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Days passedwith no news from either Thorne or Sir Darnley. Andrew was restless, hoping something would turn up soon. He was tired of hiding. He was a duke, for God's sake. Most men feared him and his power, but he knew this was a delicate situation. It would be his word against what evidence Lord Vance would trump up against him, not to mention Phillip. With a man like Vance, Andrew knew he had to plan each move in order to come out the victor.
In the meantime, his grandmother had inquired about Miranda again, but she was still not in London. It certainly appeared she had more to do with the situation than Andrew had originally thought. It saddened him to think she had plotted to kill his brother. Andrew vowed he would do everything in his power to make William proud. Even though they’d had their differences, he had still cared for his brother and had hoped to have had a better relationship with him. Now that would never happen, because of Randolph Herr. He was sure Herr had murdered his brother, though whether with or without Miranda’s knowledge or consent was still to be known. Eventually, she would have to be questioned, but for now, the focus was on Herr and Lord Vance.
Sir Darnley had informed Andrew that he had men watching Lord Vance night and day. If anything came up, someone would notify Andrew immediately. There was nothing else to do but wait. It was during those long days that he yearned to have Tabitha with him. But he felt it was best to keep a distance from her. Since Lord Bedford was aware of the situation, he would safeguard his daughter. The thought gave Andrew some comfort as he lay in bed that night. He had to get some sleep since he was expecting company the following morning.
As planned, Phillip arrived at ten the next day. They met in the library, as they had done often since their initial meeting. Both men had formed a mutual respect and understanding for each other. They had the common connection with Sir Darnley, and Andrew assured Phillip he would continue to lend his support and the use of his ships as needed for any future endeavors. Phillip spoke about the rumblings on the Crimean Peninsula and the close eye that was being kept on the area.
As the men continued their conversation, George delivered Andrew a message. “It’s from Thorne. He thinks they found where Herr is staying. Some inn near Cheapside. The barmaid said a man matching his description comes down nearly every night. Thorne wants us to come to his office to discuss a plan.”
“Let’s not waste any time.”
They grabbed their hats and jackets before leaving through the back door to avoid being spotted. They’d gone just a block when the hairs on the back of Andrew’s neck stood on end.
As if reading his mind, Phillip whispered to him. “Do you have the feeling we are not alone on our trek?”
“Yes,” Andrew agreed. “Take the next right, and I’ll get a quick peek.”
Phillip did as told, and Andrew glanced behind to see four men following them. Judging from their clothes, they were not men of the gentry out for a stroll.
“Well?” Phillip asked.
“I count four. Do you have any weapons on you?”
Phillip pulled his coat away to reveal a pistol in the inside pocket. “I never leave without it,” he said with a grin.
“I say we split up and make a run for it. We’ll meet up at Thorne’s office. Whichever one of us gets there first, we’ll wait until nightfall for the other to meet up.”
“Agreed.”
Like Phillip, Andrew also had a pistol. Of course, he would only use it if necessary. It wouldn’t do to be opening fire in public. Hopefully, it wouldn’t come to that. They picked up the pace, neither checking to see if the men were still behind them. When they came to the next intersection, the duo briefly paused, glanced at one another, gave a slight nod, then sprinted in opposite directions.
The four men stopped, surprised at what had happened. The leader yelled, and they took pursuit, equally splitting up, guns drawn.
Andrew raced down the next street, glad there weren’t many people about. The main thoroughfare was coming up. He didn’t want to cause a scene or put anyone in danger, so he made a sharp turn down the adjoining alley that paralleled the street. Had his pursuers seen him? The sound of a bullet ricocheting off the wall beside him answered that question. Good thing they were poor shots.
Andrew sprinted down the alley, knowing it would bring him out farther down the street. Once he emerged from the alley, he made a left, weaving in and out of the crowd, trying not to draw too much attention.
There had to be a way to shake those bastards. His gaze darted around to see if there was a cab to hire, but there wasn’t one in sight. Thorne’s office was a long way to go on foot, but it may be his only choice. He’d try again to lose the brutes following him.
There, the shop at the end of the street. It was a soap shop he had frequented with his grandmother. Perhaps they would allow him to slip out the back. Andrew’s mind worked frantically for an explanation as he opened the shop door. “Good day, Mrs. Fitz, lovely day. I say, might I use the back exit? There is a rather amorous young lady out front whom I would like to avoid.”
The proprietress chuckled. “Of course, your Grace.”
She led him to the back, showed him the door, and wished him good luck. Andrew stepped out and faced the back of shops on the neighboring street. It was relatively quiet and not crowded, with most of the workers inside attending to customers. He made his way to the end of the alley, then glanced both ways and, seeing no signs of the two goons, stepped onto the sidewalk. Straightening his shirt and jacket, he strolled down the street looking for a cab.
Andrew had only made it to the next street when across from him, his foes emerged from an alley. They must have figured he had gone into one of the shops and had circled round the backs, hoping to flush him out.
It took them a split second to register Andrew’s presence when they shot off across the streets towards him. Andrew wasted no time sprinting off down the street, not caring at this point who might see him. As he passed people, he heard a few gasps and yelps, but he paid them no mind. He peered behind and saw the ruffians shoving people out of the way to gain on him.
He had to get out of the crowd before someone got hurt. Another block up and he would be at Hyde Park. He increased his speed as he turned onto the first path he came to. If he cut across the open grounds, he’d save some time, but he would be more easily spotted. Andrew had to take the chance that he could outrun those bastards. As he darted across the exposed ground, Andrew saw something out of the corner of his eyes. It was Phillip. Evidently, they’d had the same idea.
Andrew yelled out to Phillip, who heard him, and motioned for him to follow. Phillip changed his course to coincide with Andrew’s. They ran toward a large grove of trees and shrubbery for cover.
Both were out of breath, but there was no time to wait.
“I think the best thing is to make a run for the marketplace, split up again, and meet up on the east side near Kensington. There are always cabs waiting, then we can go to Thorne’s,” Andrew said between breaths.
