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"Trouble in paradise?" Dunford asked with a quirky grin

"Don't even think of taking joy in my distress, you wretch"

"Consider it a compliment Nobody else's distress causes me nearly as much joy"

"I thrill for you, Dunford" She turned back to Alex "He's a little irritated at having to go tonight He doesn't think it's safe"

"It's not But you can't remain a prisoner here forever The Tue If Spencer tries anything we'll have a hundred witnesses It will be easy to put him away"

"I tried to explain that to him, but he wouldn't listen I think he's worried about me"

Alex smiled "Husbands are supposed to worry about their wives It's a lesson I learned very quickly There's nothing you can do about it besides refrain from excessively stupid behavior, of course Nohen do you think he'll be down? We really should be on our way"

"Any minute now, I should think"

As if on cue, John appeared at the top of the stairs

"Oh good, there you are," Belle called out

"Don't look so daetic look to try to make up for her husband's surliness The two men looked heartily amused, and so Belle simply shook her head and waited for John to join them Stairs always slowed him down Once he reached the botto swiftness

"Ashbourne Dunford" He greeted his guests with a quick nod

"We thought it ht," Dunford said

"Good idea Where's E her ears checked," Belle replied

"What?"

"It's a long story"

"I'ave it a fir tired of your attitude, John"

"Don't expect me to be pleasant for at least a week," he hissed "You kno I feel about this"

Belle clamped her mouth shut into a resolute line and turned back to Alex and Dunford Alex was looking up at the ceiling and whistling to hi from ear to ear