“George, your scaring me,” Tessa whines and rushes into his arms.
“She used the tips she overheard to invest, it’s all here in the book!” He explains and watches as all the color fades from her face. “That’s not possible, she’s a mouse!”
“More like a rat! She’s going to pay!”
“Yes, we will make sure of it! It’s been two weeks now, and she thinks she’s gotten away with this. She’ll never see us coming!” she kisses her husband and rubs his neck while he grabs her roughly.
Chapter 25
“Johnny Garcia! You were recommended by Ryan. Come in.” George offers him a whiskey and sits across from him.
“What can I do for you, Mr. Hubbard?” he asks, sipping his drink and glancing at Tessa sitting beside him. Her eyes trace over him, from his dark black hair, black eyes down over his chest, admiring his muscular form.
“I require someone with your talents to do a job for me.”
Jonathan grins and his eyes narrow. “What kind of job?”
“I have a witness I need taken care of.”
“Ryan mentioned a girl who was at a fire, I might be able to help with that. For the right price,” his eyes trail over Tessa's form, and he sips his drink, rattling the ice.
“Tessa, refill the man’s glass,” George snaps.
“Of course,” she grabs the decanter and walks over to him with a smile. “How quick can you be, Johnny?” she asks as she pours the whiskey.
His eyes never leave hers, “I can be quick, or I can savor the job, depends on what you want?”
“I want her to suffer,” she leans down, revealing her true nature, catching him by surprise. “I want to know how many times she screams for mercy, and I want her to know that I sent you!”
George chuckles as he watches Johnny lean back in his chair, surprised by the vehemence in her eyes. “The Hubbard's don't like to be double-crossed, Johnny. Something you may want to keep in mind for our future endeavors.”
“Yes, Sir,” he drains the glass and accepts the information handed to him.
“Start at the workhouse, that's where her father is. Find out what you can from him.”
“What about this, Duke?” Johnny asks.
“Take care of Lord Sheridan and make sure she watches him die. I want to handle her father, personally.” Tessa giggles and hurries back to her husband, who holds out a hand and presses a slobbery kiss to the back of her knuckles.
“Exactly, but first make Sheridan sign over the shares of his company. The paper-work is in the packet.”
“Yes, Sir. This will cost you.”
“Of course, your worth the cost. How’s this?” He writes down a number and slides it across the desk.
“Five thousand dollars?” Johnny is stunned.
“That’s right, payable after the work is complete. My wife must be satisfied, or you won’t get paid.”
“I see,” he whistles and accepts the paper. “I’ll require half upfront.”
“Of course, meet me tomorrow at the Baxter Hotel. I’ll bring your cash,” George announces and sits back with a smile.
“Excellent, I'll see you tomorrow.” Johnny leaves, and George pulls Tessa into his lap. She squeals as her husband kisses her neck.
“I love you, wife,” he rumbles.
“Of course you do.”
Chapter 26
Blackwell Workhouse
New York
“I’m not here to discuss this. I’d like to see my father,” Tessa lies to the administrator.
“Your father is a sick man, Miss Mitchell. It’s not in his best interest to be released at this time.” The older gentlemen insists.
“I didn’t ask your opinion. I’m aware of my rights, my lawyer explained them to me. I am allowed to pay for his release, and I will make sure he has the best medical care,” Tessa sniffs and covers her nose with the handkerchief.
“The last time your father was released, he ended up back in jail for drunken and disorderly,” the man snaps at her disrespect.
“I'm quite aware of his history, but I'm in a place to provide care for him. I'd like to see my father now!” she hisses.
“Fine, but he’s not coming back this time. If you take him, you are fully responsible for his care and safety.”
“Of course, hurry up before I get sick!” Tessa sniffs and struggles not to gag. She glances at the clock. George should be meeting with Johnny to pay him. The plan is to meet him at home for dinner.
Twenty minutes later, a tall, frail-looking man is brought to a private room. He sits down, avoiding eye contact with the girl in front of him.
“Give us a few minutes, please,” Tessa asks softly.
When the door clicks shut, he leans forward, and she recognizes the same chocolate eyes as London's. “You aren’t my daughter,” he snaps.
“No, I'm not. Does it matter?” Tessa draws out a silver flask of gin and uncaps it, placing it on the table in front of him. His eyes watch every movement of her hand, and he leans forward to sniff the air in front of him.
“What do you want?” he demands.
“You have her eyes,” Tessa says, staring at him. “I find it odd that you didn't ask about her first,” she grins and lifts the flask to sip from it. He snakes out a hand, deceptively strong for such a frail-looking man.
Tessa feels fear for a fraction of a second until she releases the flask. He draws it to his mouth and takes a long hard pull, forgetting about everything but the burn of the liquid as it fires its way to his belly.
“I want to buy your freedom, Gray Mitchell.”
“Freedom? I don’t want freedom,” he hisses, holding the bottle close to his chest, just below
