Enticing the Weary Warrior: The Rogue Agents, #3

1

Late-February 1815

London, England

The man opened the door to the Horseguards and made the long, arduous climb up the stairs. His left leg throbbed, ached, and dragged when he was especially tired. He used a cane these days to help with stability. Thump. Clump. Thump. Clump. No longer was he the stealthy agent he had once been. When he reached the top of the staircase, he paused to catch his breath. The injuries he had suffered at New Orleans, and before, would have killed a lesser man. Had killed lesser men.

At least he looked human now. His once heavy, matted beard had been shorn to only a slight growth, an indication of days when he did not feel like shaving. His hair no longer hung below his shoulders, but brushed his collar. He no longer carried the smell of Jackson’s Dirty Shirts on his person, and instead smelled like leather and sandalwood. He did not meet with societies dictates, but he dared anyone to say a word to him. After pushing away from the wall, he continued down the hall, reading the signs on the doors until he came to one that read Stuart McKenzie, Director. He let out a sigh of relief, glad that some things had not changed. He entered the outer office. A mousey man looked up at him.

May I help you?

I’m here to see Director McKenzie, the man announced, his Scottish brogue undetectable. He had been taught that the wrong accent could get you killed; therefore, he could speak many accents. So many, in fact, that he felt like he no longer knew who he was, or which one belonged to him.

He is not in yet. May I give him a message?

Mack not at work? Is he dying?

Not to my knowledge. One of the twins has been ill.

Twins? the stranger asked in shock.

I’m sorry, but I don’t believe I got your name?

I don’t believe I gave it. How can I get in touch with him?

I’ll let him know that you came by if you will just tell me your name and the matter you wish to discuss with him, the smaller man said bravely to the giant standing before him.

That won’t work. I need to speak to—

I know I’m running late, Preston. Cassie… a burly, dark-haired, handsome man entered the small outer office. He looked up and studied the man that stood in front of him. It can’t be.

Mack, the man said with a nod.

Liam McTavish?

Outside of London

Go, go, go, Megan chanted as the wind whipped her hair loose from its braid. She stood in the stirrups, crouched low over the neck of the Thoroughbred. She never once set a whip to the horse’s flesh, she merely called to him, whispered to him. Faster, Legend, just a little faster, she crooned. As they crossed the imaginary line, she slowed him down. She circled back around to Hamrick, breathing quickly, exhilarated with the way Legend had performed. They pranced up to the older man, and she noticed a group of men gathering around. She should have expected this. How did we do, Hamrick?

Fastest time yet, lass, the older man crowed.

I knew it! Did you hear that, sweet boy? Megan asked as she leaned over Legend’s warm neck and patted him affectionately.

I’ve never seen a girl ride like that, a young man said in awe.

Women shouldn’t ride like that, another pompously replied.

She could ride me like that anytime she wanted, one said snidely.

Megan started to raise her whip, when she heard a voice cut through the crowd. Sister, dear, I believe I’ll have you teach the female trainees to ride like that. It would be good for them to not always rely on public transportation and side saddles. Perhaps a few of the men could use a lesson or two as well, what do you think, Williams? Justin Southerby turned and looked at the man who had made the sexual comment.

I can think of one or two, sir. The man said, refusing to back down.

Perhaps—

Justin, thank you for defending me, but you just cannot fix ignorance, Megan said, looking down at the man from her lofty seat on the back of Legend.

Men, I believe you have training to attend to, Justin said pointedly.

Bitch, they heard the one man utter under his breath.

What was that, Williams? Justin demanded, jerking the man around.

Justin, let him be, Megan said.

Know this, you have been warned. I’ll have no disrespect towards the women under my care. That includes my wife, sister, daughter, and the female trainees. Do you understand, Williams? The man stared him down silently for several minutes. Justin wrapped his fists in the man’s lapels and snarled very slowly so Williams understood every word, Do…you…bloody…well…understand…me? When no answer was forthcoming, Justin tightened his grip. Answer me, he demanded.

Yes, the man said grudgingly.

Good. If you think you can’t handle this situation, then perhaps you should reconsider your future.

I can handle it.

Good. Justin, Hamrick, and Megan watched the man stomp off. Stuart, watch him, Justin ordered one of the head trainers.

