Page 41 of The Elusive Phoebe (The Widows of Lavender Cottage #1)

Chapter Twenty-Nine

A s Phoebe finally settled into her bed that night, she found sleep elusive. The knowledge that someone had been watching them, that their enemies were closing in, added urgency to what had begun as a romantic treasure hunt.

The sea whispered against the cliffs below, but its eternal song now carried an undertone of warning. Tomorrow they would race to London and the final piece of Robert's puzzle. And then, finally, they would discover what was worth killing for—and what might be worth dying to protect.

The game was no longer just about uncovering Robert's love letters to her. It had become a race against time, with enemies in the shadows and the very real possibility that their next discovery might be their last.

But as she lay in the darkness, listening to Archie's steady breathing from the room next door, Phoebe felt a fierce determination settle over her. She had come too far, learned too much, grown too strong to be frightened back into hiding now.

Whatever waited for them in London, they would face it together.

And this time, she would not be the helpless widow in need of rescue.

She would be Lady Smalling, inheritor of a spy's legacy, protected by a network of remarkable women, and accompanied by a man who had proven himself worthy of her trust.

Let their enemies come. She was ready for them.