Chapter Twenty-One

“But how did you know I was here?”

“For heaven’s sake, Erin. Where else would you be? You’ve been out of your mind carrying on with this man, without a rational thought in your head for some time now. I was on my way to fetch you before you compromised yourself further.”

As they sped down the icy streets, Erin swallowed hard and looked back. Best she could tell, Derek hadn’t followed her. A sudden, painful emptiness rivaling her fear swept over her.

The buggy made a turn northward. Erin frowned. “Aren’t you taking me straight home?”

Brown eyes narrowed to slits. “Don’t you think that would be the first place he’d look for you?”

“Yes, I suppose you’re right,” she murmured.

With a heavy sigh, Erin put on her socks and shoes and gazed at the falling snowflakes. She needed time to think before she could discuss what had unfolded with Derek.

Dear God in heaven.

And just what had happened? She had made love with Derek, given her body and heart to him, and she had felt his unwavering love in return.

But the penetrating visions and nightmares could no longer be ignored.

Somewhere in those horrible apparitions lurked Derek. Each time before, she had been able to push the frightening vision away.

Recalling the intensity of his blue eyes while they had made love, she shivered at the implication. Little doubt remained. The eyes that had gazed at her with such love and longing moments ago were identical to the wild blue eyes she had seen in her visions … and the night of the wolf attack.

The horses slowed to a trot as they neared the lyrical sound of lapping water. Flurries fell in splats across her forehead. Up until that moment, pure fear had kept her warm, but now she was icy cold to the touch. She rummaged under the seat and pulled out a wool blanket.

“This wind bites me to the core,” she said, draping the blanket over her head and clutching it tightly shut with both near-frozen hands.

They rode silently in the quiet cold of night. She gazed upward, watching the dark, snowy clouds spread out like an opaque fog, obscuring the silvery moon. A chorus of howls and wails echoed in the distance, sending a charge straight up her backbone.

The buggy slowed and finally stopped. Erin narrowed her gaze, trying to focus amid the darkness consuming the area. She could make out nothing other than the soft glow of water up ahead. Puzzled, she frowned. “But why are we stopping here? We’re in the middle of nowhere.”

“I want to pull the top up on the buggy.”

Erin rolled her eyes. “Yes, of course. That’s a good idea.”

The charcoal sky released the last white snowflakes with a gust of icy air, and a sliver of moonlight angled across the water, illuminating their surroundings.

They were near the water’s edge, next to the train tracks. The odors of moldering wood crates, rusted crab traps, and old fishing nets permeated the air. She glanced around. “Good heavens, why are we here?”

“Get out of the buggy.”

Erin’s teeth chattered. “No. I don’t want to. It’s cold, and this place is disgusting. Now let’s get out of here and go someplace warm. I need to think before heading home.”

“I said, get out of the buggy. Now.”

Erin frowned. “What’s gotten into you?”

The woman snorted and pulled something from her pocket. A flicker of moonlight illuminated the barrel of a pistol pointed squarely at Erin’s chest.

She stared at the servant. “What the … have you gone mad?”

“Get out now, or I’ll drag you out myself,” Maggie said.

Erin slowly reached inside her dress pocket, searching for the knife.

Maggie waved the pistol. “Put your hands up, Missy. Right where I can see them.”

Erin raised her empty hands. The blanket slipped from her shoulders, landing in a heavy woolen pool at her feet.

Seagulls squawked as they flew overhead, and small wooden boats anchored nearby bobbed against gentle waves. The wind carried earthy, salty scents of low tide, algae, and dead fish, making her stomach instantly curdle.

“Get down.” Maggie ordered.

Flashing the servant a menacing glare, Erin stepped down to the rocky ground below. “What’s going on here?”

“Put your hands up again where I can see them,” she said, waving the gun. “You’re as senseless as your mother was, aren’t you?”

Erin raised her hands, confusion and anger piercing her ribs with each breath. “My mother?”

How could Maggie say such a mean-spirited remark about a woman she claimed to have loved like a sister? She stared, unblinking, at the gun held within Maggie’s firm grasp. This wasn’t the servant she had known her entire life. Not the plump woman who had tended each and every fever, skinned knee, and bruise when she was just a small girl. Clearly, the woman had gone mad.

Haunting howls and feral yips ricocheted off the high cliffs, the eerie sounds carried by the icy wind. Erin’s fingertips tingled as a surge of blood blasted from her torso into her chilled limbs. She nodded slowly and spoke steadily. “Whatever you want, Maggie, it’s yours, but we have to get out of here.”

The servant laughed in a low throaty growl. “Whatever you want, it’s yours,” she mocked.

Erin scanned the desolate surroundings. “Why have you brought me here? Why the gun?”

Dark clouds slipped in front of the moon, and wild howls flooded the night, sending a cold current through her veins. Though frightened to the core, she summoned the courage to speak with authority. “I demand you explain yourself right now, Maggie.”

