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you lied when you gave me your word you would not pursue Elaine.” To Ross’s surprise, Lance bared his teeth. “Honor demands I call you out, and nothing would give me greater satisfaction than an appointment at dawn, on Paddington Green.”
    “What stops you?” The last thing Ross wanted was to duel Elaine’s relation, but apparently Lance opted to ignore the gravity of the situation. “As I am more than willing to accommodate you, if necessary, given I will do anything to protect Lady Elaine.”
    “Do not tempt me, Ross, as even I have limits.” Lance shook his head. “But it would destroy Elaine, and my wife would never forgive me.”
    “Presuming you survive the encounter.” No, Ross could not resist baiting the estimable marquess. “So where does that leave us?”
    “Trying to form a compromise.” The aristocrat arched a brow. “One that positions you far from my charge, as I will not have you put her at greater risk.”
    “Believe me, I would never hurt her.” The mere thought of the petite woman in distress inspired intense rage. “Not that I am interested, but for the sake of clarity in our negotiations, why do you consider me a threat to Lady Elaine?”
    “Rebecca.”
    In the blink of an eye, Ross journeyed to the past, to a seaside estate along the coast of Portsmouth. A nude body, bearing the ugly marks of torture and a vicious manacle fastened about the neck, attached to a heavy chain and anchored by an iron pike, listed in the incoming tide.
    “That was a low blow.” Ross shook free from the morbid reverie. “Might I point out that Lady Elaine is no spy, and I would go to my grave before I let Waddlington near her.”
    “Do you really think that matters?” With a sigh, Lance speared his fingers through his hair and stomped to the window. “Varringdale knew not of Rebecca’s alternate persona, L’araignee , by which she served the Crown, yet he kidnapped, abused, and all but executed her. To this day, the horrors she endured haunt me, as I can never erase from my mind the shameful condition in which we found her. Can you imagine Elaine thus treated, given her gentle disposition?”
    “You really do not know Lady Elaine, as she possesses unrivaled intelligence, nerves of steel, and a courageous spirit.” And Ross adored her for it, but he would not share that bit of information. “She is no shrinking wallflower, answering to society’s beck and call. Rather, she exhibits shrewd acumen and chooses to make her own way, and I am proud of her independent nature.”
    “You are proud—”
    A knock at the door cut short Lance’s response, and Ross gritted his teeth. “Come.”
    “Forgive the intrusion, Sir Ross.” The secretary stood at attention. “Your presence is requested at intake, as Lord Waddlington has surrendered at the Old Bailey.”
    “Wait here.” Ross charged forth.
    “Like bloody hell.” Lance again pushed aside Winston. “I will have a full accounting from that murderous bastard.”
    “And just what do you intend?” Drawing on years of experience dealing with criminals, Ross came to an abrupt halt, turned, and confronted Lance. “If you think I will let you anywhere near Waddlington and jeopardize this case, you are seriously mistaken.”
    “But I am Elaine’s legal guardian.”
    “Which is precisely why I will not have you interfering in my interrogation of Lord Waddlington, should he choose to grant an interview.”
    “Since when is it his choice?”
    “Lord Raynesford, as an agent of His Majesty, I am tasked with upholding the law, and I excel at my work.” Standing toe to toe with Lance, Ross leashed his temper lest he end up manacled. “I will not permit you to hinder my investigation, as I vow to bring Waddlington to justice, so you will remain in my wake, and abide my requests, else I shall arrest you for obstruction. Am I clear?”
    “Aye, but I am coming with you.” Which was just what Ross did not need, at the moment.

to catch a fallen