If He's Wicked. Hannah Howell

of her curiosity was born of a keen need to see what kind of woman could make Julian Kenwood plunge himself into a year of debauchery.

      “Very unwillingly,” replied Arthur. “After this, I fear he may be more trouble than he is worth. He becomes more angry than afraid.”

      “Ah. Dangerous. So be it. No one will really miss the fool.”

      “Except, perhaps, for young George.”

      Soft laughter trailed behind the couple as they left the room. Chloe did not move for several moments, frightened that one or the other might return. Finally, she eased the drape aside enough to peer into the room. Seeing that no one was there, she stepped out from behind the drape and wondered what to do next.

      The first thing she needed to do was find Leo. He would know who Conrad was or, at the very least, know how to find out that information. Once they knew who the man was, they would have some idea of what he was being forced to do for Arthur. Despite her lingering fear, Chloe felt rather pleased that she was the one who had some helpful information this time.

      She reached for the latch on the door only to see it move. Chloe yanked her hand back and frantically tried to think of some excuse for being in the library. Discovery meant that two very dangerous people might learn that she had been in the room, possibly even at the same time they were. She was fighting a rising panic when the door opened and Leo stared at her in surprise. Relief swept over Chloe so quickly, she felt a little unsteady, but Leo caught her around the waist and helped her to a seat.

      “Are you ill?” he asked even as he lightly touched her forehead and cheeks for signs of a fever.

      “Nay. I was afraid I was about to be caught lurking in here, and the relief I felt when I saw you briefly overwhelmed me.”

      “Who did you fear would discover you?”

      “Arthur and Beatrice. They were in here only a short time ago. So short a time ago that I am surprised you did not meet them on your way here.”

      “Nay, I did not see them. Just where were you?” He glanced toward the large desk set near the far wall.

      “Not under there. I was behind the drapes.”

      Leo ran a hand over his tightly queued hair and stared at her, his concern for her actually making him grow a little pale. “God’s tears, Chloe. They could easily have found you.”

      She nodded and wrapped her arms around herself as a chill of lingering fear rippled over her. “I know. When someone came into the room I began to think on how I could gracefully step into view without causing myself a great deal of embarrassment. Then the two men began talking and I realized one of them was Arthur Kenwood. I stood as still as a statue and hardly dared to breathe.”

      “Who was the other man?”

      “Conrad. That was the only name spoken.” She told him everything else she had heard. “Do you have any idea who Conrad is?”

      “I have an idea, or two, but I will need to look closely at the matter.”

      She sighed, disappointed that there would not be a quick resolution. “I was hoping you would know, for I am sure it would tell us what he is going to do for Arthur. The man is in danger, as well, and not just from the consequences of doing what Arthur asked of him.”

      Leo nodded, stood up, and tugged Chloe to her feet. “Aye, Arthur must see that he is losing his hold on the man, and he cannot allow that to happen.”

      “Leo? You do not think all that young George talk meant that Conrad abuses boys, do you?”

      “I hope not. I would sorely regret saving the man’s life if that is so. Yet, we need to thwart as many of Arthur’s plots as we can.”

      “Conrad could also be a worthy witness.”

      “Not if he abuses boys. Sad to say, not even if his lover is a willing adult and just a little younger than Conrad.”

      “How unfair.”

      “True, but I fear that will be a long time achanging. And this is not something I should be discussing with an unwed young woman. Now, since you were lurking behind drapes, I will assume you have had enough of this gathering.”

      “More than enough.”

      “Then we will gather Edgar and leave. I doubt I have much time to find Conrad and I should like to get started.”

      “Should we tell Julian about this?” she asked as they started out of the room.

      “It is not worth disturbing his sleep tonight. Morning will be soon enough and, if I am lucky, we will know who Conrad is and what Arthur wants.”