Burke stood. “I’d like to get to the harbor as soon as possible.”
“Money isn’t going to solve this problem,” Storm said firmly.
“Presently, nothing is solving this problem,” Burke snapped.
“We need to confirm the identity of the prisoner before we do anything,” Storm reminded.
“We haven’t been very successful at that, have we?” Burke asked as if he was waiting to hear a different response.
Philip cleared his throat, and everyone looked at him. “Actually money may be the very thing that can help us.”
Burke sat down again. “Tell me.”
“The man I learned the information from secondhand advised me that I could probably learn more for a steep price, since he felt that the fellow was taking his life into his hands by divulging more.”
“What if it’s a ruse?” Tanin asked.
“Scam or not, it’s the only lead we have,” Burke said. “I’m willing to take the chance.”
Tanin and Philip looked to Storm.
“It makes sense,” Burke said, turning to her. “We have no other lead or prospect of a lead. I’m willing to pay the price and see what we learn.”
Storm shook her head slowly. “It doesn’t sound right to me. It could be more than a scam. It could be a setup, the law looking for anyone connected to this man. Anyone who might make a fuss over his disappearance.”
“But his identity isn’t even known,” Burke argued.
“Yet we look for him,” Storm said.
Burke was adamant. “I say we take the chance.”
“Since it’s our only lead, I must agree,” Storm said, “though reluctantly.”
“Noted. You and I leave for the harbor tomorrow,” Burke said to Storm.
“No!” shouted Tanin and Philip in unison.
“She’ll be safe with me, I promise,” Burke said. “I have a plan.”
“We hear the plan and then see if we agree,” Tanin informed him curtly.
Burke stretched his shoulders back and his chin went up. “I intend to make it known that Storm is my wife and that we arrived together on my ship on business.”
“What of her Scottish burr?” Tanin asked.
“I will explain that she suffered an ailment on the journey and has temporarily lost her voice. Believe me, she’ll be dressed in such finery that no one will question me. They will be more interested in what money I have to spend.”
Philip nodded. “That could work.”
Tanin chuckled. “If Storm could remain silent.”
Philip laughed. “Tanin’s got a point. She’s used to having her say.”
The two men quieted as soon as they glanced at their leader. She wasn’t smiling.
Storm dismissed both of them, then turned to Burke. “Why is it necessary for me to go with you?”
“I promised you a rescue and this is it. Don’t deny yourself a short reprieve,” he urged, when she looked ready to protest. “Besides, who knows what we can find out while at the harbor? Gossip always flies freely around a port.”
