why?”
“Because I want to go around the shops and have a look at what they have.” Victoria held up a hand. “Don’t worry, I won’t spend any of your money. I just need a place to go and think, away from…well, everything. Especially after what you told me about that man who shot Lieutenant Millinchip.”
Rafe didn’t immediately respond. He couldn’t blame her for wanting to get away from the drama that was occurring. It wasn’t exactly pleasant.
He managed a smile.
“If that’s what you need, then you can go. And you can get whatever you want.”
“Are you sure?”
“I trust you not to go overboard with spending. And you deserve a little enjoyment.” Rafe took a bite of his bacon. “I don’t think I’m going to be good company today.”
“You do look like you’re about to drop off to sleep.”
“There’s a reason for that.”
Rafe was still turning over what Asante had told him and Charlie in his mind. He had been paid to frighten Millinchip into silence. Why anyone thought shooting someone was going to frighten anyone in such a manner, Rafe didn’t know. Millinchip was lucky enough to be alive. He was still rather weak, but he had come around for a short time. His family were coming by later to see him. Rafe knew they were worried.
He was worried. If someone like Asante could be bribed into doing something so heinous, what was to stop someone from taking another shot at someone else? What if they went after Victoria?
He couldn’t think like that. Millinchip had vital information, whereas Victoria didn’t. She wouldn’t be considered valuable.
Unless it was to hurt Rafe.
“Rafe?”
Rafe jumped. Victoria was frowning at him.
“Hmm?”
“You’re looking…odd. What were you thinking?”
“What? Oh.” Rafe shook himself and managed a smile. “It’s nothing.”
“Why don’t I believe that?”
“Because you’re a suspicious person, Victoria.”
His wife gave him a hard stare as if expecting him to break down and confess. Then she sighed and stood up.
“I’ll go and get myself ready to leave. If you’re sure about me going?”
“As long as you take one of the footmen with you, I don’t mind.”
“I can just take Abigail.”
“I insist.” Rafe held up a hand. “I don’t want any arguments on it. While we agreed to carry on as normal, I want to know that you’re not on your own.”
Victoria looked like she wanted to argue.
“All right. I’ll do as I’m told.”
