Page 11 of The Moonstone Pirate
He had to stop them before they fled the village.
He also had to get this investigation wrapped up quickly, because he was on a mission for the Crown and could not afford to have attention placed on these caves. Nor could he toss Driscoll’s body into the sea and be done with it. The wretch had family, and they would come looking for him.
“Parrot, what are we going to do?” It was merely a rhetorical question, for he knew the answer. He had to find the local constable, Malcolm Angel, who was a guest at his party. He also had to enlist the assistance of Imogen’s uncle, the Marquess of Burness. He served as magistrate in these parts, and Draco needed to get any investigation wrapped up fast.
Draco knew of Burness’s heroic reputation. This was important, for he might have to let him in on his Crown assignment.
There were other peers who resided here and could be of help in bringing a quick resolution to this murder. The Duke of Malvern. The Duke of Claymore. Viscount Brennan, who was the commanding officer in charge of the army fort here in Moonstone Landing. Yes, Brennan might be of greatest help in rounding up Driscoll’s escaping friends and moving this investigation along.
Everyone’s attention had to beoffthese caves no later than the end of the month, or vital work on behalf of the Crown would be lost.
“Stay alert and guard him, Parrot. I’ll be right back with help.”
He raced to the house and quietly drew the constable and Burness aside. But Burness happened to be in conversation with Malvern, Claymore, and Brennan, so rather than waste time making excuses to draw him away, he decided to include all of them in the conversation. He quickly told them what hadoccurred. “I chased his friends off before I realized they had left Driscoll for dead. We’ll have to track them down and bring them back for questioning.”
“I’ll ride with you,” Viscount Brennan immediately volunteered. “Along with a contingent of my soldiers. We ought to be able to gather them up fairly quickly.”
“What do you know of Driscoll?” the Marquess of Burness asked.
“Not much. He was a schoolmate of my brother’s,” Draco said, “but I would never call him a friend of mine. He runs with a bad crowd. I’m not surprised he met such a fate. However, I don’t know what he was into that got him killed.”
The wives of these peers had sauntered closer and probably overheard too much. “Blast,” he muttered, “can your wives keep their mouths shut?”
Burness grinned. “I would watch what you say to them, particularly my wife, Phoebe. She may look sweet, but she will bite your head off if you condescend to her. And yes, they can be trusted.” He then called his wife over.
The other wives and Imogen immediately followed.
Great, this murder investigation was about to turn into another party. Just what he needed, meddling neighbors. He immediately assigned Burness and the two dukes, Malvern and Claymore, to guard the body.
He was about to leave with Viscount Brennan and Constable Angel when Imogen tugged on his sleeve. “What?” he asked with marked impatience, and then sighed and raked a hand through his hair. “Sorry, Imogen. That was uncalled for on my part. What is the matter?”
“You have overlooked something important.” She studied him up and down. “You and Driscoll were wearing similar costumes, although he was strutting about with that ridiculous,plumed hat. You are of similar height and build. What if this killer thought Driscoll was you?”
All eyes were now on him.
Bollocks.
The thought had not crossed his mind, but he listened as Imogen continued. “Do not dismiss that you might have been the intended victim. Your property. Your cave. A mistaken pirate. Which raises the question, what are you involved in that would attract a man—or in truth, it could have been a woman—to kill you?”
“Nothing,” he said tersely.
“Are you sure?” Imogen took light hold of his arm. “Because that someone is still out there.”
Everyone was staring at him.
Constable Angel cleared his throat. “Think hard now, my lord.”
“Not you too,” Draco grumbled. “Driscoll’s body will wash out to sea if we all just stand here talking.”
Burness nodded. “Malvern, Claymore, and I are heading down there right now. We’ll also search the area for clues.”
“Parrot will help you search. He’s a good tracker.”
With a nod to the ladies, the three of them hurried off.
Constable Angel was still staring at Draco. “My lord, think hard before we start running in circles and chasing false leads. Do you know of anyone who might wish to murderyou?”
Chapter Three
