“This is such utter rot.” Kieran took a step forward. “Cuthie has always been a lying—”
A heavy hand landed on his shoulder, stopping him. Kieran looked up to find Ewan at his side.
His friend shook his head, the pressure of his palm a silent command.Stand down.You’re not helping.
Andrew and Rafe sent him similar warning looks.
Kieran folded his arms which, as a method of corralling frustration and anger, felt woefully inadequate.
“Ye said,sworn evidence,” Alex said into the quiet. “So Cuthie and Massey have not officially sworn this testimony then? Not under oath?”
“You are most perceptive, my lord.” Mr. Patterson grimaced. “I do not, at the moment, have Cuthie and Massey’s corroborated account assworntestimony. I merely questioned them and took notes, but the men were not under oath. They named Miss Fyffe as the guilty party. Obviously, at some point, they learned she was a woman. However, as Miss Fyffe was believed dead at the time, the information was moot. Therefore, I did not press the matter of her guilt.
“However, once Miss Fyffe’s survival was brought to my attention last autumn, I sent a request through the Admiralty to have Cuthie and Massey restate their claims as sworn testimony. It is my understanding that they are currently aboard a ship in the West Indies. I am not requiring the men to return to Scotland, as they are merely witnesses to the events, not the ones being investigated. A sworn statement under oath before a judge admiral in Barbados or Jamaica will suffice as corroborated evidence. I want the full weight of Scottish law behind their accusations to ensure their veracity and legality in court, particularly as Miss Fyffe claims to have no memory of the events. I expect an answer within the next month or two. Once we receive their sworn testimony and if a formal inquiry shows sufficient evidence of an intentional crime on the part of Miss Fyffe, the matter will be sent to the maritime court for trial.”
Kieran swallowed. So soon?
His Jamie had already been dealt so many blows in life. But this? It was intolerable. Only Alex’s stern look and Andrew’s faint head shake stopped Kieran’s tongue.
“What am I to do in the meantime?” Jamie asked. The quiver in her voice nearly shattered Kieran’s composure.
Again, Mr. Patterson said nothing for a moment.
“Ye cannot think toarrestMiss Fyffe,” Andrew said into the silence, his voice rising syllable by syllable.
“That would be the Admiralty’s preference, Lord Hadley.” Mr. Patterson pursed his lips. “She has been accused of killingone hundred and twenty-sevenmen.”
Kieran hissed in a breath.
Bloody hell.
Prison?Now?
HisJamie?!
To the devil with her remembering their marriage. That was a minor issue, now.
The woman he loved would not be subjected to a criminal trial for murder. She would not climb the wooden steps of the gallows and stand with her hands bound as a noose was fitted around her wee neck—
A torrent of words climbed his throat. He looked to his friends.Nowcould he shout his objections?
Alex once more shook his head, even though the rest of the Brotherhood appeared equally concerned. Ewan had taken to pacing once more, and Rafe stared ahead with down-turned lips.
Andrew spoke first. “Surely, we can come to some other arrangement, Mr. Patterson. At the moment, Miss Fyffe is merely suspected of wrong-doing; the investigation seems to be ongoing. No official warrant has been issued, I take it.”
“You are correct, my lord. The maritime court will not come into session until September, so of course, no trial would happen before then. I am merely gathering evidence.” Mr. Patterson looked between them all, taking in Andrew’s stern frown and Alex’s raised eyebrows. His eyes darted to Rafe and Ewan, who still paced beside Kieran.
In short, the man was weighing his sense of legal duty against the might of aristocratic power assembled in the room.
The man’s shoulders slumped, as if admitting a small defeat. “Assuming these illustrious lords will vouch for your person, Miss Fyffe,” Mr. Patterson waved his hand, “I will allow you to remain free for now on your own recognizance, provided you stay here at Kilmeny.”
Jamie nodded, face blanched white.
“Thank ye,” Alex nodded.
“Aye,” Andrew nodded. “We shall ensure that Miss Fyffe remains here. Ye have our word.”
For her part, Jamie merely swallowed.
