Free The Earl of Her Dreams by Anne Mallory Page B

her. Her chin rose imperiously. “Well, it would help, wouldn’t it? Someone to take notes and search all the rooms and do whatever it is a Runner does?”
    Kate saw Christian tense.
    “And where are we going to find a Runner this far from London and in the middle of a snowstorm no less?” Francine scoffed.
    “Right here.”
    All eyes focused on Christian as he tipped his chair back against the wall. Kate blinked, but when she opened her eyes, she saw the same mocking grin and calculating air.
    “You?” Freewater cocked a brow. “I don’t believe it.”
    “Believe it, Mr. Freewater. And under Section Two Hundred Seventy-one of the Runner’s Code, I think I’ll search your room first.” Christian smirked.
    “Don’t you think you should take a look at the body first,” Kate whispered, in disbelief at the turn of events.
    “Yes, of course,” Christian replied smoothly. “But I think the first room will be Freewater’s.” He crossed his arms. “If only for his gross insolence, disregard for the dead, and questioning of my authority.”
    That seemed to shut up both Desmond and Crescent. Tiegs appeared amused, almost cheerful, if a man could look jovial under the circumstances.
    There was no way Christian Black was a Runner. It was too fantastic, and besides, Kate had never expected Runners to be so, well, virile.
    “How are we to believe you?” Freewater asked,his tone a bit more respectful, and Kate marveled at the authority that Christian suddenly seemed to wield.
    “I’m here on another case. I had to stay at the inn incognito, as Mr. Wicket can attest. A veritable frenzy it was to stay yesterday. But necessary. Right, Mr. Wicket? Crazy happenings yesterday.”
    Mr. Wicket nodded, but from the man’s befuddled expression, Kate had to wonder if the innkeeper even knew to what he was agreeing.
    “Then what is your other case?” Freewater demanded suspiciously, although the innkeeper’s nod had dampened his distrustful gaze somewhat.
    “Sensitive case. I’m not at liberty to divulge the particulars. Has to do with delicate matters.”
    The men seemed to understand what he meant, and they nodded knowledgeably. Mrs. Crescent appeared confused. Kate took that to mean it had something to do with a male indiscretion.
    Indiscretions seemed to be right in line with Christian’s character.
    “Well then, Mr. Black. How do you intend to proceed? What would you have us do?”
    Thirteen pairs of eyes shifted to Christian—ten guests, two bodyguards, a valet, a maid, and twelve employees from the inn.
    “Everyone shall remain here in the inn while I take a look at the body with—Gordon, was it?”
    Gordon nodded.
    “And Mr. Kaden will take notes.”
    Kate blinked at him.
    “Come, Mr. Kaden. You offered to help with my other case, did you not?”
    She gazed around to see the others peering at her and resisted the urge to shrink into the shadows. The unwanted attention was not helping her charade in the least.
    She looked at Christian. His eyes were shuttered as he awaited her response. She could say that she hadn’t offered to help him—she hadn’t the slightest notion what he was talking about or why he was including her. He must know that she could destroy his ruse with a few words. Could even claim he was the murderer. Donald Desmond looked ready to string up anyone whose name was put forth.
    And she could have her room back all to herself.
    “Of course I’ll help, Mr. Black.” The voice seemed to come from far away and it took her a moment to realize it was hers.
    The mischievous twinkle reappeared in Christian’s eye as he shook her hand to seal the deal. He rose and motioned Gordon toward the door. Katehastily pushed back her chair and grabbed her workman’s cloak from a hook inside the entrance hall. Just as Gordon opened the outer door, a strong, cold gust of wind swirled inside.
    Christian turned abruptly. “Everyone stays here until we return. No venturing outside or returning to your