Yes, sir, the man saluted before following the group back to the training barn.

Justin, I’m sorry. I truly didn’t mean to cause trouble, Megan said.

This is my home and you’re welcome to train your horse while you’re here. If he has an issue with women, better we find out about it now. Do you think Legend will be ready to race?

I’m positive. He’s recovered from the boat ride over and we just posted our fastest time ever, Megan said excitedly.

Who’s going to be your jockey?

I’m still working that out.

Jace and Holly are up from their naps. They were asking for you, which is why I’m out here.

Why didn’t you bring them with you?

Clare’s funny about her children, especially Holly, being around horses that spend their lives traveling at high speeds, Justin said.

I love your wife, I swear I do, but sometimes, Megan teased, rolling her eyes.

I know, he placed an arm about his sister’s shoulders and guided her towards the house. I’m glad you came here. I’ve missed you.

I’ve missed you, too.

How are you doing? Justin asked, studying her profile as they walked.

I have Lady Belle and Legend. I will have to be content with them.

I still can’t believe that John ripped Paddy away from you like that. And all because some man showed up in his life claiming to be his son. It doesn’t make sense, Meggy.

What in my life in the past five years has made sense? John did what he thought he had to do.

How can you not be angry?

How can you be angry with a dead man? Megan asked her brother as she slid an arm about his waist. I can either waste my time and energy on being angry, or I can cherish the time I had with Paddy and move on with my life. Perhaps one day fate will fix things back as they should be.

Do you truly believe in fate? Justin asked her, curiously.

I have nothing else to believe in anymore.

Back in London…

Stunned silence filled the office.

Are you going to stand there all day staring at me, or can we sit? My leg is bloody well killing me.

Mack walked across the office and gave the man a bear hug, causing Liam to wince. There were reports of your death. We’d given up hope.

Mack’s Scottish burr was as thick as ever, reminding Liam of one more thing that had been stolen from him. Bitterness filtered into his words, I know. So had I.

Wulfe will be elated.

I know that as well.

Come into my office. Preston, I am not to be disturbed.

Yes, sir.

Start at the beginning, Mack instructed Liam as he shut the door.

What do you consider the beginning? Liam looked up to see Mack lift an imperious brow. Fine. After Wulfe and I staged that little scene that night… How did that end up by the way?

"Wulfe uncovered a plot to kill Prinny. Several leading men within the ton were involved, including the man that became Wulfe’s partner that night in the gaming hell after your supposed death."

Well, at least something good came from that night.

Yes. Now, go on with your story.

I disappeared and made my way into Spain to find Wellington. I went on countless spy and reconnaissance missions. Then something happened. I couldn’t tell you now what it was. Perhaps I was overly confident and didn’t take the necessary precautions. Whatever it was, I walked into a trap and was captured by French soldiers. I was beaten, tortured, and starved for almost a year. Then all hell broke loose at Ciudad Rodrigo. The Frogs were so busy that they forgot about me, and I slipped free.

That was over two years ago.

Yes. I wasn’t strong enough to fight through the battlefield to find our troops. I collapsed at a little farm, and the family nursed me back to health. I finally caught up with Wellington. He informed me I was of no use to him in Europe anymore since they had found me out. He sent me to America.

Silence filled the room for quite some time.

How long were you there? Mack quietly asked.

Until the bloody end.

Damn, I’m sorry. How did you get here?

Since I was not attached to the military, I did not have to wait for a naval ship to see me home. I found a privateer that promised the fastest voyage back to England. I boarded that boat and never looked back.

I will be having a word with Wellington for not sending notice that you were alive.

Do what you must, but it won’t change what happened, Liam countered.

But I just wonder how many others are out there? How many others are in a situation similar to yours, but we believe are dead?

It could be a higher number than you think.

Where are you staying? Mack inquired, breaking the silence that permeated the room.

An inn.

I won’t hear of it. You’ll come and stay at my house. I’ll send Cassie a note to ready one of the guest rooms.

Cassie?

My wife.

I must be hallucinating. Stuart McKenzie is married?

Very married, and I am also a proud father.

Life really does go on, doesn’t it?

Yes, Mack said, sounding guilty.

