Page 28 of A Raven Realized (The Raven’s Den #5)

Chapter Eighteen

I t was a luxurious bed. Undoubtedly the nicest Simon had ever slept in.

Or tried to sleep in, at least. Exhaustion should have had him sleeping like a baby, but instead, he spent the whole night awake, his mind a jumble of thoughts and emotions.

He could almost feel that he was closer to Madelene, and a selfish part of him wanted desperately to go to her.

To beg her to come back to him. But he had a job to do, and he was still not husband material, regardless of how much he wanted to be.

The sun hadn’t even risen when he finally gave up and threw off the blankets. Not surprisingly, faint light glowed beneath the door to Timms’ room too. Simon tapped softly, just in case he was asleep.

Timms opened the door, and without a word, turned and walked to the chair in front of the fire, the door left open as an invitation to join him. Simon closed it softly and settled into the empty chair.

“It seems a shame. These are the nicest beds either of us will ever sleep in, and we can’t even do that right.”

Timms nodded. “The nicest for me, perhaps. But it would seem you have friends in high places.”

“I don’t know if I’d call him a friend, exactly. The truth is, I hardly know the man.”

“So what made you decide you want to work for him?”

Simon shrugged. “He’s helped me out a few times.”

“So is it extortion or some sense of obligation then? A debt you have to repay?”

He looked at Timms. “Why does this suddenly feel like an interrogation? Do you think I’ve done something wrong?”

“I’m sorry.” He sighed. “I suppose I’m looking for reasons I shouldn’t feel envious of your opportunity.”

“Growing tired of working for the Intelligence Services too?”

“It does sometimes feel as if they slowly siphon away your soul without you even realizing it’s happening.”

“The truth is, I have no idea what I’ll be doing for the man, or if he’ll even still have me. But I do know he repays the loyalty of those around him with his own. Something we don’t get from the Intelligence Services.”

Timms simply nodded.

“If he turns out to be a decent employer, I’ll happily recommend you, Timms. You’ve been not only an impressive colleague, but a good friend.”

“Thank you. I’d appreciate that. And I hope you’ll stay in touch.”

“Let’s just get this bastard delivered so he can receive the punishment he deserves and we can finally close the book on this whole fraudulent marriage scheme. That has to happen before any job changes can take place.”

“Why is it so important to you? I know you’ve wanted to move on from the Intelligence Services for a long time, but I’ve never seen you fight as hard for something as you have to bring down this fake marriage scheme. Why is it imperative to you to finish this before you leave?”

Simon stared down at his finger as he rubbed it over the leather arm of the chair. He didn’t say anything for a long moment. He wasn’t sure he wanted to, but Timms could be trusted with the truth. He let out a long sigh before looking up.

“My sister was a victim of it.”

Timms looked into his eyes, assessing him without speaking, and Simon let him. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

Simon shrugged. “Would you have told me if it was your sister?”

Timms leaned his head and thought for a moment. “I don’t know, but I can understand why you kept it under your hat, and you can trust that it won’t leave this room.”

“Thank you.”

Timms breathed in deeply. “Well, it looks like the sun is thinking about coming up, so we might as well go collect him. Better to be early to the train station to keep things as calm and organized as possible.” He stood and looked down at Simon. “You will be able to restrain your anger, right?”

Simon huffed out a breath. He was going to make some kind of facetious retort, but Timms needed to know he could count on him. He stood and looked him in the eye.

“You can trust me, Timms.”

A short time later, they escorted Warwick out of the jail, his wrists and ankles both shackled, Timms on one side, Simon on the other.

“I should warn you,” Timms said as they walked. “If you try to run, he will kill you.”

“Don’t warn him, then he might not do it. Nothing would make my day better than ending the life of this piece of filth.” He looked at Warwick. “I beg you to give me a reason.”

People stared as they escorted Warwick onto the train, but fortunately the Intelligence Services had managed to reserve them a private compartment, so it didn’t last.

Disappointingly, he didn’t put up even a little bit of a fight.

“Everything alright?” Timms asked.

“Everything is perfect.” That wasn’t quite true. Not killing him would be the hardest part of this entire journey. This was the man who had performed the sham ceremony that had damned his sister to years of hell.

Warwick shifted in his seat and he eyed him.

“The only thing that would make this better is if he tries to run.” He gestured toward Warwick with his chin, and the man sank back. At least there was a shimmer of fear in his eyes now.

Timms looked over at him. “I’m afraid you might be out of luck. He doesn’t seem very inclined to make an escape attempt.”

“Resigned to his fate, it would seem.” Simon shrugged.

“We should make a wager.” Timms suggested. “The loser buys the winner a pint.”

“I’m in,” Simon said with a smile.

“I’ll even let you choose. Hard labor or the noose?”

“I have to go with the noose. I’ll enjoy watching him swing, like his brother.” Simon pictured it as he spoke.

“Why do you find so much joy in torturing me?” They were the first words Warwick had uttered since they’d collected him.

Simon was out of his chair in an instant, his fist gripping the man’s shirt, his face barely an inch away. He spoke in a low growl. “Do you have any idea the hell you sentenced those women to?”

Warwick cowered. “I didn’t hurt anyone.”

Simon roared. Timms pushed him back into the seat. “Easy,” he warned.

Simon’s entire body trembled, and his pulse pounded in his ears. He wouldn’t cut this man’s throat. That was far too quick and easy. If he ever did get the opportunity to end his life, he’d make it painful and as drawn out as possible.

“I suggest you keep your mouth shut, Warwick,” Timms said quietly.

* * *

Madelene sat on the floor in front of her fire, her chin resting on her knees. She’d finally managed to stop crying and the residue of her tears was drying on her cheeks. The door opened and closed quietly, and Selma settled beside her.

“I’m sorry,” Madelene said softly.

Selma rubbed comforting circles over her back. “No apologies, my dear.”

There was such kindness in Selma’s eyes when Madelene finally looked. With a defeated sigh, she leaned in and rested her head on Selma’s shoulder. “What did they say about my outburst?”

“Nothing. David’s mother told him off for being so forward with you.”

Madelene laughed even as more tears ran from her eyes. “Why does my heart still bleed for him?”

Selma squeezed her shoulders lovingly. “Unfortunately, hearts don’t heal easily. If they did, love wouldn’t mean anything.”

She closed her eyes, her heart aching with despair. “I spent a lifetime dreaming of what it might be like to fall in love, knowing I would never experience it.” She had been so lonely before Simon. “Is this my punishment for not appreciating the life I had before?”

“This isn’t a punishment, love.” She squeezed her again. “Even with this pain, would you really give up the days you had with him?”

Slowly, Madelene shook her head, unable to speak. Simon flashed in her mind. His storm-filled eyes, his smile, his kindness. Before him, no one had ever looked at her. Really looked at her. Simon peered into her eyes and saw her soul. He saw her as a woman. He wanted her as a woman.

Selma pressed a kiss on top of her head. “Gradually, it will get better. I promise. One day, you’ll be able to look back on the time you had with him and feel gratitude and joy, rather than sadness.”