Angel in Black (15 page)

As she came out from behind the blanket, all eyes turned to her, their shock apparent as they stared at the shapely bandit she presented. To cover her immediate embarrassment, Rina joked, “Well, what do you think? Will we strike terror in the hearts of the aristocrats?”

A grin spread across John’s face, his eyes twinkled mischievously. “You certainly will strike something, but it won’t be terror, Rina.”

Rina felt a blush warm her cheeks and she playfully threw a glove at him. But her voice turned serious when she sat down with the men.

“Tom, Charlie, this is the last chance you’ll have to back out. I’ll understand if you change your minds. There is always the danger of getting caught. If so, we would hang for our crimes. All of us depend on each other for our very lives now, so you must be certain of your commitment. We cannot afford any mistakes.” She paused to give her words the emphasis they merited. “Tom, you have a family; and Charlie, a new bride. Are you positive you want to ride with me? You have so much to risk.”

Tom looked at Rina, admiration in his voice as he spoke, “I have known you since you first came t’ us, Rina, nothin’ but a child. I could name the endless times you have given, an’ never do you ask for anythin’ in return. You need not ask me again, for I would ride with you into hell itself.”

Rina felt a tightening in her throat as she turned to Charlie. “And you? Do you wish to ride with me?”

Charlie glanced shyly at Rina, embarrassment causing him to struggle for the right words. He swallowed hard and said what was in his heart. “When I broke me leg during that blizzard three years ago, I knew I was goin’ t’ die. Darkness fell and no one came for me. If I didna’ freeze t’ death first, the wolves closin’ in would most like kill me. I had no hope. Then you appeared out of nowhere — I wasna’ sure you were real. I had heard whispered tales you be a witch or sorceress, with your strange understandin’ of the beasts. I wondered meself when the wolves grew gentle at your will, but I’ve decided you are an angel, and I would gladly die for you.”

A single tear slid down his cheek and Rina could hear Jake sniff loudly. Rina looked at her band of men, touched by their words of devotion. “I don’t know what to say, except I am truly fortunate to have such friends.”

Breaking the somber mood, John picked up Rina and tossed her into the air. Her squeal brought cascades of laughter from the men. “If you ask me, she’s a funny-looking angel. Who ever saw an angel dressed in black?”

Tom picked up his mug, lifted it in salute. “Here’s t’ the Angel in Black.”

The others picked up their cups in acknowledgement. Pouring herself some ale, Rina beamed proudly. “Here’s to all of us.”

Silently they led their horses down the tunnels until they came out another hidden entrance in the woods. The men put their hoods on, concealing their faces. Rina’s mask covered hers. Without any words they headed for Camray.

There wasn’t any social function Rina couldn’t find out about from the loyal people she knew. The dinner party at Camray was the perfect place to begin their new career. Rina’s spirits soared. For the first time in years she felt as if she could help the people she loved. The rich would consider them highwaymen — villains and thieves, worthy only of hanging. But to Rina, it would be worth any risk, even death, if the lives of the poor improved from breaking the law.

As they neared the estate, they saw lights glowing from the elegant rooms. Rina’s heart beat faster as they moved toward the house — it had been so long since she had been to her beloved home. Carefully, they made their way to the side entrance, and Rina, Tom, and Charlie quietly entered the house. John and Jake continued on to position themselves outside the patio entrance to the drawing room where the people were gathered. Rina knew the servants would be in the kitchen, waiting for the bell to ring when needed, one or two inside the drawing room. Silently, Rina cut the cord to the bell and checked the other rooms, finding them empty.

Laughter and music drifted to them as they stood outside the doors. Rina took a deep breath, winked confidently at Tom and Charlie before swinging the double doors open. With their guns ready, the trio stepped into the room, drawing the attention of the host and his guests. Rina stood in the center with Tom and Charlie flanking her. The music stopped and the crowd grew silent. Rina took another step forward.

“
Bonsoir Mesdames et messieurs.
I am so sorry to disturb you at this time, but I would like a moment, if you please.” Her French accent was thick and her smile charming. Someone in the crowd asked Langsford if this was a joke, and Rina answered him. “No,
monsieur
, this is not a joke. We are most definitely robbing you. Now, if you would be so kind as to raise your hands where my men and I can see them? As you can see, I have two more capable gentlemen over by the patio doors, so I would suggest you cooperate.”

