Free Ladies of Deception 03 - Betraying the Highwayman by Ginny Hartman Page B

and that no longer occurred. He stood up and brushed his hands against his breeches before jogging off to the back of the mews where he planned to sneak in and retrieve Calvin. This was perhaps the riskiest part of his endeavor, for if one of the stable boys saw him dressed as Black Lightening, they would surely be frightened and cause a scene, preventing Devon from leaving the mews undetected and getting back to the business at hand.
    He moved along the hay strewn floor of the mews as quietly as a church mouse, slowly placing one booted foot in front of the other, careful not to make a sound. He was grateful that the mews were nearly deserted this time of night. It appeared as if the help was busy seeing to his team of horses and the carriage that had just delivered him from the ball, making it easier for him to slip in and out unnoticed.
    As soon as he reached Calvin's stall, the horse began to neigh. He reached one gloved hand out and stroked the horses muzzle to hush him. Grabbing his reins, he quietly but quickly led him out the way he had just come. As soon as the pair slipped out of the stable, he wasted no time mounting the horse and galloping off into the night.
    Devon made sure that he stayed off the main roads, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible, as he headed towards the Edward's house. As soon as he got there, he was relieved to see Lord Grayson's shiny black carriage still sitting in its place in the long line of vehicles belonging to the guests still at the party. He made his way to a dark corner of the estate behind some trees where he could watch and wait, ready to pounce into action.
    The moment Devon recognized Lord Grayson stepping out into the cool London night, he became alert. He watched as Lord Grayson stepped into his carriage, his whole body surging with the adrenaline that always accompanied these sorts of adventures. He waited as the carriage pulled out onto the road. He continued to watch the vehicle until he almost couldn't see it anymore. He followed at a distance, knowing it would have been much easier if he knew where Lord Grayson resided and could have planned to interrupt him en route to his home. Instead he would have to follow him, until they were away from the crowded streets of town, then ride full speed, until he was ahead of him and proceed to hold up the carriage.
    When he was completely confident that they were at a location that would provide them with some semblance of privacy, Devon kicked Calvin in the flank causing him to speed to a swift gallop, as he attempted to overcome the carriage. It didn't take him long to pull ahead of the sluggish vehicle, bringing Calvin to a halt a few yards in front of the carriage. He pulled his pistol out and aimed it at the surprised driver, as he watched him pull back on the horses reins, causing the vehicle to come to a hasty halt.
    “Stop,” was the only command he barked at the driver.
    “What is the meaning of this?” the driver asked in return, his voice shaking, though he attempted to appear brave.
    “My business doesn't concern you but your passenger. I suggest you remain quiet and keep this carriage in place or you will regret it.” He pointed the gun at the driver as if to prove he was indeed serious.
    “Yes sir,” was the timid reply.
    Devon dismounted. He then sauntered over to the carriage, swinging the door open and sticking the pistol inside to point it at the passenger, whom he knew was Lord Grayson. “Step out of the carriage and bring anything valuable you have either on you or in your possession.”
    Lord Grayson took his time removing himself from his carriage, and Devon hoped it was due to the fact that he was using his time to retrieve all of his winnings from the fated game with his father.
    By the time Lord Grayson stepped out of the carriage, he looked as calm and lifeless as he had appeared while gambling with Lord Brattondale. Devon briefly wondered if the man was capable of showing any emotion.
    He didn't