Mary Blayney Read Online Free

wig? She shook out her skirts and took his arm. They left the alleyway, moving toward the town center. This time he did not hesitate to step from the alley, even as he sifted through explanations for his pallor and weakened appearance, so much more obvious in regular clothes. He ran a hand over his very short hair and looked up, beyond the steps he was taking, to the world surrounding him.
    The boulevard was filled with people, sedan chairs and carriages.
Aha,
he thought,
it is still evening and early enough that everyone in Le Havre has someplace to go.
    Charlotte Parnell and Gabriel Pennistan joined them, walking arm in arm. “So people will think we are merely whiling away the time until we can indulge in something more strenuous.”
    Mixing with the crowds, feeling the air against his face, Gabe finally grasped the reality of the moment. He was free. He stopped, let go of her arm and raised his hands, making fists, as if he could grab hold of freedom.
    Looking heavenward, he saw a few of the brighter stars. He slowed long enough to identify the North Star, but even this wide boulevard was too narrow to show him much of the night sky. He would find an open field and spend hours watching the stars and plan a future that had nothing to do with war or treachery.
    She took his arm again and he laughed. It was all he could do to still the sound that was more hysteria than amusement. Who knew that freedom came in degrees? He had no money, no resources, ill-fitting clothes and shoes, which, in fact, belonged to Georges.
    He had escaped the stone walls of the French prison, but for now he had no choice. He must follow Charlotte Parnell with no notion of their destination or her plans.
    “Where are we going?” Gabriel slowed their pace.
    “Walk faster.” She pulled at his arm.
    “No. I want answers now.”
    “In good time.”
    “Now!” He pulled her to a stop. The rest of the evening’s revelers moved around them, some with curious glances.
    “Do not ruin this. You could as easily die in the next few minutes as in the last few.” She raised her hand to his cheek. It might have looked like a seductive gesture, but it felt more like a restrained slap.
    He took her hand from his cheek at the wrist, caressing the pulse point, then holding it so she could feel his strength.
    “You have no choice but to come with me,” she said, pulling her hand free. “I am your jailer now.”

3

    S HE RAISED HER OTHER HAND and ran her thumb over his lips. He missed the first of her whispered words.
    “…to my house, where we can rid you of the smell of jail, as well as the vermin who have made themselves comfortable on you.”
    Mention of a bath made him itch everywhere. He moved a few steps away, amazed she would walk so close to anyone as filthy as he was.
    Charlotte pulled him back to her side as a man called out, “If you wish a more willing customer, I would need no convincing.”
    She waved at the man, who made to follow them. “Another night, monsieur. This one is shy and will take all my time.” She glanced at Gabriel as if considering some hidden quality. “Though not much of my skill.”
    The man laughed as he saluted her and went on his way.
    Gabe ignored the insult. Tried to. As they made their way through town, he concentrated on his surroundings, memorizing the route they were taking. When they had made three consecutive left turns, he suspected she was doing her best to confuse him. When he saw the same tavern sign for a second time, he was sure of it.
    After more twists and turns, they came to a narrow alleyway. She seemed to have a fondness for them. At the third gate Charlotte stopped. Pushing it open, she hurried him to the back door of a house that appeared completely dark.
    She let go of his arm to use her key and Gabe considered running. The rabbit warren of streets and mews might be confusing, but it would give him a dozen places to hide.
    “You would be back in jail within hours,” Charlotte said