Page 76 of The Swan Syndicate
Jamie went one way, Beckworth the other.
“Here.” Jamie picked up another swan. They continued in that direction, watching the ground until they reached an alley where another swan had been dropped. They turned down it and didn’t have to go far before spotting four bodies lying on the dark street.
They were the men sent to guard Stella. Beckworth blew out a breath of relief to find them alive with no apparent injury other than bumps on their heads. They roused the men, who were groggy and slow to come around.
“Where’s Stella?” Beckworth yelled at Lando, who was the first one to come to his senses.
“I don’t know. There were at least twenty of them waiting at the pub.”
“Stella was screaming for them to stop.” Thomas raised up on an elbow, rubbed his head, then his stomach. “Promised to go with them if they’d leave us alive.”
Lando used a stack of nearby crates to help him stand and wobbled before getting his legs under him. “She saved us. I think they would have killed us, but the leader, whoever it was, stopped his men who were wailing on us, but not before slamming us in the head.” He glanced at Beckworth. “I’m sorry. I don’t know which way they went.”
Beckworth circled the area but didn’t find any more swans. Stella most likely had her hands bound or arms held so she couldn’t drop any others. He refused to think of any other reason.
“I have a pretty good idea who took her.” Beckworth helped Lane up. “We need to get back to the ship.”
“Michelson’s wound is bad,” Jamie said. “He’ll need help.” He took an arm and began lifting the unconscious man. Beckworth grabbed the other arm, and they dragged Michelson toward the ship.
Halfway there, Lando, his equilibrium restored, took Michelson from Jamie. “Prepare the ship. We’re right behind you.”
Jamie ran, but they couldn’t move any faster than Lane and Thomas, who still struggled but were moving on their own two feet.
When Beckworth reached the ship, he found Fitz waiting for them.
“Cheval has Stella.”
“You’re sure.” His worst nightmare was coming alive, and he was helpless to do anything.
Fitz nodded. “I saw her walk up the gangplank surrounded by over a dozen men. The ship was ready to sail. They left about fifteen minutes ago.”
“How long before we can follow?”
“We still have men in port. Jamie sent men to round them up, but it will take another half hour to get the ship underway.”
“Do you know which way they went?”
Fitz nodded. “I think they’re heading south. I have someone in the nest watching. I gave them your glasses. I hope you don’t mind.”
Beckworth slapped him on the back. “Good man.”
Jamie strode over, his forehead crinkled as he took in Michelson. “Get him below.” The stomping of running boots made them turn. Sailors returning. “Get a head count. Thomas, I have a message for Hensley.”
“You sure you won’t need me?” Thomas was still rubbing his head.
“We need to send him what information we have. And we’re not waiting for the men. I’ll need you to gather up anyone who gets left behind. Get them to Bristol. We leave as soon as the sails are raised.”
He strode off, shouting commands while Fitz remained to determine who was on the ship and who was still on shore.
Beckworth shook Thomas’s hand. “We’ll try to make the party. Safe travels, mate.” He headed for the galley to check on Michelson. Anything to get his mind off Stella.
“Beckworth,” Jamie called. “I could use you on the forward deck to help with the lines.”
He’d only taken a few steps in the new direction when Jamie called out again.
“Beckworth. Do you mind taking the nest instead? We need to keep an eye on their sails, but I don’t want them knowing we’re behind them.”
Beckworth glanced up at the nest. It made sense. By using his binoculars, they had an advantage in sighting ships over the single glass scopes. He began his climb. It would have been easier to work the lines, forcing his mind to stay focused while listening for orders from Jamie or Fitz. In the nest, he’d be alone with his binoculars and his thoughts.
