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“Don’t be a hothead. There’s a reason we haven’t been able to bring him down. He owns the French police. And we’ve never been able to gain a clear picture of the layout of his fortress.”
“I’ll find a way inside.”
“Just don’t do anything stupid. You’d be one man against dozens. I’ll have a team in place to help you—you’ll receive my signal.” Malcolm stood and walked around his desk. “Now that I think about it, your traveling companion will make a fetching model for the necklace. You can have her wear it to Le Triton’s gaming establishment in the Palais Royal.”
“Not going to happen, Malcolm. I won’t use her as bait.”
“You’ve used females as diversions before. Treat this like any other assignment. You told me there was no attachment between you.”
It wasn’t just any assignment. Not when Indy was involved.
“Those women received compensation for their aid and they were aware of the risks involved,” said Raven.
“I think having her there could be beneficial. She seemed eager for the mission. From what you’ve told me about her she’s not defenseless.”
“I won’t use her as bait,” he repeated.
Malcolm shrugged. “Maybe you’ll reconsider once you’re there.”
A footman delivered a message. “Ah, from our friend Lord Grey,” said Malcolm.
“Telling you not to send me on assignment, I’ll wager.”
Malcolm slit the letter open. “You’re wrong. He anticipated that I would send you back to the field and he sent a message.”
Raven lifted an eyebrow. “Well? What does he say? I know it’s not Godspeed and good luck.”
Malcolm chuckled. “It says ‘Tell Ravenwood not to cock it up this time.”
“Not a chance. This mission will be flawless. Smooth as silk.” In and out with stealth and precision.
This was a test.
Fail this mission and they would force him to retire. He’d never be able to fully exonerate his father. And then what would he have sacrificed everything for?
“Be careful,” said Malcolm, shaking Raven’s hand.
“I’m always careful.”
“Don’t let emotion color your judgment. I know that you and the lady have a history.”
“That won’t be a problem.” Raven took his leave.
He had one purpose only. If he kept his gaze firmly locked on the target, his hand would never waiver. He must locate the stone swiftly and return it to England. So swiftly that Indy wouldn’t have a chance to court danger.
He’d never allow her to be harmed by association with him.
He might never be able to extract her from his heart but at least he could continue to make her think the worst of him. She’d said she didn’t wish him to be pleasant. He was prepared to be as tiresome as she desired.
Lewd, crude, and rude. The Ravenwood she knew and loathed.
A brick wall. A blunt instrument.
By the end of this journey she’d wish she were anywhere else than with him.
Chapter 9
Indy arrived at the coaching inn early that evening and waited while Ravenwood supervised the placement of their trunks atop the traveling coach he’d hired for their exclusive use on the overnight journey to Dover.