A woman fainted, her scream fading into a moan as she slumped into a nearby chair.

“There is no need to be frightened, ladies,” Rina said. “I assure you, if no one reacts in a foolish manner, no one will be harmed.”

With a quick motion of her gun, Rina lined them up and in a pleasant voice asked for their money. “To be certain, the money is appreciated.
S’il vous plait
, if the ladies would be so kind and donate one item of jewelry each. No, no,
Madame
, I would not think of taking all your fabulous jewels; one is sufficient. Anything you will not miss overly much is fine.”

Tom collected the money and jewelry and Rina walked over to Langsford. Her expression hardened as her anger and hatred bubbled forth. “Since you are the host of this little soirée, perhaps you would care to donate everything.”

The woman bandit’s voice was no longer pleasant as she pointed the pistol directly at Lawrence; he had no doubt she represented real danger. Their eyes locked and a chill swept through him, as if a ghost touched him. His hand trembled from her audacity when she removed all the jewelry he wore personally. His fury was immense, but caution prevailed, keeping him sullen and silent.

Randolph watched Lawrence’s humiliation and slowly eased over a step. He reached out for the cord to alert the servants, but before his hand grasp the cord a dagger sliced through the air and the blade sank into the wall, the cord firmly skewered by its point.

“Tsk, tsk,” Rina scolded, and crossed to stand in front of the startled young man. “You shouldn’t have done so foolish a thing,
monsieur
. Besides, it would have done no good — I took the time to silence the bell so we would not be disturbed.”

With deliberate boldness, Rina stretched out her arm and pulled the knife from the wall, Randolph’s face only an inch from its deadly edge. Smiling sweetly, she put it back into its sheath on her belt.

“Well — aren’t any of you man enough to stop them? After all, you outnumber them.”

Rina whirled about to see who had spoken so foolishly. Instead, she found herself looking into Blake’s golden eyes. He actually looked amused, and standing next to him was the lady who demanded the men take action against her. Rina’s eyes narrowed when she moved to stand before the ostentatious redhead.

The woman clung to Blake’s arm as if he would protect her, but he didn’t seem interested in her plight at all. Boldly, he stared at Rina, unconcerned they were being held at gunpoint.

Rina turned her attention back to the redhead. “Perhaps you would also like to donate
all
of your beautiful jewelry. And there is so much to give.
Oui
?”

Appalled, the redhead complied with the demand, shaking from indignant anger. Unaffected by the smoldering looks she received, Rina glanced at Blake and actually found him smiling. “And you,
monsieur
, do you find this all amusing?”

“Not at all. I find your company utterly enchanting, and you certainly brightened up a dull evening.”

Blake said it low enough so only the three of them heard his words. Catherine’s incensed look made the charming thief burst out laughing. The light hit her masked face, revealing nothing, but Blake did notice fading marks on her bruised neck. He stiffened.

“I hope we meet again,
monsieur
, you are certainly a most intriguing man.”

Before Rina turned and left, Blake leaned over and whispered into her ear. “I’m sure we will — little one.” His words were in French, his voice strained. Rina dared a glance to see the look in his eyes and knew he was furious. She fought back the panic and casually strolled away. Signaling to John and Jake, they locked the inside doors and they all prepared to leave through the patio doors.

She addressed the crowd one last time. “I must say, you have all been terribly generous, and I thank you sincerely for your cooperation tonight. Perhaps we shall meet again.
Adieu, Mesdames, messieurs
.”

They blocked the doors behind them and quickly disappeared into the darkness to where their horses waited. Within minutes, Camray was left far behind. The dark figures melted into the black forest by the time the doors were broken down.

The horses flew along the road, their hooves echoing in the still, dark night. The air cooled Rina’s heated face, the refreshing dampness clearing her head. Rina dropped behind and stopped, allowing the others to continue. As the noise of the fleeing riders faded into the distance, she sat still and listened for anyone who might follow. The night remained silent, only the hoot of an owl disturbed the quiet. Satisfied they were safe, Rina continued on to their hideout. She could hear laughter when she approached the room. When she entered, the men had already dismounted and removed their hoods. John ran to Rina and swung her into the air, his deep laughter echoing off the walls.