I want to be mad about that, but I can’t.

I know. Go gather your things from your hotel. Here are the directions to my house, Mack said as he scribbled some information on a piece of paper. Here is money for a hack. If you’re not there by the time I get there, I will come looking for you and drag your sorry arse there. Understand?

Mack, I appreciate your offer, but I can’t accept.

Why not?

It would just be best if I stay where I am. I would love to meet your wife and children, but I must keep my accommodations as they are.

You know I would rather you stay at my home.

And I must politely refuse. When should I come by?

Tonight, Mack replied sounding resigned. He named a time to which Liam nodded his head and agreed. Come with an empty stomach. Cassie’ll want to fatten you up. What about money? Do you have enough?

I have a little.

I’ll see that you receive your back pay.

I’d appreciate that. Liam stood with a grimace and reached across the desk to shake the other man’s hand. I’ll see you this evening.

Liam left the office and wandered aimlessly along the London streets until his leg refused to cooperate any longer. He found himself in a coffeehouse, tucked away in a corner. Liam ordered and patiently waited. The waiter brought him a steaming cup of coffee. Liam lifted the dainty cup and took a sip of the hot, dark liquid. It was a finer, richer coffee than what the Americans had, but not so fine as the French. He found that he missed the heavy mugs that the Americans drank from. He felt like he would crush this one at any moment.

He picked up a copy of The Times that had been left on a nearby table, and began reacquainting himself with London. Just as he was becoming disgusted with all of the society gossip, which seemed not to have changed in the least while he was away, he turned the page and saw an article that caught his eye. The headline read, The War is Over. Now What? The author, C. E. Jones, discussed the fact that soon England would be overrun with out of work soldiers now that both wars were finished.

What will become of all those men when they come back home to England. Many of them have only ever known how to fight. What will they do to support themselves and their current and future families? How will England support all the current workers and those that are added to their number? What will happen to those that return, unable to work? Are they not still an important part of our country?

Friends, if you have not been thinking about this situation, I suggest you begin now. These men are our heroes who saved us from a tyrant. What are we going to do to show them our thanks?

The author went on discussing the need of several different programs. Liam set the paper aside once he had finished reading the article. Jones was correct. No one knew what to do with a soldier, or a spy, for that matter, when they returned from war. Let alone the soldiers themselves. The waiter brought Liam another steaming cup of coffee. He had been so intent on the article, he had not realized he finished his first cup. Liam leaned his chair back on its two rear legs and stared at the ceiling, contemplating what he was going to do next.

He longed for the Highlands, the place he had called home for so long, but he couldn’t take away what his brother had more than likely worked for these last years. His brother would make an excellent laird. Liam wanted somewhere to call home. He just wasn’t sure what he wanted to do. One thing was certain, he had to speak with someone about allowing his brother to keep the title. Liam knew it wasn’t the typical thing to do, but it had to be done. Long shadows overtook the sunshine, naturally dimming the room. He watched the waiter approach.

Pardon me, sir, but we will be closing soon.

Yes. Liam settled up his bill and left. He hailed a hack and gave the driver the address he had been given earlier.

The hack stopped in front of a large townhouse in a nice, but not too upscale neighborhood in London. Liam pulled back the curtain and looked out the window. Several houses had lights blazing in the windows. Liam opened the hack door and eased himself out, leaning heavily on his cane. He heard the clattering of horses’ hooves and wheels on the cobblestones. He turned around to see a well-polished, unmarked carriage pull to a stop behind the rented hack. The door opened and Mack stepped out.

Which one is yours? Liam asked.

The corner one here, Mack said, moving forward. He tossed some coins up to the jarvie then clapped Liam on the back. Come along.

Mack led the way up to the house. A man dressed in a sedate black suit opened the door.

Welcome home, sir.

Thank you. Did my message arrive?

Yes, sir.

Excellent. Where is Mrs. McKenzie?

In the study.

Come with me, Liam. I want you to meet my wife.

Liam followed Mack down the hall into a room on the right. It was a wood-covered study filled with books. Sitting at a desk, scribbling, was a beautiful blonde woman. She was not the kind of woman Liam would have imagined the Director marrying, but then he had never thought the man would marry.