The wind kicked up, and the shadowy clouds moved aside, allowing light to reflect over the water, illuminating the area.

The servant’s eyes glowed. “That’s what your mother said. ‘Explain yourself, Maggie. You have some explaining to do, Maggie.’ The woman simply knew too much to keep around any longer.”

“What? What are you talking about? My mother died of consumption.”

“Oh, she had consumption all right. Lasted longer than anyone thought possible. Put on this Earth to protect you, I’m sure.” With each sentence, Maggie’s voice grew deeper. “Your mother was on to me. Challenged me. I merely put an end to her misery.”

Erin struggled for breath, recalling her mother’s death in detail. “The death certificate stated she died of consumption.”

“Yes, it does. It doesn’t mention that she died with a little help from me in the way of lethal poison —”

“Stop!” Erin turned, fighting the sobs rising in her throat. Right before her mother had died, the doctor had said, “If I didn’t know better, your mother would appear to be suffering from the effects of a poisonous toxin.” But he had immediately followed his comment with a shrug, saying, “But of course she’s been very ill for years. Your mother’s time has come.”

The sounds of the wild animals neared, claws clicking against the iron railroad tracks and wooden slats. Erin’s heart hammered. She inhaled deep breaths and exhaled slowly, trying to remain in control.

“Put away the gun, Maggie. This is ridiculous. We have to get out of here.” Over Maggie’s shoulder, she caught sight of two shadowy figures coming toward them. “Help! Help me!”

Maggie held the pistol steadily within her grip and laughed. “Your cry for help falls on deaf ears, I assure you.”

The couple walked leisurely toward them, clearly in no hurry to offer their assistance. Alongside a tall man, the woman’s unmistakable flowing red hair glowed under the soft moonlight as they neared.

Through blinding tears, Erin glared at Maggie. “You’re a horrible woman. I don’t understand any of this! Why, Maggie? Why would you kill my mother?”

The servant slowly shook her head. “It was written in the stars a long time ago, child.”

A paralyzing icy shiver rushed through her Erin’s body as the pair advanced toward them. “Madame Delacour,” she murmured.

“In the flesh,” Regine said, stepping before her, a seductive smile spread across her lips. The man beside her grinned wickedly, and his golden brown eyes smoldered as his gaze wandered the length of Erin’s quaking form. He looked like Derek, only different, sinister, eyes even wilder if that were possible.

Dizziness assaulted her. Maggie rushed forward and steadied her. “Stand straight, my dear. Don’t you know royalty when you see it?”

Regine raised her chin and stared at Maggie. “You’ve done well, Charmaine.”

Erin scrunched her nose and mouthed, “Charmaine?”

“Always at your service, my Queen.” Maggie bowed dramatically, “And to you, my Prince.” Maggie’s eyes bored into Erin’s. “Meet Prince Rudolpho. Soon to be King Rudolpho.”

Sobering her instantly, heated anger rushed to Erin’s cheeks as she stared at Regine Delacour. “Royalty? That’s absurd. You’re a madam — a prostitute!”

Rudolpho lurched forward and growled.

Erin gasped. “Stay away from me!”

Regine grabbed his arm. “Keep calm, Rudolpho. You’ll have your turn with Miss Richland in just a moment.” She cast her gaze toward Erin, appraising her from head to toe. “Feisty, isn’t she, son?”

Rudolpho’s eyes glowed like the dying embers of a smoldering fire. He licked his lips. “I prefer the meek, wayward lambs on Chestnut, but she’ll certainly do.”

With the subtlety of a lightning bolt, dawning comprehension smacked Erin between the eyes. It was Rudolpho who had murdered those poor fallen women down on Chestnut. Her face twisted with disgust as she surveyed the handsome, well-dressed man with the wild eyes described by Pearl.

Erin stepped forward and pointed a hard finger in his chest. “It was you!”

Rudolpho chuckled, clearly amused. “Moi?”

“Ever since the two of you arrived in Everett, the city has been turned upside down with … with —”

“With what?” Rudolpho tilted his head. “Maulings? Mayhem? Madness? The murders you so brilliantly wrote about in the newspaper?”

Erin lunged forward, teetering on the tips of her shoes. “How dare you mock me! You’re no prince — you’re pure evil!” Maggie yanked her back into place.

Rudolpho’s expression turned grave, his attention clearly diverted. He lifted his nose high in the air and sniffed the breeze. “They near.”

Regine rolled her eyes and put her hand on her hip. “Of course they near. That’s what we want.”

Regine’s gaze snapped to Erin. “You’re with child, Miss Richland. Are you aware of that?”

Erin turned from Regine’s heated stare.

Regine Delacour turned on her heel. “Fine. There’s no need for your confirmation. I’ve known you’ve been carrying Derek’s child for quite some time.”

Erin’s eyes narrowed to slits as she surveyed the red-head. “What business is it of yours if I am?”

