Chapter 90

“I admit that I underestimated you,” Morleigh said.

Chance didn’t know which one of them he was speaking to, but he did know where Leander’s only hope of rescue lay. “Blackstone—” he began, and immediately stopped. Anything he said would sound like lies to save his own neck. He’d been too convincing in his attempt to win over Morleigh.

“For God’s sake, Blackstone, what are you waiting for?” Morleigh growled. “Shoot, damn you!”

Chance looked at the cellar door, trying to judge whether he could make a leap for it and save his neck as well as Leander’s. If Blackstone shot him, then Morleigh would be able to shoot Blackstone and kill Leander. He started for the door when a shot shattered the still morning air.

Immediately, Chance dropped to his knees, and it wasn’t until the echo had stopped that he realized he wasn’t the one who had been hit. Morleigh was on the floor again, this time with a red stain blossoming over the front of his waistcoat. Warily, Chance looked at Blackstone.