Page 35 of The Swan Syndicate
“Flintlocks. Possibly direct from France,” Beckworth answered her question.
“More than that if I know Cheval.” Jamie stood and went to the galley, returning with a pitcher of ale. He filled his mug and then the others.
“Didn’t you say this MacDuff person you’re trying to find was somehow connected with the French?” Stella folded a second swan, allowing the men to determine if her question made sense.
“The two captains working together.” Beckworth considered it as he rubbed his jaw. “An interesting thought, but so far, all we have are rumors that MacDuff is active again, men dropping Cheval’s name in pubs, and a group of men talking of secret shipments andThe Horsemen.”
“Were the men at the pub the same ones at the inn earlier today?” Jamie asked Beckworth.
“Their backs were to me at the inn. Stella, did you get a look at the men at the pub?”
She nodded. “I didn’t recognize the man who ran into me.” She grinned and so did the men, knowing quite well she’d been the one to run into him. “But one of the men at the inn kept his back to me. His size was the same, and since the bruiser who knocked me to the ground recognized me, then I’d say they’re one and the same.”
Jamie’s face relaxed except for the wrinkled forehead. It was the same look Finn got when he was ready to make a decision. “So, we have men in town ready to make a run. It’s possible they’re meeting up with Cheval. Or maybe they want to avoid him.”
“A competitor?” Lando asked.
Jamie shrugged. “Something we need to consider. Beckworth, did you happen to bring those spyglasses AJ always used?”
“I did.”
“Lando, let’s take note of the ships that leave port tonight and with the next tide. We’ll stay in port until mid-day tomorrow.”
“We’re going to check out the cove?” Beckworth asked.
“Our route takes us that way. Seems a waste not to.”
Beckworth packed a canvas bag while Stella paced the room. It didn’t hold much—binoculars, a second pistol, and gunpowder cartridges. He carried his Queen Ann’s pistol in his jacket and his dagger on his hip.
Stella had dressed in pants and a shirt when she woke that morning since she’d stay onboard until the next port.
“You know you can’t go.” He glanced at her as she made a turn.
“I know.”
“Then why the pacing?”
“Can’t I be worried for you?”
He sighed as he closed the bag and set it next to the door. When she made another pass, he grabbed her. His kiss was swift before he stepped back to give her a long perusal. “How’s your stomach?”
She considered the question. “To be honest, all I’ve thought about is this new mission. I haven’t had time to worry about being seasick. The trip here was calm enough, and I’ve only been using the herbs. After the first day, I decided to keep the seasickness medicine for stormy seas.”
“Good thinking. What are your plans while we’re gone?”
She hugged him. “I’ll help Cook with breakfast and then clean up. It will keep me busy.” She held on tight, and he rubbed her back. “I should have brought my own binoculars so I could watch you.”
“We’ll be out of sight once we get past the cliff.”
TheDaphnehad remained in port until the middle of the previous day as Jamie had ordered. The teams returned to the pubs and inns that morning, but there was no sign of the men from the previous night nor word of MacDuff.
Two ships had left a couple of hours before dawn, both of them known to Lando and Fitz. Ships theDaphnestayed clear of when possible. Jamie had sailed the coast of England dozens of times as captain and many times more as second mate. Most captains knew Jamie, and he knew them, so he’d learned quickly who to avoid. He didn’t want his name or face known too widely, especially when he was spying for Hensley. So, when Lando andFitz reported on which ships had left, it wasn’t surprising they were known to be well-known smugglers. Chances were good the mission had confirmed its first solid lead.
TheDaphnehad reached the cove close to midnight and sailed past, running dark. The lookout in the crow’s nest had seen a light he assumed to be from a ship. Jamie concurred it was worth checking out. He ordered the ship to make a wide turn in order to anchor just south of the cove. Then they waited.
“We won’t be long. It’s a simple fact-finding trip.” He picked up his bag and gave her a last heated kiss before leaving the cabin.
She trailed behind him to the railing where Jamie, Lando, and Fitz waited.
