Page 72 of The Duke Who Claimed Her

“We are not here to hurt you, Your Grace,” the gangly man said simply. “Nor are we here to hurt anyone. In fact, I would prefer it if this were done clean and neat. Do as we say, and no harm needs to come to anyone. Yourself included.”

It came to Caspian then, quickly, and with painful clarity. The members of staff all looked fearful; their white faces were shaking terribly. The two men, one of them armed, had herded them into the room. And seeing as his wife was missing…

“You have taken my wife,” Caspian said.

“We have,” the gangly man agreed. “But she is safe, Your Grace. Which is important to consider. We do not want to harm her, but if you refuse us, harm will find her. So, again, let us do this simply and neatly.”

“Timothy?” Caspian searched the room. “Where is Timothy?”

Mrs. Robertson went to speak, but the gangly man cut her off. “He is upstairs, Your Grace. Also, under guard. And while I hesitate to believe that you care one whit about the safety of your employees, even I must believe that you care for the life of your nephew.”

Caspian trembled with bottled rage. Even with a gun pointed at him, he very much felt like charging the large man and beating him into the ground. But that Timothy was being watched over, and that Arabella was being kept somewhere that he did not know… Calm, Caspian. Remain calm until there is a reason to be otherwise.

“Who are you?” he growled at the gangly man.

“You may call me Mr. Tibbs,” the gangly man responded with a toothless smile. “And before you ask who I work for, all shall be revealed in time.”

“What do you want?”

“Finally, a question worth answering. But not here…” Mr. Tibbs looked at the large man with the gun and nodded once before turning back to Caspian. “Let us leave your staff with my friend for a moment. Do not worry, he will watch over them for us.”

“If he hurts any of them…”

Mr. Tibbs chuckled. “That will be up to you, Your Grace. Now, might you and I chat somewhere private? Perhaps your study? Business needs to be done.”

Caspian’s mind worked quickly.

He could not fight his way out of this situation… yet. But if he were to get Mr. Tibbs alone, he could certainly overpower the man. From there, he might be able to rescue Timothy, then take down the large man with the gun, and then find out where his wife was being kept.

It was not much of a plan, but it was the best he had.

“Everyone, listen closely.” Caspian swept his gaze across the terrified staff. “Do as you are asked. Keep your heads down. I promise, I will see us through this. You have my word.”

Mr. Tibbs chuckled. “Inspiring.”

“This way.” He fixed a glare on Mr. Tibbs, then turned and strode from the dining room.

“This is a lovely home, Your Grace,” Mr. Tibbs said as he followed Caspian into the foyer and towards the stairs. “Truly, I have been lucky enough to visit a few estates in my time, but this one…” He whistled softly. “Breathtaking.”

“I am glad you like it.”

“I very much do,” Mr. Tibbs said as he followed Caspian up the stairs. “As will my employer, I am sure.”

Caspian walked slowly as he listened to Mr. Tibbs following him. Then he smirked to himself as he settled on his plan. He would reach the top of the steps first, allow Mr. Tibbs to get close, and launch himself at the man. Caspian was bigger, stronger, and he knew how to fight.

Overpowering this weasel of a cretin should be no trouble…

Caspian reached the top of the stairs and turned, expecting to see Mr. Tibbs lumbering up after him. However, what he found had Caspian groaning, snarling, and cursing silently.

Mr. Tibbs had a pistol of his own, and he pointed it right at Caspian’s chest. “Did you really think I would risk being alone with you, Your Grace? Whatever you might think of me, I would appreciate some degree of respect.”

Caspian snarled at him. “You will not get away with this.”

“I will,” Mr. Tibbs said. “As well as my associate downstairs, I have another two men with me. One of them is with the boy—oh, I am sure they are having a wonderful time. The final one is in your study, awaiting us. And if you think my friend downstairs is intimidating…” He chuckled. “Just you wait and see.”

“What do you want?” Caspian growled. “Who are you working for?”

“All shall be revealed. Now…” He flicked his wrist toward the hallway. “After you.”