Page 46 of The Swan Syndicate
“None of this was planned.” Jamie leaned back in his chair, and though his demeanor appeared calm, Beckworth wasn’t convinced. “As I clearly stated when I went through it the first time. Instead of making more of it than it is, take a seat so we can discuss our options.”
Beckworth stopped his pacing and leaned against a table. Jamie’s tone might be calm, but he’d be a fool not to sense the heat that clearly simmered beneath the words. He didn’t feel like sitting, but he stopped pacing and crossed his arms over his chest. “Go through it again.”
Fitz took over, always happy to spin a tale. “I was coming back from the pub where we split up after searching for ships moored in the bay when I ran into Jamie. He’d been headed for the blacksmith, but on his way, he noticed MacDuff leave the inn and stroll by the shops without a care in the world. We decided to follow, you know, at a discreet distance, and see what he was up to. He was dressed like the gentry.”
He took a swallow of ale and, after wiping his mouth, nodded toward Lando. “We ran into the big man, who stopped by the blacksmith while Stella was shopping.”
“And why was she alone in the first place?” Beckworth interrupted.
Stella rolled her eyes but let Lando explain.
“She agreed to stay at the apothecary or the mercantile next door.” Lando stated it with no apology in his tone.
“And you expected her to do that?” Beckworth asked.
“Hey!” Stella gave him a sour look, and he instantly regretted his words. “This isn’t my fault. I went to the tobacco shop next door and was just leaving it when I ran into a man. I had no idea who he was.”
Beckworth ran a hand over his face. He stood, ready to resume pacing but dropped into a chair instead. “Apologies. Go on.”
“The three of us were discussing options when I remembered the swan I’ve been carrying around.” Jamie fished in his pocket and pulled out another one. He grinned at Beckworth. “I got the idea from you, mate.”
“I can hardly wait to hear this,” Beckworth grumbled.
“Weren’t you the first one to leave a swan for Gemini’s men to find in the cargo hold of thePhoenix? Then you left another one with the dead man who’d been snooping around Eleanor’s.”
Beckworth began to say something but thought better of it and grabbed a mug, filling it with ale. After a long drink, he slammed the mug down, sloshing some onto the table. He gave Jamie a side glance. “Go on.”
“We have no intention of putting Stella in the middle of anything. But have a think on this. What would MacDuff do if there was another smuggler out there? Someone with a ship and perhaps no loyalty to England.”
Beckworth considered Jamie’s reasoning. It was a decent question, but then another thought spoiled the moment. He stared Jamie down. “You thought of this possibility the first time Stella began sweet-talking you into a role in this mission.”
Jamie shrugged with no remorse. “How many women do you have working in your crew?”
“That’s different.” Beckworth wasn’t ready to back down, though he felt the noose tightening.
“Because you have a personal relationship with her?” Jamie remained calm and didn’t once look at Stella.
“Because she doesn’t have the training or experience of someone like Libby, if that’s where you’re going with this.”
“Fair enough. But you have to admit, she handled herself quite well during her ordeal with Gemini. She’s quick of wit, remains calm under tense situations, and has skills that set her apart from the rest of us.”
When Beckworth lifted an eye, Jamie laughed. “She knows how to manipulate a man.”
“Hey!” Stella sat up. “I’m sitting right here, you know.”
Jamie lifted a hand. “Only when required.”
She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest as she leaned back. Beckworth almost laughed. She wasn’t satisfied with Jamie’s response, but she couldn’t refute the statement.
“Enough of this. What’s done is done, and—” Stella gave Beckworth an irritated scowl. “Nothing happened and nothing more needs to be done if that’s what we decide—as a team.” She turned to Fitz. “You said you were looking for ships moored in the bay. Did you find any?”
She glanced at Beckworth, and though he was still upset, there wasn’t anything he could do at the moment. Their mission was to find MacDuff and advise Hensley of his direction, not chase him or trade with him. But he was grateful for the change in topic. He’d have words with Stella later.
Fitz, who’d been watching the exchange with amusement, straightened. “We thought we might findThe Horsemanout there since this has been a safe haven for smugglers—though we know how quickly that can change. Anyway, the ship is here, moored down by the spit.”
“There’s a second ship anchored near it, but we weren’t able to get close enough to see the name,” Beckworth offered. “But we’ll recognize her the next time we see her.”
“Do you think Cheval is working with MacDuff?” Jamie asked.
