The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1922

Just as the tension in the air could be cut with a knife, a small object suddenly fell from Harry's pocket.

Both Arabella and the head of the bodyguard saw it clearly - it was a folding knife that now laid exposed for all to see.

Harry glanced back at them, his movements hurried as he scooped up the knife and stuffed it into his pocket, his face awash with a shade of panic.

"Hold it right there!"

The bodyguard stepped forward, "You dropped something. Show us what it is!"

Beverly's face fleetingly betrayed her nerves before she regained her composure, "It's a precaution we've advised him to take."

"Yeah, when Mr. Lucas Collins and Mrs. Beverly Collins don't have their bodyguards around, I carry this. It's for their protection. Don't tell me you guys don't carry something similar?" Harry retorted.

The head of the bodyguard was momentarily speechless; he carried a weapon, yes, but not a folding knife.

His gut was screaming that this driver was bad news.

"Today is of great significance to the Collins family, attended only by kin and close associates. You're here, armed with a knife and trespassing," the bodyguard turned to Arabella, "Ms. Collins, I request permission to detain him. He's definitely up to no good!"

"I've explained repeatedly that I was unaware of the restricted access here. If I had known, I would've steered clear." Harry's voice trailed off, a note of pleading in his tone as he turned to Beverly, "Mrs. Beverly Collins, I really can't hold it much longer."

"You may leave now."

It was Arabella who spoke, and the directive took everyone by surprise, not least the head of the bodyguard himself.

Was Ms. Collins really letting him go?

Beverly's smile was radiant, "Bella knows the score. Since she's given her word, what are you waiting for? Go on, then."