Page 74 of The Swan Syndicate
Her head popped up. “Sorry. Did you ask me something?”
He gave her a gentle smile and a nod, tugging at his ear. Not for the first time, she imagined him with an earring. He’d even look good with an eye patch. Not that she wanted him to lose his eye, but if he did, he’d still be hot. “I asked if you were alright, but I think I have my answer. I’ll make this quick.” He glanced up when Lane entered. “Any news?”
Lane shook his head. “We expected Cheval to meet with MacDuff, but he either hasn’t found him or changed his plans.”
“It’s possible he wasn’t expecting MacDuff to be here.” Lando pulled out his dagger and whetstone.
The soft, consistent sound of steel on stone was soothing, and Stella’s shoulders relaxed. Funny. She hadn’t realized when they went from drooping to filled with tension.
“Maybe MacDuff knew Cheval would be here and wanted him to know there was competition.” Thomas, sitting next to Jamie’s desk, leaned forward. “I know I’m new here, but Hensley let me read your messages. His question was which of them held the power, MacDuff or Cheval? Or were they truly equal partners?”
“If MacDuff had agreed to a meeting with Stella because he knew it was an easy way to prove to Cheval he didn’t need him, Hensley has his answer.” Jamie turned to Stella. “Did MacDuff ever mention Cheval or any other smuggler?”
She glared at Jamie. It had occurred to her as she vaguely listened to the conversation that she didn’t know who had pulled her from dinner. She’d assumed Beckworth, but maybe it was Jamie.
“We were just getting to that when someone dragged me out of there like some Neanderthal.” She glanced at Thomas. “Nothing personal.”
Thomas just grinned. She didn’t know him well, but what little she’d seen of him in his role with taking down Gemini, he’d seemed distant and rarely smiled. Now he was relaxed and grinned easily which gave him a pleasant face.
“What did MacDuff tell you?” Jamie asked.
“He was excited to see the French weapons. He didn’t get that opportunity often.”
“That sounds like he doesn’t have many contacts outside of the isles,” Lando said.
She nodded, feeling better now with her thoughts engaged elsewhere. “He said he ran cargo in Ireland, Scotland, and England. He was extremely interested in trading with someone who had access to French supplies. One thing that’s important. He wanted to know if I had any contacts that could help bring French ships to Ireland.”
Before they could ask her anything else, a knock came before the door opened.
Michelson held a message. “Sorry, Captain. I was on my way back to report MacDuff leaving the inn. He appeared to be heading for his ship. I had just stepped onto the gangplank when a sailor called out. He handed me this note.”
He passed it to Jamie and, instead of leaving, leaned against a bookcase that held rolled charts, ledgers, and a variety of books.
Jamie read the top of the folded letter. “It’s for Lady Swan.” He held up the note.
She was surprised but nodded and waved her hand. “You read it. I’m too tired.”
He opened it and read it before glancing at the group. “He’s demanding a meeting at a pub on the far end of the docks. His request is for now or he’ll send men to see to your safety.” He turned to Thomas first. “Looks like he doesn’t think of you as much of a threat.” Then he looked to Michelson. “Are you sure MacDuff was headed for his ship?”
Michelson considered his original statement before shrugging. “He was headed in that direction, but it’s the same path to the pub. I should have followed.”
“No matter.” Jamie leaned back and tapped the note on his desk.
“It sounds like a trap,” Lando said.
“Is it possible he’s worried for her?” Thomas asked.
Stella snorted. “More like he’s worried about the French firearms.”
Jamie pondered his dilemma as the others went back and forth as to whether this was an advantage or a ploy.
“Quiet down.” Jamie stood. “I don’t think we have a choice. Stella, are you alright with going to the pub? I’ll send Lando, Lane, Michelson, and Thomas with you. While you’re meeting with MacDuff, I’ll send someone to collect the crate. If MacDuff still wants to see the goods, I want to arrange a new location.”
Stella, still worried about Beckworth’s mood, didn’t hesitate. “That’s what we’re here for, right? To try to get names or something of value?” She glanced at Lando, who nodded. “I’m ready. I just need to know where the crate will be.” How would she explain getting away from the viscount’s man? “I can tell him my ship’s crew saved me from Thomas, so I think he should stay on the ship.”
Jamie shook his head. “No. Thomas will go with you. We’ll give him a hat and a different shirt. If he stays behind the others and keeps his head down, you’ll be fine.”
It wasn’t her call. She could protest, but Thomas had been Sergeant of Arms for the Earl of Hereford. Ethan trusted him with his life. She couldn’t think of a better man to have on her detail. She nodded in agreement.
