Page 78 of Defending the Duke (The St. Clairs 4)

Continuing, the Runner said, “I already have someone in place who will visit Farmon’s establishment and ascertain its layout for us. If he can, he’ll not only scout the location but try to glean any information he can. See if the women were sighted. Get into the upper story and basement if possible.” Pausing, he asked, “Are you willing to pay the ransom?”

“Yes,” Anthony hissed. “I will go to my bank first thing tomorrow and make arrangements.”

“It’s a good deal of money, Linfield,” Everton said. “I doubt a bank would have that sum on hand, much less be willing to part with it all in a single transaction. Requesting to withdraw so much might prove difficult—and arouse suspicion. It’s also my sister being held. Let me at least share in the cost. I can withdraw half.”

Merrick and Alford said, “I’m in,” at the same time, and Merrick added, “A smaller sum will be easier for all of us to withdraw. Put together, we can make the ransom easily.”

A wave of emotion rippled through Anthony. “You don’t have to do this.”

Everton gripped his shoulder. “Of course, we do. We are family.”

The support—and love—Anthony was being shown nearly brought him to his knees.

“An excellent idea, Your Grace,” Waxby praised. “You can all go at separate times to make your withdrawals. Use different branches. One or two of you might even mention a business opportunity in which you’re interested in investing a large amount of capital.” The Runner looked to Anthony. “We’ll do our best to follow the money and see it returned.”

“I don’t care about the money,” he said. “I will reimburse every man here if a farthing goes missing. I only want Laurel and Hannah back.” He swallowed. “And hopefully, the driver and footman that were with them.”

“Now that we know the place the exchange will occur, I will scout it now and again tomorrow. I want to see the best areas to place agents. We’ll also have several men on horseback who will follow the carriage. We won’t let Farmon get away, Your Grace.”

“I want him brought to me,” Anthony said firmly. “I will deal with him.”

He wasn’t going to openly talk murder in front of these men.

But he had no intention of letting Julius Farmon live.

And every man in the room knew it.

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