Page 56 of The Chef and the Countess

“Watch your mouth, Hallahan,” Sharpe said menacingly. “Don’t cross me.”

“He’s not lying, sir,” Teddy said. “My mum told me who my da was years back. I tried to deny it. But I figure having a father is better than not having one. Tommy said so, and I agree.” Teddy inclined his head toward Lucian Sharpe. “Besides, he’s the only family I’ve got left.”

“What really happened to your mum, Teddy?” Liam asked.

Teddy looked down at the straw-covered floor. “Prison,” he whispered. “I know I told you she died. I didn’t mean to lie. But I was ashamed.”

Liam took a step closer. “I understand. But you don’t want to be part of Sharpe’s life. He will pull you into his criminal world, like he no doubt did with your mother.”

“Enough of this shite. I had nothing to do with Meggie’s troubles; she brought that on herself, and the lad knows it. Teddy’s staying here,” Sharpe said firmly. “Where he belongs. With his real family.”

“What about school?” Liam asked Teddy, ignoring Sharpe again.

“Lucian said I can keep going. There’s a school not far from here. I’m sixteen, Liam. I can make up my own mind.”

Teddy’s courage and determination shone through, and Liam couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride. But sixteen years old? Teddy seemed much younger, a stark reminder of the toll poverty took on children’s growth due to prolonged malnourishment.

Drew whispered, “He’s of an age to make his own decisions.”

Drew was correct. There was nothing else to say. Liam looked directly at Sharpe. “Teddy is a good lad. Eager to learn and intelligent. When I took him in, his health had deteriorated to such a state that he was bedridden for weeks. He’s grown taller and filled out since. If Teddy is honestly your son, take responsibility and look out for him. Allow him to thrive.”

Sharpe snarled but then gave Liam a brisk nod. Those cruel eyes briefly flashed a rare show of emotion, and Liam understood what it meant. It was an acknowledgment of what Liam said, and a promise to do right by the lad—as much as Sharpe was capable. To Liam, it was as good as he could have hoped.

Teddy stepped forward and held out his hand. Liam shook it. “Thanks, Liam, for everything. Tell Tommy and Timmy I’ll see them soon. Lucian owns this tavern. I told him I could make it better. I’ll use what you taught me at your restaurant. I’ll be all right.”

“You always have a place with me,” Liam replied kindly, his words carrying the warmth of his support. “Remember that. I’ll send along your clothes and books.”

Teddy turned and waved, then disappeared into the kitchen.

“You got your answer, so sod off.” Sharpe dismissed him with a wave of his hand. His sycophants chuckled. Liam understood that most of Sharpe’s arrogant behavior was theatrical. All street gangsters acted the same. Regardless, it incensed Liam. For someone who kept his emotions in check, he was having trouble containing them lately.

Liam lurched forward, but Drew grabbed his arm. “Don’t,” he murmured. Drew understood Liam was about to threaten Sharpe, but it would not be wise. Liam turned to leave.

“Send along his stuff, yeah?” Sharpe called out. “And don’t come back here again unless I say so.”

No worries there.

Drew held Liam’s arm firmly. “Keep walking, ignore him. He is trying to bait you.”

Liam knew that, and he admonished himself for allowing Sharpe to get under his skin. They stepped out on the walkway, and Liam took a deep breath of cleansing air and then exhaled. “Thanks. I would have threatened him. It could have turned ugly.”

“We were certainly outnumbered and—” Drew reeled about. Then took numerous steps toward an alley across the way. Liam swung his gaze in that direction, catching sight of a long wool cape disappearing around the corner.

“Did you see her?” Drew questioned eagerly as he faced Liam.

“No. Just part of a gray cape.”

Drew sprinted toward the alley, and Liam followed him. But the alley was empty and led to a maze of courtyards. “Blast it. She is gone. It could not have been her. In this notorious section of London?”

“Who?” Liam questioned.

Drew lifted his spectacles and rubbed his eyes. “I thought I saw the missing Duchess of Barnsdale, Celia’s friend.”

“Right. You said you treated her last April.”

“I only caught a fleeting glimpse. It may not be her, though. I am more exhausted than I thought.”

“Then let’s get you home. We will have to walk a bit to find a hansom cab. Then I must explain Teddy’s situation to everyone.”