To Deceive A Duke

Chapter 50

They sit there for what feels like hours and Clarissa's hands begin to cramp, the wood rubbing against her back no matter how she positions herself. The pain in her ankle and head has lessened but her body is feeling weak, and her mind, numb. Jack's blood has dried into her dress and is sticking to her skin, leaving the tangy scent to hang around her. 

She and George talk in low voices after they unsuccessfully try to free themselves, or think up a viable plan. Part of her is relieved that he is shocked when she tells him of Daniel and Peter's betrayal. At least he is not another betrayer to add to the list. George tries and fails to make excuses for his brother's actions but they fall on deaf ears, and they lapse into silence as the afternoon wears on. 

A few hours later, Daniel gradually regains consciousness as the drug wears off. He is woozy at first but as his mind sharpens he starts to twist and turn, desperate to free himself. He is alarmed to see his brother and wife tied up with him, but George quickly updates him on their arrival, with Clarissa point-blank ignoring him. After George's story, Daniel explains what happened on the streets, how he and Peter were descended on by several men as they turned into an alley and that the rest is a hazy mess. 

Daniel tries to talk to Clariss, but she doesn't even acknowledge his presence. He gives up trying and turns his attention to his bonds, fiddling and squirming in the open. Unfortunately, every move he makes pulls George into the beam and the brothers get into a shouting match as George's hands are being repeatedly crushed by Daniel's escape attempts. They stop trying to wriggle free and try to come up with a plan, however, both of them are getting increasingly agitated and angry as time trickles by, picking fights about everything under the sun. At last, Clarissa intervenes, yelling at them to shut up and luckily they do, falling into complete silence. 

It's about half an hour later when Peter recovers consciousness and Clarissa feels the stirring of his hands by hers as he struggles to sit up properly. 

"What the hell?" He moans, blinking, "Where am I?" 

"A warehouse on Webber Street," George replies. 

"Oh god," Peter groans, "Wait, George? What are you doing here?" His fingers touch the soft small hands of the person he is tied to, "Clarissa?"

"I am here," She says bitterly, "How's your head?" 

"It feels like it is splitting open," He confesses, wincing. 

"It will pass," Daniel states, "Or it will stop when they kill us," 

"Wow, very helpful," George scoffs, "Thank you for your contribution brother, much valued," 

"What happened?" Peter says, turning his head in the direction of George's voice. 

"Jack sold us in," Daniel spits, "The stupid bastard sold out over a petty hatred," 

"Don't be so harsh on him," George says, "The lad is dead," 

"He's dead?" Peter repeats, befuddled "What?" 

"Lestrade shot him," Clarissa murmers, looking at the scarlet stains all over her dress. Disgust crawls into her stomach and she has to close her eyes to fight the nausea. She feels him shake his head. 

"I don't understand, why are we here?" He says to her, "Surely they know that killing us won't give them the power and control they need over our people, The Strand will never be theirs this way." 

There is a weighted silence, broken by George who says, "Clary?" 

Three heads turn towards her the best they can, and she looks at the wooden slats of the floor, her regret resting on her shoulders, "I was wrong about his intention. He doesn't want our territory, he wants to end the Cavendish line,"