Cassie, darlin’, Mack said as he crossed the room. The woman looked towards him and her eyes lit up. She lifted her lips to Mack’s and Liam felt like an intruder as the two shared a passionate kiss. How’re you feelin’?

Fine.

Good. And the twins?

Refusing to stay in the nursery. She gave a husky laugh and nodded toward the fireplace where a boy and girl lay asleep on a quilt.

That means they’re on the mend, he kissed her again, this time quick and chaste, before turning to Liam. Cassie, this is Liam McTavish, he’s one of my agents.

Former agent, Liam corrected.

That has yet to be determined. Liam, this is my wife, Cassie.

It’s a pleasure, Liam bowed to Cassie.

Mr. McTavish.

Please, call me Liam.

Excuse my saying so, but you seem to be in some pain.

My leg bothers me on occasion, and the cool English weather is not helping.

Excuse me, she stood with Mack’s assistance, revealing that she was enceinte and left the room.

This was a bad idea, Liam said. I will leave immediately.

You will do no such thing, Cassie said from the doorway, having returned quickly with an older, Oriental woman in tow. This is Mingzhu. She’s a healer in her country. She uses very thin needles, herbal teas, and other things to treat ailments and injuries.

Mack spoke up at the look of skepticism on Liam’s face. It’s true. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. She takes care of the twins and Cassie. I’ve even relented to allow her to stick me with her pins on occasion.

Thank you, but no, Liam said.

The woman began chattering to a man in a strange language he had never heard before. The little man began to talk, Mingzhu says she can help with pain. We give you moves that help damaged area. You get better.

And who are you? Liam asked skeptically, raising a brow at the little man.

This is Chang, Cassie introduced. He is like an uncle to me. He can help you to regain your strength, Cassie said.

There’s no need, Liam insisted.

How long have you been injured, Mr. McTavish? Cassie asked, crossing her arms so that they rested between her bosom and protruding stomach.

Years. I only recently re-injured my hip.

Then tell me, what would it hurt to try? Surely it would be better than walking around with a constant grimace on your face, Cassie argued.

I suppose I could try.

Excellent, Cassie said clapping her hands. We start with the best meal you’ve ever had.

I’ll take the twins upstairs and meet you in the dining room in a moment, Mack said as he crossed the room and bent to scoop up his sleeping children.

Cassie nodded, looped her arm through Liam’s like he was her long-lost brother, and led him out of the room.

The trio ate together with Cassie chattering away throughout the entire meal. Liam studied the couple, watching how they looked at each other across the table. He noticed how they touched one another when they believed no one was looking. Mack lit up when his wife talked. Liam couldn’t help himself and started chuckling.

What do you find to be so funny? Mack queried.

You. If I didn’t see it for myself, I wouldn’t believe it.

Believe what?

You, a doting husband and father, Liam added.

We all change when we have the right enticement to do so, Cassie said.

Isn’t it a woman’s lot in life to marry and have children? Liam challenged the blonde.

Mr. McTavish, before I met Mack, I had no desire to marry, nor have children. So, no, your thoughts are erroneous, but thank goodness he did come into my life. Now, I cannot imagine my life without him or our children.

Forgive my presumptuousness then, Mrs. McKenzie. If you’ll excuse me, I believe I will retire for the evening.

Mr. McTavish, I apologize. Quite often I speak before thinking through what I should say first.

No, Mrs. McKenzie. Everything you said was true, and I find I am exhausted.

Please stay the night. Allow Chang to make you some of his tea, it will help you sleep. Mingzhu can give you a treatment. Please, Mr. McTavish.

She very rarely begs, Liam. This means a lot to her.

Very well.

Excellent. I had a room readied for you.

Confident, were you? Liam asked Cassie.

She can be quite persuasive, Mack said. By the way, here you go. Mack reached into an inner pocket of his superfine coat and pulled free a bank book.

Liam took it, opened it, and read the balance. This is too much.

No, it’s not. I discussed the matter with Lord Liverpool, and he agreed, as did Bathurst. It’s the least we can do for you after what you’ve done for our country. Now, I’ll show you where your room is. Mack stood and led Liam out of the room. You’ll find that Cassie is very outspoken.

Please don’t apologize.

