John Howard and the Tudor Deception (John Howard Tudor Series Book 3) by Jarvis J.C

Author:Jarvis, J.C. [Jarvis, J.C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wherry Road Press
Published: 2022-10-03T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 26

John Howard moved his aching jaw from side to side and instantly regretted it. His teeth ached from the beatings he’d received, and he knew he wouldn’t be holding down any long conversations for a while.

His eyes matted, and he could barely make out the shapes of the guards as they sat around the stone fire ring drinking ale and laughing at crude jokes, many of them at his expense. He tried forcing himself to look harder so he would recognise them after he’d escaped, but as hard as he tried, he wasn’t able to focus his vision with any accuracy. He would have to rely on the sounds of their voices and hope that he’d recognise them by their sounds.

Escape! Who am I kidding? I’m not going anywhere, and if I don’t find a way out by the time Gare gets here, it’s all over. For all of us, including Catherine and Sarah. I have to escape before that animal gets here.

John groped around in the straw where he was sitting, hoping to find something - anything that could be used as a weapon. But he found nothing. He clenched his fists behind his back through the rope that bound them together and came up with a plan.

I’m going to die anyway, but I will not die at the hands of Gare, giving up my secrets so he can kill everyone I care for after he’s done me in. No, I shall die on my own terms here this day. I’m going to run for the door and force the guards to kill me here and now. At least that way I can die knowing Catherine and Sarah are safe. I need not worry about Edward and Stephen, for they are powerful warriors who will avenge my death. Of that I am sure, for I have never met more worthy friends and warriors in my entire life.

John moved his legs around to get the circulation going, and he clenched his fists together, steeling himself for what was about to happen. He began forcing himself to his knees.

He stopped. What was that? A firm knocking at the door made John’s blood go cold. He sank to the floor in defeat.

I’m too late. Griffiths is back with Gare!

The guards fell quiet, and John could sense the tension in the air. Nobody wanted to be around Gare, not even the men who supposedly worked with him.

“Are we expecting anyone?” a guard asked.

“Not that I know of,” another answered.

Maybe it isn’t Gare after all . John readied himself to bolt for the door as soon as they opened it.

Two of the guards rose and went to the door. When they opened it, the sound of a woman’s voice drifted through the room.

“I’m sorry to disturb you, gentlemen, but I’m trying to find my husband. He was in the tavern next door, but they said he fell out as drunk as could be. I was wondering if any of you had seen him?”

John’s heart stopped beating.

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