“There’s more money than I’ve ever seen in my life, Rina. It was so easy, and you — you were magnificent. Your French accent was absolutely perfect.” He hugged Rina and carried her to the table, setting her down effortlessly. The others gathered around, everyone speaking in their excitement. They had been lucky indeed, for everyone carried a lot of money, and the jewels were worth a small fortune.

“Rina, when will we go out again?” asked Tom anxiously.

“I don’t know yet, but I’ll let you know soon. It’s getting late, so we had best be tending to our horses and getting home. I want you to know how proud I am of all of you. This money will feed and clothe a lot of people.”

They all agreed and went about preparing to leave. When the men finished, they said their good-nights and made their way home. Jake figured John and Rina would like to talk alone and left without waiting for her. John waited for Rina to change her clothes.

“What did Lord Roberts say to you, Kat?”

During the robbery, he had noticed the slight change in Rina’s expression and thought he’d seen anger in Blake’s eyes. She walked out from behind the blanket, surprised by his remark.

“You don’t miss much, do you?” John nodded and waited for her to continue. “I’m afraid my French accent didn’t fool him. He knew it was me.”

John’s expression did not change, for he had suspected as much. “I thought so. Is he a danger to us?”

Rina shrugged. “I don’t know and I’m not sure what gave me away, Johnny. I suppose I will find out tomorrow. He’s furious, I’m sure.”

John grinned and replied, “Well, I’m not sure I blame him for being mad. Speaking for myself, there
are
times when I think you are too headstrong for your own good. What you need is a man to keep you under control. Maybe a good beating would help.”

Seeing the teasing glint in his eyes, Rina sprang at John. They fell together, laughing, in a pile on the floor. John gathered her into his arms and Rina sighed. She looked seriously into the warm, brown eyes, her love for him filling her heart. “Are you still angry with me for going to London alone?”

“Hell — I was tempted to beat you myself. I’ve never felt so helpless and frustrated in my life. Kat, you must realize young, beautiful women do not go about alone. You would have been killed if Lord Roberts hadn’t followed you. You still have the bruises on your neck.”

He touched her neck gently and felt the heartbreaking pain he experienced when Blake brought her home. He closed his eyes remembering how angry he’d been, both at the men who attacked her, and at Kat for being so damned independent. He hadn’t questioned her about the days she had spent with Blake, but sensed it had been a special time for her. John also recalled her pain when she spoke of their argument at Windsong. Both Rina and Blake were so stubborn they couldn’t admit to themselves, or each other, what was happening between them. This thought saddened him.

Rina sat silently, curled comfortably in his arms, and watched the expressions cross over his face. She left him to his thoughts, knowing he would talk to her in his own time.

“Lord Roberts will be angry as hell, Kat. He won’t understand your reasons for taking risks, and he definitely will not like the idea of a woman leading a gang of thieves. He doesn’t know, yet, you can’t be swayed from your purpose once you’ve set your mind to it.”

“Well, let him be angry — it doesn’t matter to me.” Rina knew her statement wasn’t true and John was not fooled either.

“Ah, it does matter to you and you know it. Doesn’t it?”

The fact it was so obvious frustrated Rina, and she felt foolish to be so confused. It was true, it did matter. In defeat, Rina whispered to John, “Oh, God, it matters a lot, but admitting it doesn’t make it any different between us. I’ll not change to suit Blake Roberts and his silly notions of what a woman should be like.”

John lifted her chin so he could look directly into her eyes. He saw confusion and uncertainty. “Do you love him, Kat?”

The question took her by surprise, and she tried to turn away, but John held her chin firmly and repeated the question. Rina knew it would be useless to lie and sighed.

“Yes, I love him. I don’t want to, but I do. Whenever we are together, we fight and hurt each other. I love him, and yet I hate him. Oh, Johnny, I’m so confused. To love him is hopeless — but I do.”