Delaney let out a small, quiet breath of profound relief. The evidence was safe.
She walked past him, moving over to her trunk sitting at the very foot of her large bed. She grabbed the iron handles and opened the lid.
She took out the two small silver dueling pistols.
She held the cold metal firmly in her hands. She checked the narrow barrels one last time, ensuring the lead balls and the dark gunpowder were perfectly loaded and completely dry.
Hamish watched her actions, his eyes widening slightly in surprise as he realized she was completely armed and entirely ready for a violent fight.
"Take the trunk down now, Hamish," Delaney ordered softly, not looking up from the weapons.
Hamish stepped forward immediately. He closed the lid, lifted the massive wooden trunk easily onto his broad, strong shoulder, and carried it out of the room.
Delaney was finally entirely alone.