Regine gritted her teeth, her eyes blazing with anger. “Oh, it’s very much my business.” She patted her son on the back so hard he pitched forward and coughed. “And very much Rudolpho’s business, as well. Between you and King Rudliff, I can’t determine which one to kill first. You’re both of equal threat now that you carry his child.”

Had this woman lost her mind? Had all three of them gone stark raving mad? King Rudliff? What the hell was Regine talking about? Apparently, she held a bigger torch for Derek than she had originally thought.

Erin snorted. “King? Are you insane?”

Maggie lowered the gun and sighed. “My Queen, she hasn’t a clue.”

Regine’s eyebrows rose high, and a flash of humor glinted in her eyes. “Is this so?” She slowly paced around Erin, hands clasped behind her back. “I suppose we’ll just have to enlighten her, won’t we, Charmaine?”

The howls and yips of the approaching beasts suddenly stopped dead, taking the foursome by surprise.

Before Erin had time to contemplate her move, she twisted and grabbed the gun from Maggie’s hand. In a flash, she threw it as far as she could, letting out a sigh when she heard the splash in the water.

The moon illuminated the deep, angry lines spread across Maggie’s face. “You should not have done that.” She lifted her hand and formed a fist.

Erin flinched, waiting for the impact that never came. She opened her eye a sliver and saw Regine clutching Maggie’s balled fist.

“Don’t worry about that now, Charmaine. We have bigger problems.”

Rudolpho slipped behind Erin and gripped her hands behind her back. The bones in her wrists rubbed together. She winced, fighting back the blinding pain in silence.

He leaned forward and inhaled deeply. “You smell divine,” he whispered against her ear. His dry lips grazed the nape of her bare neck. “I imagine you’ll taste just as sweet.”

She thought she would pass out and fall straight to the ground in a limp heap, but he held her firmly in his clutches, keeping her upright.

“Help!” she managed to shriek. Suddenly, his large hand covered her mouth so tightly she couldn’t bite down.

“Enough!” Rudolpho shouted.

His breath smelled like damp decaying earth. Instantly, her skin crawled.

She caught movement out of the corner of her eye. Dark shadows, high upon the cliff, moved swiftly down the bluff. Below, a pack of wolves, their haunches lowered, rushed like large rats along the tracks heading straight for the descending shadows.

Icy terror flooded her veins, and feral animal scents blasted into her nostrils, as the odor of wild creatures grew closer.

“Hold her tight!” Regine commanded.

There was no doubt about it. She was going to die if she didn’t try something, anything!

Maggie leaned in. “I can see you thinking, Missy. You forget, I know you all too well.”

Erin scowled at the older woman patting her down and rummaging through her dress pockets.

Maggie pulled out the sheathed knife and smiled. “Well, look what we’ve got here.”

Erin’s heart sank to her toes.

“Wait? What’s that, coming down the bluff?” Rudolpho asked.

Regine turned, just as frightening yelps echoed into the night. Growls and yips and whines of pain ricocheted across the cliffs, reverberating in all directions.

Rudolpho raised his head and howled. Regine yipped in reply.

Erin froze, paralyzed with fear. She couldn’t move now even if she tried.

In a flurry of movement, Rudolpho removed his hand from her mouth and roped her hands together, tying them in a tight bind behind her back.

She cried out, unable to hide the pain as the ropes dug into her flesh.

Maggie growled as though tortured. Rudolpho did the same, and Regine cried out in the night like an injured animal. Breathless with fear and near collapse, Erin watched in horror as the bodies of the morphing trio contorted and twisted, wild animal sounds coming from massive jaws glistening with saliva, as their clothes tore away, splitting like thin paper from their bodies.

Instinct to survive swelled from within, feet-first. Before she knew it, Erin took off running in her unfastened shoes, the binding ropes behind her back. She ran and ran, leaping over driftwood and dodging the slippery seaweed and barnacle-covered rocks dotting the darkened shoreline.

She glanced over her shoulder to see Maggie, Regine, and Rudolpho, each hunched on all four legs, their bodies covered in fur, as they sped toward the frightening sounds of wild animals fighting in a boisterous horde.

“Oh, God, oh, dear God in heaven,” she prayed as she fled for her life. Her foot caught on the edge of a large piece of driftwood. She fell hard and hit her head and kneecap against the rocky shore.

Warm blood trickled down her temple. Stars danced before her, and stinging tears flooded her eyes. She wiggled and arched her back, trying to rise from the ground, but without the use of her hands for support, her injured knee collapsed beneath her.

She lay on the desolate beach, alone, terrified, hearing the horrifying sounds of wild animals in a vicious fight to the death.

If only Derek were here!

She blinked, and puddled tears streamed down her scraped cheeks. Ignoring the cutting pain, she rolled to her side, curled in a ball of injured flesh, and closed her eyes.

No doubt remained. Tonight she would die.