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PAX
I pacedthe length of the house over and over again, my mate stain itching the longer she stayed away. My only consolation was that Jack seemed as affected as I, if not more, since his connection with Beatrice was older than mine.
Meanwhile, Jack stood at the window, glaring at the dark and quiet streets. It had been a near thing when one of Polly’s servants arrived seeking news of both Beatrice and Jude. Learning that Beatrice had left Hippolyta’s residence—accompanied, thank the Goddess, by Jude—and should have reached us an hour ago, had caused the destruction of decanter and mirror. The shattering glass a poor substitute to the fury Jack and I felt.
Perhaps we should have reacted so. An hour was not so long a time, but with the sinister knowledge that Stimpson had escaped and Sarah was also missing played hell on our equilibrium, exploded it like a canon. To make matters worse, the servants had picked up on the tension and Mrs Hubbard had been by twice with asking if we needed anything. Meaning well, but only reminding us that even the duller senses of betas could pick up our distressed, bitter stink.
I snarled at nothing.
I was barely composed after hearing that Beatrice should already be home, when Hippolyta arrived with a giant beta who introduced himself as Prog and then retreated to the landing. If Drexler could suppress his emotions, Polly could only project them a thousand times with their strength.
“Jude not returned?” She snarled. “Bea not here?”
“He’s your man. You entrusted our mate—”
“Not any longer,” she spat. “If he’s the cause of her not being here! I’d be grateful if you forgive... I should have brought her home myself.”
“We’ll go to Drexler,” I said. “He promised to help in case Beatrice did not return to us safely. It was his man who lost Stimpson. And Sarah is missing.”
Hippolyta stilled and her face lost all colour. “Not Sarah! Why is she tied up with all this? Tell me. What deal did you make with him? What deal did you make with Drexler? The exact words.”
“The words? Goddess, what do the exact words matter?” Jack growled.
“There would be a prize fight between Jack and Puck. Stimpson would be there—Drexler seemed to believe Stimpson could be lured out with the promise of the purse being on site. Stimpson was captured. We were interrogating him. He would be transported somewhere more secure so that the body could more easily be disposed of.”
“Stimpson owes Drexler a huge sum of money. Gambling.”
“Debts can be paid in other ways,” she said, taking up pacing in front of the dead fire. “Fools for trusting him!”
“Your ignorance of the affair confuses me, Polly. Explain why we must repeat what you surely know,” Jack commanded. “Jude was there. He caught Stimpson.”
She stiffened. “Impossible. He didn’t tell me. He wouldn’t work with Drexler. He wouldn’t.”
“I saw him with my own eyes, my girl,” Jack growled.
“He was there? No. Jude must have his reasons. Who could have got past one of my people if not Drexler? Who could…” She sounded wild and disjointed. “Mark my words, Stimpson shall try and extort monies from you. And on your own head—”
Jack radiated anger, fierce and dangerous. And his eyes? They had taken on a feral edge. Not quite gold, but near enough for me to put myself between him and the furious omega. I grabbed Jack’s arm before he could charge the tiny woman.
“You are friends,” I reminded them. “Drexler and Stimpson. Focus your anger there.”
The door to the drawing room burst open. A panting Meeker stood on the threshold, holding out a letter, his face grim.
“Who brought it?” I asked.
“Someone. Didn’t see who. They gave a shout and were gone. I should have been waiting on the steps, not inside like a coward.”
“They might never have left the note if you were,” Jack said. “Good man. Stay, you will be of help.”
Meeker blushed and nodded, taking up his place by the open door.
“Read it out loud.”
Jack nodded and unfolded the cheap, stained paper on which it had been written.
My Lord Paxton,
By now you must realise that I have your omega… Though how much longer she will be yours is another matter. I’ve offers that will clear my debts, but if you are willing to pay the sum of twenty-five thousand pounds and clear what debts I have included. I will promise to return your mate to you alive. Have it tomorrow night, Vauxhall Gardens at midnight. I will find you.
