CHAPTER TWENTY
Polidori pushed his wingback closer to the parlor fire to ward off a sudden chill. Aldridge rose to stand before the blaze, gazing into its depths.
“Without warning, I was thrown from Master Fairbank, my tender grip wrenched from about my friend’s waist by a great force. I landed awkwardly upon the ground, hitting my head, and for several moments I was stunned, breathless, my vision blurred. Then I heard Master Fairbank—James . . .” Aldridge stifled a sob that shook his entire body. His cheeks were flushed and wet. “James screamed. More of a gagging grunt, really, as if the very life were being sucked from him. He fell down upon me in the dark, his hands grappling to secure a hold upon my shoulders, but he was dragged away. I pushed myself up to follow, crawling upon my el
