Chapter FiveFor a moment both Calista and Manzani were surprised into silence. Then as the Strong Man turned round to face the Earl, Calista said in a low voice,
“How did you find me?”
The Earl did not answer the question, but walking up to her, he said quietly,
“I have come to take you home, Calista.”
Manzani suddenly moved in front of the Earl.
“Get out of ’ere!” he shouted. “You can see you’re not wanted!”
“I have a prior claim on this lady,” the Earl asserted firmly.
“That remains to be seen,” Manzani retorted.
As he spoke, he struck out without warning at the Earl, who only just managed to avoid Manzani’s fist striking him in the face by stepping backwards.
The blow caught him on the shoulder, making him stagger. Then almost before the Earl could regain his balance Manzani st
