Chapter 144 - Hundred And Forty Four
"The Duchess... she’s gone!"
Ryan’s blood ran cold. The Duchess.
"Gone?" he whispered, his mind reeling.
" Duchess... Cassandra. Where...where’s she? Where’s my wife? What happened?"
Davis shook his head, his eyes wide with fear. "She was in the gardens, just moments ago. I was checking up on her, she was talking to someone, I didn’t see their face. Then... then she vanished. As if she simply disappeared into thin air."
Ryan’s eyes, bloodshot with rage and fear, narrowed on Davis. He grabbed his aide by the collar, his grip like iron. "What do you mean she vanished into thin air? I specifically told you to watch and protect her. Where is my wife, Davis?"
Davis, his face pale and clammy, stammered, "We will find her, Your Grace."
Ryan’s grip tightened. "If I don’t see Cassandra by nightfall," he growled, his voice a low, menacing rumble, "your head will be separated from your body. Understand?"
Davis nodded frantically, gasping for air. He released Davis with a shove that sent the man reeling back, collapsing to his knees, coughing violently.
"Now listen carefully," Ryan commanded, his voice regaining a steely calm, "you will tend to the Count. Clean up this mess. Discreetly. Inform the King of what has transpired, but keep this from the public. Panic will only hinder our investigation. After you are done, take Byron home and summon Dr. Abernathy. He needs to assess Byron’s condition and I need to find my wife."
With that, Ryan stormed out of the room, his boots echoing on the marble floor. He mounted his horse, his heart pounding a frantic rhythm against his ribs. Every second that passed felt like an eternity.