“What’s the word?” Reynolds asked as they rushed past the stunned staff.

“Call for the guard,” Jasper called out. “And tend to Parks, he’s a damned hero.”

As they exited the house and headed for the outbuildings down the hill, he thought of Thomasina. Of her life being in danger. Of the time that was sliding through the hourglass even now.

He thought of what he’d have to tell her if things went wrong. What she needed to know more than anything.

“If I tell her I love her, we’re in trouble,” he said. “And you come running. Save her, do you understand? Save her before me.”

Reynolds caught his breath. “You do love her.”

“I do.” Jasper motioned to a side path where they would separate so Reynolds wouldn’t be seen from the building. “And I hope I can confess that in better circumstances.”

“Good luck,” Reynolds said, squeezing his arm before he rushed off to take the longer route to the building.

Jasper moved along the main path, cresting the hill where he saw the building. He and Thomasina had come here together twice. Once when she was so angry with him and yet still supportive and caring. It was not in her makeup to be anything less so.

And now he might lose her.

A great swell of panic rose up on him at that thought, but he tamped it down, drew a long breath and entered the outbuilding.

He saw them immediately. Maitland stood behind the chair where Thomasina sat, her hands clenched in her lap. He had a gun in his hand, not pointed at her, but too close for comfort. Jasper was relieved to find she looked unharmed.

“My lord,” Maitland said with a shake of his head. “Welcome to our party.”

“Are you injured?” Jasper asked, ignoring Maitland.

She blinked at the tears in her eyes. “I’m fine. I’m sorry that my coming down here created this.”

“I should have guessed you’d be undeterred in your quest to save your sister. To save me even if I don’t deserve it. And you didn’t create this, he did.”

Maitland edged closer to her. “Enough. If you do what you are told, there is no reason you two couldn’t live a very happy life together. Now where is my treasure?”

Jasper had been holding the statue behind his back, but now he drew it out and held it up. “I think this is your prize. Let my wife go and tell us where to find her sister, and you can have it with my blessing.”

Maitland stared at the statue, utterly silent for what felt like a lifetime. Then he came around to stand beside Thomasina’s chair. “What the fuck is that?”

Jasper blinked. “The treasure. We found it hidden in my brother’s things. What else would he hide but the treasure?”

“That’s not my treasure,” Maitland barked. “Put it down.”

“What?”

“Put it on the ground,” Maitland roared, shaking the gun without intent or care. “I don’t want you using that as a weapon.”