I have no intention of apologizing for Cassie. I just thought perhaps I should warn you as to the uniqueness that is my wife. She’ll speak her mind regardless of who you are or your beliefs, and I found out long ago that, more often than not, she’s right. You see, my wife is a novelist and a journalist and she’s good at what she does. She can often see things about people that others can’t.

She seems very interesting, Liam said at a loss for a description of the woman he met.

Oh, I know she can be overwhelming, but she’ll grow on you.

Mack, do you…

Yes?

Nothing. Thank you for your hospitality. It’s good to be around people I know once again.

It’s the least I could do after all you have been through.

It was my choice to join in the fight.

Aye, but it was not your choice to suffer at the hands of the enemy. The two men walked on down the hall. This is your room, Mack said.

Liam stepped and took a look around. This is too grand.

That’s exactly what I thought when this house was gifted to me by my grandmother. I must say that I have come to enjoy the finer things. Good night, friend.

Liam shut the door and leaned heavily against it. Beads of sweat broke out on his upper lip. I can’t do this, he announced to the empty room. A knock sounded at the door at just that minute causing him to jump and twist his bad hip. Bloody hell, he managed to lean heavily against the low dresser. He took several deep breaths as he tried to manage the pain. In his peripheral vision he saw Chang enter the room. The man quickly sat down a tray then rushed to Liam’s side.

You hurt. I help.

Appreciated, Liam ground out. The man helped Liam cross the room to the large bed then helped him remove his boots. Beads of sweat popped up on his brow.

Undress, Chang ordered. I bring Mingzhu. She help.

Liam hurt too much to argue. He had walked too much today in the cold London air and was now paying the price. He would do anything to go just a few hours without pain being his constant companion. The fire burned cheerily in the hearth, and he had just managed to crawl beneath the covers of the bed when the door opened. His body was covered in a fine sheen of sweat.

Here Mingzhu, the little Oriental man announced.

Liam opened his eyes to see a tiny slip of a woman moving his direction with a wooden case in her hands. She sat it down and started jabbering in her native tongue. The little man quickly complied with her orders and took something to the fire. Liam watched him light it then just as quickly blow it out. He then walked around the room waving it about, which left behind a pleasant scent. Next, Chang poured something into a cup and brought it over to Liam.

Drink.

Liam tossed back the hot liquid in one gulp then collapsed against the bed, not caring that it burned his mouth and throat.

Relax. Close eyes.

Liam followed the little man’s instructions. He couldn’t help but wince when he felt the first little prick, but after that he knew what to expect and accepted each little invasion into his skin. Before long, he felt sleep tugging at him and he willingly went.

2

London, a month later

You can’t continue to hide here away from the world. All you do is skulk about the office or go to your rented rooms. You’ve even stopped coming to my house. The twins miss you.

Not true, I still see Mingzhu and Chang regularly, and that isn’t fair to use your children to try and manipulate me.

Fine, but coming for your treatments doesn’t count, Mack argued. You’ve become a hermit and that isn’t good for you. Besides, you have to see your family at some point.

Stay out of this.

You’re hiding from the world, Liam. You can’t continue to do this. It isn’t healthy.

Stop preaching to me what I should or should not do, Liam said from his place behind the desk.

You’re being a stubborn fool.

He’s good at that. A familiar voice filled the room. Liam looked up to see a man leaning negligently against the door frame. It’s good to see you, old man.

Wulfe, Liam stood and walked around the desk, his limp almost non-existent now. The two men met and grasped one another in welcome. "You’re looking well. How’s the Lady Luck?"

I wouldn’t know. I gave that life up. I’m now a happily married man, with two wards and two children of my own.

Never say it’s true, Liam said, shocked.

Oh, it’s true, Wulfe replied.

Mack slipped quietly out of the office, leaving the two men to speak privately.

Sit, Liam indicated a chair on the other side of the desk. What brings you to London?

You. Mack wrote me that you had shown up at his doorstep, a little worse for the wear, but alive nonetheless. What happened to you?

"Things better left in the past. Tell me about yourself. You’ve left the Lady Luck behind for a wife and children?"

Yes, my wards are my brother’s twins. We lost both him and his wife within a few years of each other.

