Page 25 of The Moonstone Pirate
They were drawings of Parrot romping on the beach, another of Deandra building a sandcastle with Imogen’s young cousins, and one of Draco’s uncle reading in the library. He drew in a breath. “Imogen, these are spectacular.”
“Thank you.” When she blushed again, Draco realized just how modest she was about her abilities.
“Really, you are incredibly talented.” His heart swelled with pride for her—not that he had any claim or even knew her at all, but it did explain why he was so fascinated by her.
She took the sketches back with a heartfelt smile. “Let me know if there are any you would like.”
“I will.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek, once again inappropriate behavior, but he did not care.
He could not get enough of this girl.
Again, terrible timing. He had a mission to complete, a dangerous one, and he could not have Imogen anywhere near him as it got underway.
Perhaps it wasalreadyunderway, because despite Trewick and Driscoll’s friends being obvious suspects, there was another possibility having to do with his mission, although Draco thought it was most unlikely.
Still, the possibility could not be dismissed.
Imogen had pointed out that Driscoll may have been mistaken for him, that the wrong man in a pirate costume hadbeen killed. When the assailant realized his mistake, as he was bound to do eventually, then he would come after Draco to rectify it.
Could his death have been ordered by one of the rebels he was attempting to bring down on charges of treason?
“I’ll see you tonight,” Imogen said, bringing him out of his thoughts. “You won’t forget your invitation to dine with us.”
“I won’t forget, Butterfly. I’ll see you tonight,” he said, and strode away.
He intended to question his footmen immediately upon his return to Woodley Lodge. But he would also hunt around the pirate caves again on the chance some clues had been overlooked last night and this morning.
Had his rebel contact arrived early? Had this traitor somehow realized he was no longer an active smuggler but enlisted to assist agents of the Crown?
What would have given him away? Orwhocould have given him away?
He had gained a reputation as a privateer and a reliable smuggler. No one but fleet admirals and the top echelons of the Home Office knew he had retired from his old profession and was now on secret assignment on behalf of the Crown. That information would remain classified until his mission was completed.
Had someone within the government ranks turned traitor and told these rebels about him?
He shook his head. It was not impossible.
Still, it seemed far-fetched.
Only a handful of men knew of this secret operation and all held the highest levels of trust. Besides, if those rebels were coming for him, they wouldn’t touch him until money had exchanged hands and the goods were secured for delivery.
They needed weapons. Only after receiving them would they shoot him.
In any event, none of these plans had been firmed yet.
Those rebel supplies were to be delivered by an acquaintance of his, an Irish gunrunner by the name of Sean McTavish who plied his trade mostly along the Irish Sea. These sorts of smugglers were fish out of water when having to operate on dry land, especially if venturing onto English soil. Trying to blend in and not draw attention to themselves in Moonstone Landing was impossible, since they would be spotted as outsiders immediately.
Draco doubted McTavish himself had killed Driscoll, whether intentionally or by mistake. Besides, where was his ship?
Draco frowned. This murder was growing more complicated.
Who was meant to die last night?
Him or Driscoll?
Chapter Five
Imogen was gladDraco had been emphatic about his loyalty to England, because his being a ruthless pirate would have been the nail in the coffin for them otherwise. She would never allow herself to fall in love with someone who could betray the Crown.
