.
The toy store was just as full as Gerard had warned. Most everyone was body to body, either pretending to find great interest in the toys or, while purchasing their trinkets, trying to start a lively conversation with either the man or woman behind the counter.
Another man greeted them at the door. He was tall with green eyes that didn’t smile with his mouth. “Good evening, gentlemen. Welcome to Christmas’ Toys and Gifts. How can I be of service?”
Justin was taken off guard by his presence and was sure the man had been hired to do exactly what he was doing—causing anyone who entered to second-guess their entry.
“I’m here to see Ms. Smith,” Justin said straightaway, deciding not to play games.
The stranger’s dark brows fell, making Justin second-guess his decision to be straightforward. “She’s not receiving callers.”
“Ever?” Gerard asked.
The man’s green eyes moved to him and he said, “Ever.”
Gerard took a step back.
“But I’m practically family,” Justin said, gaining the stranger’s attention and moving out of the way to let two women into the shop, which was already bursting with customers. They, at least, had a child with them.
His move forced them closer to the counter to where a woman with blue eyes kept gazing in their direction.
The guard didn’t react to Justin’s claim of familiarity, and Justin thought others had probably tried that ploy before. “Are you Lord Wint?”
“No,” Justin said deciding to try honesty. “But I believe that Ms. Smith would like to meet me. I’m Lord Chantenny. I owed her father a debt and, with him being dead, she is the only person I can repay.”
Something flickered in the man’s eyes before he crossed his arms. “What debt?”
Justin was once again taken back. He didn’t like the way the man before him spoke. He was used to more respect from servants.
The guard didn’t budge. “If you wish to speak to her, you will tell me of this debt that is owed.”
“Perhaps we should speak to the owner,” Gerard said, obviously not liking the guard as well. “Is he available?”
“He’s not,” the guard said. “And no one is speaking to Alexandra without my say so.”
Justin looked the man over in a new light. He was good looking and seemed to be in athletic shape. Addressing Ms. Smith by her first name meant he knew her intimately.
If what this man said was true, then Justin would have to tell him the truth. “Her father saved my father’s life. Both of our fathers died recently, but I’ve never repaid her father for his kindness.”
“Alex never knew her father and doesn’t care to know him now. Have a good day, my lords.” The guard dismissed both men and began to move as though the conversation were done.
Justin moved with him, blocking his way. “I don’t believe her decision to be in her best interest.”
Green eyes looked coolly at Justin. “That is her decision.”
“Yet as a friend, sometimes it is best that we help make decisions for them.” Lord knew how many Gerard had made on Justin’s behalf in the last three months. “The least you can do is let her hear what I have to say. At the end of the day, the father she doesn’t wish to recognize is still her father, and that makes him a part of her.”
The man was still angry but listening.
So Justin continued as he reached into his pocket. “I knew Lord Wint well. Our fathers were best friends and, as I said already, her father saved my father’s life. I could tell her stories about him if she wished it.” He handed the guard his card. “I would truly appreciate it if you could arrange our meeting.”
The stranger stuck the card into his pocket but kept his eyes on Justin. “I’ll think on what you’ve said and then I’ll make my decision. Have a good day, my lord.” He stared at Justin, waiting for him to move.
Justin, out of options and not wishing to anger the only man who could help him meet Ms. Smith, started for the door. He turned to look at Gerard, who followed, but then his eyes caught the woman who’d been behind the counter. He watched as she rushed toward the door on the other side of the building.
Had she been listening to their conversation?
Justin left and started around the corner. Gerard followed. “Now what?”
“I don’t know.” Justin turned the corner and jogged down the alley wall but came to a stop before turning the corner again.
There were men standing outside with umbrellas. They were obviously waiting for the infamous Alexandra Smith to show herself.
Poor woman. Everyone was hunting her. Still, Justin would not stop.
It wasn’t often he tried to manipulate situations in his favor. Those sorts of actions had always reminded him of his mother. Lying reminded him of the countess, but he told himself the circumstances were different. Christina Padmore had lied for the pleasure of causing trouble. Justin was trying to fix his. He kept that in mind with his every step.
The alleyway was slightly darker, the surrounding buildings blocking out the light. The smell of pungent filth had been awakened by the pouring rain.
“What are we doing?” Gerard whispered.
Justin lifted a hand to silence him just as the small woman he’d seen in the shop moments ago emerged. She held up her own umbrella, though she kept her head down as she moved.
“Miss,” the men began to call. “What’s your name? Are you Alexandra?”
“I’m not.” The girl had a small voice. “And I don’t know Ms. Smith. I was hired on this morning. Excuse me.”
“Miss, wait!” The men followed her.
The door to the back of the store opened and a large man, different from the one who’d been at the door, came out and bellowed, “Leave my alley, or I’ll have you removed!” Two more men came out, and Justin recognized the one from the front door.
He shrunk away as the newspaper men scattered, running down either side of the alley, passing him and Gerard without a glance.
Justin didn’t move until he heard the door close. Then he peeked around the corner and noticed the men gone, but the girl with the umbrella moving quickly in the other direction.
“She’s going to her,” Justin whispered.
“Justin, I’m still confused,” Gerard said.
“I’ll explain later. Are you coming with me or not?” Justin asked him, already knowing the answer before his friend spoke.