I’m sorry about that. I remember how much you cared about him. Who is the woman that swept you away from all this? Liam asked, circling his hands to indicate the office.

Rebekah.

I’m sorry, but I must have misunderstood. Did you say Rebekah?

Yes.

The woman that you swore despised you, yet you never understood the reason why.

Yes.

Unbelievable, Liam said, leaning back in his chair.

Let’s just say that we had a past I was unaware of and once I found out all she’d been through, I really couldn’t blame her reaction.

And now?

Oh, she’s still fiery, strong-willed, and not afraid to put me in my place when she believes I need it, but that’s why I love her.

You love her?

I know it isn’t manly to admit, but it’s the truth. And what of you? Have you let your woman know that you’re hale and hearty?

She’s not my woman and hasn’t been for a long while.

You can remedy that. Silence. Do you not—

I’d rather not talk about her.

All right. So what do you plan to do with the rest of your life?

Take one day at a time. I’m currently assisting Mack on some projects.

I see.

What does that mean?

It means…nothing, Wulfe denied.

No, go on. Please share your wisdom, Liam taunted.

I’m not spoiling for a fight with a friend freshly back from the dead, Wulfe said, shaking his head. I must be returning home. I don’t like being gone from my family.

I never thought to hear Thorn Wulfe, one of London’s most scandalous and sought after bachelors, ever say those words.

People change. Wulfe stood and looked at Liam. You should reconsider seeing Megan.

I’ll continue on as I am.

I’d like for you to meet my family.

Perhaps.

You can’t become a damn recluse, Wulfe argued.

It was good to see you, Wulfe, Liam stood and shook his former partner’s hand. He waited until the other man left the office before sitting back down in his chair. His hands shook. Liam had managed to push thoughts of Megan and the past from his mind since arriving back in London, but Wulfe had shown up and ruined that.

Megan had been all he had thought of when he had been imprisoned by the French. He couldn't wait to be free and find her and be with her. He had spent hours talking to her in an attempt to keep himself from going insane. Then the beatings had begun to take their toll on his body. Parts of him that had reacted at just the thought of Megan, no longer even twitched at the thought of any woman, let alone her. Then he had gone to America and seen things that no man could unsee. He feared himself a broken man, both physically and mentally.

Come in, he called, grateful for the interruption of his thoughts when a knock sounded on his door.

Is Wulfe already gone? Mack asked.

You just missed him.

Damn, Mack said and started to leave Liam’s office.

Is there something I can help you with? Liam asked, wanting to do whatever he could to take his mind off his thoughts of things that could not be.

We have a training facility outside of London. I have some information I need to pass along to the man in charge.

A training facility? Did you not receive word that the wars are over?

Aye, but you never know when another will begin and spies are always needed to keep a finger on the pulse of what is going on around the world, especially since it’s growing larger everyday. We train both men and women on everything they need to know about being an agent, from fighting and protecting themselves to moving about in society.

Amazing, Liam said, truly in awe. Perhaps that would have helped me.

Yes, well, I was hoping that Wulfe would carry the information as far as his house and then send it on by one of his footmen.

I’ll take it, Liam said impulsively.

I couldn’t ask that of you, Mack denied. You’re still recuperating.

I’m fine.

Your leg…

Will always bother me but is much better. Thanks to Mingzhu and Chang I only limp occasionally. These four walls are driving me mad. I have to get out of here. Give me the packet and the directions. I’ll leave first thing in the morning, if it can wait that long.

Aye, it can. Perhaps you will want to stay on there. They are always short-handed when it comes to trainers and you have a wealth of experience to share.

Can you spare me here?

I’ve managed years without you underfoot.

So you have, Liam said thoughtfully. Thank you, Mack. I appreciate all you’ve done for me.

I’m just glad I could help. There’s no need to rush, take your time getting there and be careful, Mack advised.

Liam nodded and moved past him, not truly needing his cane, but using it all the same. He was glad to leave London behind and move onto something new.

Mack entered his office and shut the door after Liam left.

Well? Wulfe queried from his seat.

He’s going.

How did you talk him into it?

"It didn’t take much effort. He practically came up with the idea himself. But he doesn’t know who’s at the training facility, and they don’t know that he’s on