Rina sipped her coffee in a dainty manner, even though surprise made her want to either spit it out or choke on it. Jack actually kept people around who made attempts on his life and found it amusing ? She would not be so generous with the pistol under her pillow. She would shoot first and then ask questions, although that might be a habit that would make things difficult for Jack.

Oh, but she probably wouldn’t have to worry about Jack once she set her foot on the ground of Southampton. It was really a shame, though. Besides being a wonderful lover, he was such a wit and a handsome one to boot. Life with him could be quite interesting, but perhaps there might be adventure in one of the marriage proposals she had received. Foreign royals had been sending out ambassadors to watch her at social events. Her father thought that his daughter might just have a coronet on her blond head.

She had always wanted to travel and have adventures, not to mention someone special to help her into that balloon that flew over Paris or into one of those new horseless carriages that the Germans were making. One trunk, one Rina, one husband, and one life made of nothing but adventures. Not that it would ever happen, but everybody needed something to daydream about. Her daydream was a matchless match, but it would be more likely that she would wed someone three times her age.

Breakfast was eaten without even thinking, which was odd because Rina had a fondness for all sorts of food. She’d have something wonderfully fattening at the restaurant later. If her memory served, they had these little pastries with icing on the top and cream inside. The cook must be from Vienna to make such a wonderful treat.

Should she, though ? Maybe Jack perfered women without an ounce of fat on their gamine bodies, not some tall Nordic who had hips, bosom, and a special fondness for dessert. As a matter of fact, what did Jack think of her ? Did he think she was fat ? Stupid ? Boring ? What ? She brought herself back to the present and made her voice sound lighthearted.

“Meng Bao ? Why, Jack, you had someone keep an eye on me when you couldn’t, didn’t you ? Jack, I could kill you with my hatpin and save your friend the trouble. I may be a countess, but I’m one who can take care of herself without several persons around. There’s a pistol under my pillow and I shoot with questions afterward…assuming they’re still alive. I’m not some delicate aristocrat who can barely leave her couch to shop.

After breakfast I want to show you something. If we’re going to be together as partners, you need to see something. No secrets between us, right ?”

After breakfast was half-finished, Rina smiled as they went back to the cabin. She very quickly undressed and put on a warm dressing gown to protect herself from the cold. Once protected from the sea air, she smiled as she removed several stitches from her red corset before walking to the bed and then turning the corset upside down.

Even in the dim light, the Tears glistened. Several stacks of money also landed on the bed. She couldn’t help but laugh at the expression on Jack’s face. Really, one would think he could never be shocked. However, this might just be one of the times he was. He had been within inches within the Tears and not even knew it. Rina couldn’t help but laugh.

“I thought that it would be a good hiding spot for the gems. Even you didn’t guess, so I must be right, especially since you held them in your hands quiet a bit. As for the money, Alix and Bertie gave it to me in case I needed to hire someone or bribe someone. There, I trust you with one of the Empire’s greatest treasures. Take care of them, Jack.”

She managed a brave smile as she handed over the jewelry. Hopefully, her trust would be repaid and her mission over soon. Things were getting to be quite dangerous in so many ways, but all was fair in love and war. In Rina’s case, love was what was on her mind. War could wait.