The Heiress of Linn Hagh Read Online Free Page B

beneath his greatcoat.
    ‘I don’t think so, my friend,’ Woods said. He slammed the man back against the seat with one vicious punch and caught hold of the man’s arms, pinning him against the cushions. The would-be thief swore and began to struggle violently.
    Doña Magdalena cursed as she was knocked across her maid. Mistress Finch shrieked.
    Lavender pulled out his own pistol, aimed it at the man’s head and cocked it.
    The passengers gasped at the sight of the weapon. Then a stunned silence descended over the coach.
    ‘Don’t make me use it.’
    The struggling man froze and glared at Lavender.
    ‘What’ve I done? I’ve done nuffin!’
    ‘Oh yes you have, my friend. You’re a thief, a cove. While the señora was asleep, you had a good feel of her reticule trying to work out how much money she was carrying.’
    ‘ Cerdo asqueroso! ’ Doña Magdalena twisted around and slapped the man sharply across the face.
    The would-be thief flinched but continued to glare silently at Lavender. His cheek glowed where she had struck him.
    ‘But I don’t understand, Detective,’ Mr Finch said. ‘If he was going to steal her money, why did he not just take it, there and then?’
    ‘I believe he is waiting for the arrival of his mounted friends, who are lying in wait for us farther along the road. It makes it quicker and easier for them if they’ve planted one of their own on a coach they’re about to rob.’
    ‘Highwaymen!’
    ‘ Dios mío! ’
    Mistress Finch shrieked. ‘May the Lord have pity on our souls!’
    ‘That’s just bloody guesswork—nonsense,’ their captive sneered.
    ‘I’m not prepared to take the risk,’ Lavender replied coldly. ‘Woods, reach inside his greatcoat and remove his pistol—right-hand side.’
    There was a collective sharp intake of breath as another weapon was revealed. Lavender took it, cocked it and aimed the second gun at the thief. Woods hammered again on the back wall of the coach, but the drivers failed to hear it—or heard it and failed to respond.
    ‘How many of you are there?’ Lavender demanded.
    The thief stared sullenly ahead.
    ‘Where are they planning to hold up the coach?’
    Still no answer.
    ‘We’ll get nothing from him,’ Woods said. ‘He still thinks his cronies will come to his rescue.’
    ‘We need to tie him up. Has anybody got anything we can use to bind him?’
    The vehicle erupted with movement as the Finches and the señora scrambled around, reached up for their luggage and searched for bindings. Only Lavender, Woods and the man from Newark remained stationary. Woods resumed his vice-like grip on the body of the felon beside him. Lavender’s eyes never left his face.
    Without warning, the señora suddenly lifted up her skirts and held out a shapely, stocking-clad leg. Woods nearly choked, then beamed with delight. Even the thief seemed surprised.
    ‘I have not any rope. Would these stockings bind him?’
    ‘Thank you, Señora. They’ll help.’ Lavender found it hard to keep a straight face. ‘Mr Finch, can I presume upon you for your belt and cravat? Unfortunately, I cannot move to get my own at the moment.’
    The carriage appeared to be slowing down. Mr Finch whipped off his belt, and Doña Magdalena calmly peeled off her stockings and handed them over before replacing her boots.
    ‘Do we need more?’ she asked.
    ‘Yes.’
    ‘ Quitese las medias ,’ she instructed her maid.
    ‘Well, don’t think I’m going to undress for you, Detective Lavender,’ protested Mistress Finch as the young girl dutifully followed her mistress’ example.
    ‘I think you English have an expression for times like this, do you not?’ The señora’s voice was light, but Lavender heard the hint of reproach directed at the older woman.
    ‘You say: “When needs must . . .” ’
    ‘I think we may have enough now,’ he said as a second pair of warm stockings passed into his hands. ‘Get him on the floor, Woods.’
    The other passengers lifted