My Lord Eternity (Immortal Rogues #2)(12)

"Why would she have my name on a scrap of paper?" she whispered.

Mr. Ryan regarded her somberly. "It appears that there are two possibilities. Either she was given the paper for some unknown purpose. Or..."

"What?"

"Or the paper was placed in her hand after she was murdered."

She dropped the note onto the floor, her fingers unwittingly rubbing against her skirts, as if to rid herself of the nasty sense of menace that tingled through her.

"Why? For what purpose?"

The large man grimaced. "That I cannot say."

"Dear heavens," she breathed, more disturbed than she wished to admit.

"I tell you this only because I believe you should take care, Miss Kingly. It might well be that your work among those less fortunate has made you a dangerous enemy."

With an effort she gathered her calm about her. She would not be panicked into abandoning those who depended upon her support. After all, she had been terrified when she had first taken this house so close to the stews. And even more terrified when she had first ventured into the streets at night. Whatever came along she would face squarely, not cowering behind her door.

"That is absurd," she said in crisp tones. "I do nothing more than offer hope to those who have none."

"There are always those who earn a profit from the misery of others," he pointed out with more than a hint of warning. "They would not appreciate your interference."

She could hardly argue the truth of his words. There were always people like Molly's husband. And those horrid men who sold children to brothels. She would not doubt that several cursed her name. Perhaps even desired to rid the streets of her presence.

But there were also countless others who viewed her as their rescuer from starvation or worse.

"Do not ask me to halt my efforts, Mr. Ryan," she said in low tones. "I will not."

He slowly smiled, as if expecting her staunch response. "I only ask you keep in mind that there is danger in what you do. And perhaps when you are upon the streets that you notice anything peculiar."

Jocelyn rose to her feet, offering a small nod. "Very well."

Shoving himself upright, the Runner allowed his inner resolve to chase away his air of jovial goodwill.

"Do not fear," he assured her in relentless tones. "We shall soon have this monster in Newgate."

She did not doubt for a moment that this man would be tireless in his search for the killer.

Unlike most, he did not sneer when he spoke of Molly, or dwell upon the fact she was a mere prostitute. Instead, there was a grim determination etched into his countenance.

"I do hope so. He should be punished for what he did to poor Molly."

"He will. Until then, please take care."

"Yes, I will."

"Then I will bid you good day." With a bow the man turned to leave the room.

Jocelyn remained standing as she considered the unexpected visit. She was determined not to over-react to the announcement that Molly was clutching her name in her hand. There could be a dozen explanations. It would be foolish to plague herself with concerns that might very well be imaginary.

All the same, if she were perfectly honest with herself, she could not deny a renegade flare of relief that Mr. Valin had forced his way into her home.

For all his rakish charm, she sensed that he would make a dangerous adversary.

And at least for the near future she would not be alone.

The hack pulled to a halt in the shadows of St. Giles. With care Lucien helped Miss Kingly to alight complete with a large basket she had insisted she bring with her. He had been rather surprised when she had made no protest at his determination to accompany her to the streets on this evening, and he could only wonder what had occurred with the Runner earlier in the day.

Obviously something had unnerved her enough to lower her pride to the point of welcoming his assistance. And while he was relieved not to endure a lengthy argument, he could not help but ponder what danger she faced.

Whatever it was, he would do well to be on his guard, he sternly assured himself, his gaze lingering on the delicate lines of her face. No matter how invincible she might consider herself, he knew that she could never be prepared for what hunted her now.

No mortal, no matter how brave or determined, could be prepared for a vampire.

As if sensing his concern but misunderstanding the cause, she regarded him with a lift of her brows.

"You are determined upon this?" she demanded.

He smiled as he firmly took her hand and placed it upon his arm. "Quite determined, my dove. I will be at your side each night you travel to the streets, and even pay for the privilege."

She gave a faint shrug, but she could not entirely disguise her relief. "'Tis your money."

"Indeed it is. And soon to be yours."

"Yes." She glanced down the darkened street. "We go down that way."

Lucien gave a nod, but before he could take a step, a familiar tingle raced down his spine. He stilled, searching through the darkness with his mind to locate the source of the malice that was nearly tangible in the air. It took a moment to locate the vampire in a nearby alley, and he reluctantly removed Miss Kingly's hand from his arm.

"A moment, my dear."

She glanced at him in surprise. "What is it?"