“Liar!” Cuthie lunged for the Judge Admiral, reaching across the man’s desk.
But the constable reached Cuthie first, tackling the captain to the ground.
Eilidh shrieked and jumped out of the way. Kieran’s arms were instantly around her, pushing her behind him.
The constable had a knee between Cuthie’s shoulder blades, pinning the older man to the floor with one arm wrenched behind his back. Cuthie swore and fought the constable’s hold.
“Right, then.” The Judge Admiral glared down at Cuthie and then lifted his gaze to Massey. “Do you have anything you wish to say?”
Massey shook his head, palms out.
The Judge Admiral snapped his fingers at Cuthie. “Take him away, Constable. He’ll answer before a magistrate for this attempted assault upon my person.”
Eilidh pressed closer to Kieran, threading her fingers through his.
Cuthie struggled and fought, but the constable handily dragged him from the room. Massey watched the whole scene, face pale.
The door shut with a hardclack.
Eilidh pulled back and looked at Kieran, the hope blazing in his eyes. A glance around the room showed a similar expression on each member of the Brotherhood.
Was this truly how the saga would end? Cuthie hauled off to gaol and her, free to go?
She could scarcely countenance it.
The Judge Admiral tugged on his waistcoat and motioned for everyone to be seated once more.
“As I was saying,” he said, “it is my expert opinion that a reef strike caused the explosion ofThe Minerva.NotMrs. MacTavish’s actions. First, the very laws of physics contradict it. Second, Mrs. MacTavish was up the mast, risking life and limb to save the ship. Why would she then turn around and attempt to destroy the ship? She would not. No. None of this adds up.” The man shifted his gaze to Eilidh. “Based on all of that, I hereby decree that Mrs. MacTavish was in no way responsible for the destruction ofThe Minerva. The sinking was a tragic accident, nothing more.”
An exhilarated sigh swept through the room. Ewan muttered “Hallelujah!” behind her.
“Thank ye,” Eilidh whispered, tears choking her.
“You must be relieved, madam.” He smiled.
She nodded.
“I say, this comes as a relief to myself, as well,” the Judge Admiral continued, sparing another glance for Andrew and Alex. “I was not eager to prosecute you.”
“So . . .” Kieran said from behind her. “Is my wife free to go?”
Mr. Patterson scowled. “There is still the matter of Mrs. MacTavish’s impersonation of her brother.”
The Judge Admiral smiled. “Given the heroics that Mrs. MacTavish went to in an attempt to saveThe Minerva, I feel inclined to be lenient.”
“Perhaps, but sir—”
“Enough, Mr. Patterson. If Mrs. MacTavish will swear to cease using her brother’s name—Jamie Fyffe—then I will consider the matter closed.” The Judge Admiral turned to her, darting a rather mischievous look at Kieran. “Though I think the point is moot, as Miss Fyffe would be known as Jamie MacTavish now.”
Eilidh met the Judge Admiral’s gaze, wiping a tear from her cheek. “Absolutely. I swear to never again claim the name Jamie Fyffe as my own.”
The Judge Admiral nodded and rose from his seat. “Then I declare the investigation into the sinking ofThe Minervaclosed, once and forever.”
A sigh of relief swept through the room.
Alex clapped.
Ewan chuckled and patted Rafe’s back.
