Page 73 of The Moonstone Pirate
Draco did not look happy, but he nodded and continued. “Here’s the last of it, but it is something you already suspected. I am fairly certain my brother’s death is connected to Driscoll’s murder, and not because of some angry cuckold husband seeking revenge. Nolan was an opium eater just as Driscoll was. I think Driscoll got wind of Healey and Burke attempting to build a trade in the drug, and decided he wanted a cut of their business. Nolan might have been Driscoll’s partner and the original instigator of this plan. They were both dissolute wastrels, and thick as thieves.”
“But your brother died over a year ago.”
“Their trade in drugs could have been going on for that long. It is merely a theory on my part. I could be wrong. I’ll learn more as I dig into the cause of my brother’s death. I am not ruling out an accidental death, because he was such a dissolute and not in control of his faculties when jumping those hedgerows on his ride. But this is another possible murder I have asked the Home Office and my own private Bow Street man to investigate.”
“I will look through old gossip rags and try to find some connection to—”
“What don’t you understand about my asking you to keep out of this dirty business?” Draco said. “My brother had his neck broken. Driscoll was stabbed through the heart. Do you wish to be next?”
“I see your point,” Imogen admitted.
Draco raked a hand through his hair. “Well, there’s nothing more to tell. You now know as much as I do.”
“Why must you continue to deal with the Irishman? If you know these parties are involved, then why doesn’t the government simply put a stop to their plans and arrest them all right now?”
Draco cast her a wry smile. “Because we hadn’t connected Healey and Burke to the Irishman and his gunrunning until I saw your drawings. This new information only reached the Home Office a few days ago, unless the mail coach was delayed, which would mean they have no knowledge of it yet. The point is, it all came together so fast, they haven’t had a chance to digest it, investigate it, or issue new instructions. Until I receive those new instructions, I will continue as originally ordered, and that is to insert myself as the middleman.”
Imogen gazed at him in dismay. “Draco, this is awful.”
“Yes, but you know I must see it through. With Healey and Burke certainly out as agents working for the rebels, I need to see who will replace them. I’ll only know that when the newagents come to my cave to pick up those guns once they are delivered to me.”
“And then what happens?” Imogen asked.
“I’ll track them and find out where they are stockpiling their arsenal. I hope this is something I can pass off to another Crown agent, but I don’t know if any will get here in time. So the task will likely fall to me and Parrot. He’s an excellent tracker.”
Imogen’s heart sank. “But if they see you, Draco…or see Parrot. What if they recognize either of you?”
“It is a possibility.” He shrugged. “This is why I hope my role is limited to receiving the goods. It would be easier if someone else took over the task of finding their stockpile.”
“And finding out who are the top organizers in the rebel plot,” Imogen added. “Is this not the logical next step?”
“Yes, it is. Again, I hope that role will be taken over by other Crown agents. But I must do whatever I can until that time.”
Imogen had another disconcerting thought. “Draco, will you sell Woodley Lodge once this Crown operation concludes?”
“No, Imogen.” He smiled. “I acquired this property with every intention of settling here permanently. There will also be no more privateer activities for me, since I am now an earl and have others to think of besides myself. TheAthenawill eventually become a merchant ship, and my second-in-command will take over as its captain. If I travel, it will only be to ensure the Woodley properties operate at their best. Most of our holdings are spread across the south of England, so it shouldn’t be too hard to keep an eye on them. The real chore is to figure out how much damage my wastrel brother did to them before he passed away.”
“I’m glad you will be staying on.” Imogen did not know why she felt this way when she would be returning to London in another month and might not see him again until next summer’svisit. Then again, would he not have to return to London for sessions of Parliament? She asked him the question.
“I might not return to London this year. Depends on how much damage my brother has done during his tenure as earl. Not to mention, this assignment must remain my top priority.”
“I see.” Well, she held out hope to see him next March or April, once the Season got underway. However, the man was reckless and fearless. Would he still be alive by then?
“That’s an end to it, Imogen,” her uncle said, rising from his chair to mark their discussion over. “I’ve put my neck out for you, assured Woodley that you can be trusted to keep his assignment secret. Now, keep out of his way and do not make a liar out of me.”
She turned to Draco. “I won’t take a step out of line, but please continue to confide in me, or at least warn my uncle or Constable Angel when you next plan to meet the Irishman. If you disappear suddenly, they will know where to start looking and can rescue you.”
He tucked a finger under her chin. “Butterfly, if I disappear suddenly it will mean I am dead and the Irishman has tossed my body into deep waters, where the sharks will eat me.”
“Do not say such an awful thing!” She did not know why she shed tears for this man when he cared so little for his own safety.
He spoke with such careless disregard about his possible death. She had insisted on hearing the truth, but her heart was now in a painful twist.
Draco looked over at her uncle. “I warned you this was a mistake. She is going to cry again.”
She frowned up at him. “I am not going to cry.”
“Imogen, I can see you are aching for me. Don’t. I went into this with my eyes wide open. I am the right man for this task, perhaps the only man capable of pulling it off. So do not shed a tear for me.” Draco withdrew a handkerchief from the breastpocket of his jacket and handed it to her as the first droplet fell onto her cheek. “Here. Deandra will know something is amiss if you do not pull yourself together.”
