Free A Kiss With Scandal (Scandals & Secrets 4) by Janelle Daniels Page A

chair.
    Some in his household disapproved of Henry when they learned of his past life in crime, but Derek hadn’t cared. Henry had saved his life on more than one occasion, and when the man said he wanted to straighten out, Derek gave him the chance he needed to live an honest life.
    Henry wasn’t opposed to doing anything Derek needed done.
    Derek seated himself behind the massive cherry wood desk, ready for Henry’s report. “All protective measures are in place, I presume?”
    “Guards are stationed at all check points, and the staff has been notified. The alert system has been tested and is functioning properly. Escape routes have been double checked, and safe houses have been stocked should the need arise.”
    “Excellent.”
    “Is there anything else, m’lord?”
    “That should do it for now. As more guests arrive, I want it to look like a normal house party. Tell the guards to keep their distance unless they’re undercover.”
    “All right.” Henry tapped his knees before standing. “I’ll go over the plan with everyone one more time before others arrive.”
    Derek grabbed the letter opener and tore through the first of many envelopes piled on his desk. “Let me know if you need anything.”
    “There is something, actually.”
    Derek set down the letter. When Henry spoke in that tone, Derek gave his full attention. “Yes?”
    “Is this really the last one?”
    He didn’t need to say the last case. Derek had talked about ending his career several times in the past and couldn’t blame Henry for his disbelief. “Yes. It is. After this, I’m out. For good.”
    “And me?”
    “You are free to go or stay as you please. As you have always been. With my thanks.”
    Henry’s shoulders relaxed as he grinned. “You’re going to go crazy without it.”
    Derek laughed as his friend walked out the door. In all likelihood, Henry was right. Yet maybe, just maybe, he’d explore a few of the elements of normal life he’d forsaken. Family, perhaps.
    Henry had spoken an absolute truth. Thoughts of Lady Charlotte would drive him crazy.
    But crazy was immeasurably better than dead.
----
    T he prettiest room in the world could still be a prison.
    Charlotte had learned this lesson well in the last twenty-four hours as she hid in the safety of her bedchamber. It had been one day since she’d arrived at Derek’s estate, and already she was going batty. Not that she didn’t enjoy the country. She did. Usually. She just didn’t fancy hiding while two criminals hunted her down. That alone had kept her in her room.
    She paced the length of the light blue runner beneath her shoes, ignoring the white and gold opulence of her room as firmly as she did the sunny weather. What would happen if the Black Dahlia was never caught? Must Charlotte go on like this? Locked away at one of Derek’s estates until she died? Always afraid? Hiding to escape notice?
    She bristled at the thought. She would go mad. One bleak day would bleed into the rest, and she’d have nothing to live for. No adventure. No passion. Nothing. Just fear.
    She stomped toward the door. Charlotte would not settle for that kind of life. She may be confined to the property, but that didn’t mean she had to stay in her room.
    This was a house party, and there were abundant activities. Until the next outing was announced, she’d read in the library. Alone.
    But first, she had to tell her mother the headache she’d pleaded was gone.
    She exited her bedroom, her heart racing as she glanced down the empty hall. Anyone could be lurking in the shadows. It didn’t bother her most of the time. Generally, there were plenty of people around. Complete solitude was rare.
    “Good morning,” she murmured to her mother, kissing her lightly talced cheek after entering the parlor.
    “I’m glad to see you’re up, dear. Come join us. Lady Norland was just telling me about her estate not far from here.”
    The woman’s smile wobbled. “Not my estate. Once my dear