“Reason!”
“But I ask you to listen now. For God’s sake, we’ve saved each other’s lives more than once. Think, Liam. If you know me at all, you know I wouldn’t do this.”
Liam made a sound of disgust and strode away, then turned suddenly and looked straight into Mac’s eyes. “Well, Mac?” he asked with unexpected gentleness. “Do you believe him?”
She couldn’t read Liam’s expression, or the strange light in his steady gaze. “I’ve never met Mr. Sinclair before,” she said, “but I believe he’s telling the truth.” She swallowed. “If I thought he’d tried to kill you, he’d be my enemy as much as yours.”
He came to her then, holding her more surely with his unwavering regard than with any physical restraint. “Would he?” He raised his hand; she shivered as his fingers brushed her cheek. “And what is it they say about the enemy of my enemy?”
“I’m not your enemy, old man,” Perry interposed coolly. He looked at Mac. “Liam’s life was never in any danger from me.”
Liam dropped his hand, his expression hardening. “Then you can prove your good faith,” he said to the Englishman. “Stay away from Caroline.”
Perry walked to the window, leaning on his cane as he gazed out on the city. “You know that’s impossible.”
“I know that nothing has changed, whatever happened in the jungle.” Liam smiled without a trace of humor. “There are less than two weeks left until her birthday, and you won’t be getting any more chances to deceive her with your flattery and corrupt her innocence.”
“Corrupt her?” Perry spun around, cane raised like a weapon. “You’re deceiving yourself. You don’t care about her happiness. You don’t love her. Why are you so afraid to let her make her own decisions?” His eyes narrowed. “Or is there something else you fear—”
Liam strode to the door and flung it open. “Get out of here, Perry, before I decide you’re a bloody liar.”
Perry took up his cane and sauntered unhurriedly across the room. “This isn’t finished, old man.”
“You’re right.” Liam all but shouldered Perry out the door. “I’ll be watching you. Keep that in mind—old friend.” He glanced back at Mac. “Don’t worry. I’m persuaded of your innocence. I keep my promises.”
“Wait,” Mac said. “We haven’t—”
Without another word Liam followed Perry and shut the door behind them.
For a painful stretch of time all Mac could hear was her own pounding heart. She backed up until her legs hit the bed, and sat down.
Great. Just wonderful. Liam had walked out on her again, and nothing was resolved. She laughed weakly and rubbed at her forehead. Maybe she should be grateful for a little peace and quiet to think, because she seemed to be back at square one.
What should she say when Liam came back? She could tell him straight out why he couldn’t marry Caroline. But of course that was ridiculous. He’d only think her even more crazy.
Or she could appeal to Perry. She’d been honest with Liam; she didn’t believe Perry was a murderer. Maybe if she could meet Caroline as well, some incredibly effective plan would pop into her head…
She’d be damned if she’d wait around for that to happen. She jumped up, strode to the door and opened it. Liam wasn’t there, of course, to receive a piece of her mind.
But neither was the bruiser he’d left on guard. She took a cautious step into the hallway. No one by the balustrade, or—
“Miss MacKenzie?”
She started, turned sharply and found herself looking into a pair of keen brown eyes. Peregrine Sinclair stood beside her door, hat in hand, his demeanor as unruffled as if he’d just arrived on a social call.
Or as if he’d read her mind.
Chapter Twelve
Time is that wherein there
is opportunity, And opportunity
is that wherein there is
no great time.
—HIPPOCRATES
“WHERE’S LIAM?” MAC demanded.
“He’ll be gone for some time, I believe,” Perry said, swinging his cane with perfect nonchalance. “When I was waiting for a hack I saw him receive what appeared to be an urgent message. He left several minutes ago.”
“But you didn’t leave,” she said.