Sam’s fist clenched, bracing for what Miller would say. “They all are blonde and slender like your wife and Abigail. He definitely has a type.”
“Why did none of these ladies seek out a constable?”
Miller frowned. “The process to prove guilt in cases like this is horrifying for the women. They are the ones on trial. Every choice they make is scrutinized. On top of having to deal with all of that, Dolan paid them all off and required them all to sign papers stating it was a consensual relationship and ended amicably. Adding to all of that, he is a lord which makes it even more difficult.”
Sam placed his elbows on the table and ran his hands across his face. Tired, angry, and frustrated that the Dolans of the world could inflict so much harm.
“The only person who I don’t think signed one of these papers, is Abigail.”
“She is safe, but I will send a message to Mr. Tomlin to make sure that she is protected.”
Miller nodded. “There is one last thing I wanted to say. I believe the Claremores were complicit in some of Dolan’s actions.”
“What would make you think that?” Sam asked.
“I was able to track down one of the barristers that assisted in paying off these ladies. He didn’t want to speak with me and said he would deny publicly anything he shared, but Claremore served as a witness for the signing of some of these papers, and at times his wife was also present.”
Miller rose, and even though it was morning, poured himself and Sam a bit of brandy, placing Sam’s in front of him.
“They’re enabling a dangerous man,” Sam stated.
He drank the brandy, hoping it would numb some of the fury he was feeling. Not only had the Claremores been complicit in Dolan's actions, but they had also planned to marry their own daughter to the monster.
“From what I can tell he pretty much owns your wife’s parents besides what debt you control.”
Sam slammed his glass down on the table. “He should go to prison.”
Miller nodded. “I agree but with his title and money it would take a great deal to get him charged. Perhaps if Abigail were willing to testify.”
Sam shook his head. “She is still shaken from her time with him. I don’t want to pull her away from Liverpool.”
“Would the Claremores testify?”
Sam sat silently thinking about it before shaking his head. “The Claremores would never betray him, especially for any of Dolan’s mistresses. Damn disgraceful.”
“I would recommend letting your wife know about all of this.”
Sam frowned, not sure he wanted that. Even if the Claremores were awful, he didn’t want his wife thinking her parents knowingly would give her to a man with such a dark character.
“Sam, she deserves to know.”
Sam took another drink, swallowing the last bit of brandy. “She deserves to be happy at least until we figure out how we can get Dolan charged. Her family has just accepted her. I won’t destroy that yet.”
Miller frowned at him. “You are blackmailing them. I am not sure accepting is the right word.”
Sam scowled at Miller’s admonishment. Miller sighed. “I don’t know any human, lady or man, that would want their life being manipulated behind their backs. Look at what Jack and Mercy went through because of his actions.”
Sam glared at him outraged. Jack had manipulated his way into Mercy’s life for nefarious reasons. Luckily, it had all turned out well, but to compare his protection of Clara to his brother’s actions was insulting.
“The two are not similar.”
“She is your wife. Why not share with her what is going on?”
Why was he so against it? Perhaps because he wanted her to have the genteel life he envisioned for ladies. He thought of the marks on her back and his fury at the Claremores only festered more. If he could do anything for Clara, it would be that she would never have to worry again about how cruel the world could be.
“You will eventually have to tell her. We must do something to stop Dolan before he hurts someone else. He is a danger. Hopefully, he has given up on your wife.”
Remembering Clara ran into him at the Sandsmores’ ball, fear clawed at him. He hoped it was a coincidence, but until they were able to stop Dolan, he would make sure she was not alone.
