It felt good to have a purpose, like he had in the Navy. His cane made a rhythmic thump as he headed for the drawing room. As he passed the study, he heard a thump, then a curse. It was Kane, stooping over to pick up a book. He righted himself and caught Heath watching him.
“Back so soon?” Kane put the book on a table. “I thought you would be gone until nightfall.”
“I made my excuses and got away.”
“I hope Miss Wilcott wasn’t too heartbroken.”
Heath knew he was teasing. “She tried to persuade me, but I knew I had someone better waiting at home.”
It was a bold statement, but Heath didn’t care.
“I’m flattered.” Kane didn’t move. “Will you be joining me this evening?”
Was Kane as eager as he was to continue their newfound relationship? But what about Jessica? Something inside him pulled Heath back, made him realize he had an obligation to aid Mrs. Baum. Any interlude with Kane would have to wait. Kane would understand.
“Alas, I have an errand I must take care of tonight.”
“Is anything wrong?” Kane must have heard the urgency in his voice.
“No, nothing is wrong, but it cannot wait, so I may be gone for most of the evening.”
Kane didn’t ask any further questions. That was him, not one to pry. Heath knew he would be waiting for him when he returned and that was enough to make him want to hurry with his task.
“Are you leaving right away?”
“I fear I must.”
Kane crossed the room to stand in front of him. He was handsome with his golden hair and blue eyes that Heath could lose himself in. On instinct, he leaned forward and Kane was there to meet him. Their lips met for a brief moment.
“Take care,” Kane said against his lips.
Lord, it took every bit of willpower for Heath not to stay. But he couldn’t forget the expression on Mrs. Baum’s face. He had to go to the tavern and see for himself if there was anything suspicious going on. Jessica might not have a lot of time.
“I don’t know when I’ll be back,” he said.
“Don’t worry about me,” Kane responded. “I’ll find some way to occupy myself.”
Heath turned and left before he found Kane’s lips and body too much a temptation. Sometimes, his response to Kane frightened him. How could he feel so much so fast? It didn’t seem possible. But then again, Heath didn’t think it possible to learn to read or write at his age, or to be running an estate. Against all odds, those things had occurred, and he had flourished. So maybe there was hope for him and Kane.
As the horse galloped down the lane, Heath turned his mind to the task at hand. Just as he had in the military, he focused on the mission, pushing everything else to the side. His years in the Navy had taught him that at times, it was paramount to put feelings aside. He couldn’t let his mind wander to Kane while he was at the tavern. All his attention had to be on surveying the place.
He stabled his horse, then entered the establishment. Even though the hour wasn’t late, there was already a crowd. Heath pushed his way to a table in the corner. Once or twice, he almost had to use his cane to shove people out of the way. A mixture of sweat, tobacco, and alcohol permeated the air. He ordered an ale and sat back to observe the patrons. Luckily, he didn’t see anyone of his acquaintance. Now was not the time for distractions. Most of them were probably still at the Wilcotts’ party.
There was a small stage up front, and a piano player started a lively song. A few moments later, several girls entered the stage. The crowd let out shouts and lewd calls as the girls danced. While most of the men were busy ogling the dancers, Heath swept his gaze over the interior. Off to his left, he saw a staircase where a young woman, her arm linked with a man, led him up the stairs. The expression on the man’s face told Heath everything he needed to know about what was about to happen.
For the next hour, he kept watch. During that time, he saw at least half a dozen women take their male clients up the stairs. He couldn’t be sure of the ages of the women, but they were all young. Is this what had happened to Jessica? Was she upstairs, perhaps against her will?
After the stage show finished, the dancers mingled with the crowd. Some stayed at tables while others led men upstairs. It was a shame that some women had to stoop to selling their bodies just to survive. Heath wished there was a way to help all of them, but for now, he had to find Jessica.
Finally, Heath decided to investigate the second floor. He made his way through the crowd. By this time of night, patrons filled up almost every space in the place. Heath nearly lost his cane a time or two between dodging people’s feet and arms. An occasional glance showed no one was paying attention to where he was headed. After making sure no one would stop him, Heath ascended the staircase. When he got to the landing, the hallway went off to either side. Which way? Most of the women who had gone upstairs had turned left, so he went to the right. He figured most of those rooms would be occupied.
Heath checked behind him again to make sure all was clear before he tried the first door he came to. It was empty, but it was a bedroom. Two more rooms showed the same. Further down the hall, he heard a faint noise. He wasn’t so naïve not to know it was a couple having intercourse.
There were three more doors on that side, then he would go to the other side. Just as he went for the knob, he heard a loud commotion. It sounded like several people coming up from the first floor. He had to hide quickly, before someone saw him. He tried the door, but it was locked. Damn. He whirled around to the opposite door. It was unlocked. Heath went inside, gently closing the door with a click. He could barely hear over his heavy breathing.
“Wells, is that you?”
Heath froze, taking a sharp inhale at hearing that familiar voice.