D2D_Poison or Protect Read Free

female.
    Preshea found herself in an unexpected predicament. Enjoying the float, fighting an inclination for the wrong man, and having a genuine affection for both. They seemed so very decent. This is ridiculous. I don’t like people. I certainly don’t like men! It was highly inconvenient. However, she would ignore it as she had ignored all such inconveniences over the years.
    * * *
    Gavin watched as the footman handed Lady Villentia down from the dirigible. Jack jumped down after. Gavin followed.
    He heard the poor footman whisper under his breath, “Crikey,” and gave a tiny nod of sympathy. I ken how you feel, lad.
    The Duke and Duchess of Snodgrove stood waiting to receive them.
    “Welcome. You are the last to arrive.” The duke was one of those remarkable politicians who looked exactly like his caricature – tall, stooped, and lined.
    “With tea near to serving.” His lady wife had an eye to the practicalities. “You are timely.” The Duchess of Snodgrove was the opposite of her husband. Her features were delicate and her form well padded. She looked like the human representation of a comfortable settee.
    Lady Villentia gave an elegant curtsey of the exact correct depth for a duke and his duchess. Gavin was impressed. He might act and sound provincial (it worked in his favor, to be constantly underestimated), but he’d attended Eton and knew all the forms. Her delivery was perfection itself.
    “It is your dirigible that has seen us safely here. Thank you for the kind attention, Your Grace.” She slid as smoothly into the role of guest as she had into that of fellow traveler.
    Overly perfect.
    “Not at all.” Their host turned to his wife. “My dear, you know Lady Villentia?”
    “I know of her, of course.” The duchess’s tone was frosty.
    Interesting. The addition of the widow to our party must be the husband’s idea. Gavin was seized with a crushing thought: Is Lady Villentia Snodgrove’s mistress? He shook it off . The Duke of Snodgrove was known for his devout leanings.
    How is Lady Villentia acquainted with such a man? And is she really here to kill him by his own invitation? Perhaps she has a different target?
    Gavin dared not allow himself to hope, but he must entertain the possibility. If danger to the duke were coming from another source, he could not focus solely on the known assassin. Much as her buttons might wink and her eyes hide a well of sorrow.
    “I see you have already met your fellow guests. Captain Ruthven, Mr Jackson.” This time, the duke’s voice was cold.
    So, Jack may be the son of a family friend, but his suit is na welcome. And I’m guilty by association, or by birth. There were always some who simply did not like Scotsmen.
    Gavin watched closely as the duke gave the widow the tiniest of nods. Is the duke her employer? Is it possible he knows of his own danger and has hired her as protection? Nay. Such a man wouldna take a lass to bodyguard. There must be somewhat else between them.
    Lady Villentia (a consummate professional) did not acknowledge Snodgrove’s nod.
    Naught for it, thought Gavin, I’ll have to find out the truth myself. No hardship to throw myself on such a sword – she cuts with a bonnie sting.
    But before he could intercede, Jack offered Lady Villentia his arm, to the duke’s obvious delight.
    Interesting.
    Gavin followed them all into the house.
    Let the game begin.
     

CHAPTER TWO
    A Most Inferior Assignment
    The previous night, in a very nice part of London…
    Preshea moved unnoticed through the abode of the most popular supernatural in the British Empire.
    It shouldn’t be so easy to break into the home of a vampire. Especially not this vampire.
    Lord Akeldama was known by a select few to be a consummate spymaster, and by everyone else as a renowned fashion icon. The two were intimately connected, of course, but even fewer realized that.
    His house, a model of decadence and luxury, echoed with emptiness.
    Where are his guards?
    There were no