Matherson’s eyes narrowed. “I know of no one in the king’s guard by that name.”
“He said he wasn’t military. He was a private hire by the king and worked as a secret bodyguard, but he was released from his position after the king fell ill. The reason why he’s intent on seeing Reynauld take the throne is because he believes he failed the king and has an obligation to the true line of succession, even though he no longer holds the position.”
The skepticism in Matherson’s eyes turned to confusion, his eyebrows nearly touching. “I’m not aware of any such position ever existing or of a private bodyguard being dismissed from the king’s service. Redman, you were in the castle for a time. Did you ever come across him?”
Theo met Jade’s eyes before answering. “No, sir. I wasn’t aware of him either.”
“And where did you say you met with him?” Matherson asked Jade, his features still heavy with suspicion. “One of the old, abandoned farmhouses?”
“Yes. A Brithswaitian farmhouse not far from here that was hit by the raiders. Then we go down these tunnels to an underground bunker that had been built as protection against the raiders.”
“I’d like you to direct me and a small contingent to this farmhouse, Captain Ni’ihm. I want to meet this Lord Camarata and learn more about what he’s been doing.”
“Oh, well, Commander, I don’t think...” Jade bit her lip. Why did she want to keep Matherson away from the farmhouse? If Nicolas was being truthful, he shouldn’t have a problem meeting with Matherson. But then again, he had ordered Jade to bypass Commander Matherson and bring any information to him. Based on what he’d told her, he must have had a significant falling out with the military, considering they removed him from his position without good reason. It made sense that he didn’t want to be involved with them.
“Yes, Ni’ihm?”
“Forgive me if I’m out of line, but I believe an investigation on Lord Marchand is more urgent at the moment.” Jade would lead the military to Nicolas, in due time. This conflict wasn’t over, and if he had any other pertinent information to give, she didn’t want to miss out on it. “If the assassin is poised to take out Lady Arabella or Prince Reynauld, there is no time to waste. We can go to Nicolas after the assassin and Lord Marchand are in custody.”
Matherson’s jaw worked as he considered, grinding his teeth slowly back and forth. “We’ll make arrangements to go to this farmhouse as soon as we gather evidence against Marchand.”
Jade nodded, grateful her commander was still willing to even remotely entertain her suggestions given his newfound lack of trust in her.
Matherson adjusted in his chair, reaching for the telephone on his desk and pulling it closer to him. “I’m going to make some calls and see what we know about his movements. Don’t go far. I’ll summon you back here as soon as we have a plan for you.”
Commander Matherson dismissed the captains, and they left Command headed for the dining hall. The hollow in Jade’s stomach roared after not eating for so long, and the lack of food was making it harder for her to think.
“You really think it could be Marchand?” Theo asked in little more than a whisper as they walked across base under the unforgiving sun. “Could the letter from Arthur to Arabella be about him?”
Jade sighed. “I don’t know.” She stopped and faced Theo, who mirrored her. “I need to get that letter to Arabella. She might understand what Arthur was talking about.”
Theo nodded, understanding. “I can try to go to Lesseine soon and deliver it for you.”
Jade angled her body and nudged her elbow into Theo’s stomach before starting for the dining hall again. “Thanks. It’ll have to wait, though. Marchand is first.”
“I have to say,” Theo began, cutting a humorous sideways glance at Jade, “it’ll be nice to run lead on a mission with you again.”
Jade feigned a scoff, then she gave him a soft smile. “I’m actually inclined to agree with you. I need a break from having all the pressure on my shoulders. I think trying to reach the expectations I’ve set for myself is getting to me.”
A hand snuck out from Theo’s side as they walked, his fingers intertwining with hers. “Don’t worry; I’ll take however much of the load you want to put on me. Just stick with me, Gem.”
With a low chuckle, Jade faced Theo, staring up into his surprisingly sincere eyes. They didn’t shine with the usual mirth, no hint of a joke hidden under the surface.
“Not Jimmy, huh?”
Theo stopped again, pulling her closer to him with their joined hands and catching her mouth with a quick, tender kiss. When he broke away, Jade was met with an intense sparkling blue gaze. “Not Jimmy.”
Thirty-Six
Jade tossed what resembled askinny tree limb onto the road with only a minute to spare. Then she ducked under the cover of trees on the side of the road and crept back to the place where Theo waited with their own wagon, emblazoned with the seal of Southbury on its sides.
The target wagon in question rumbled down the road as Jade climbed up into the front seat of theirs. Theo shook the reins and guided the brown horses onto the road, traveling in the opposite direction of the approaching wagon. Jade lifted the skirt of her maid’s dress to double-check both boots for her knives before they crossed paths with their target.
The loud snap of wood cracking resounded past the curve in the road ahead, followed by a heavy groan. Jade glanced over at Theo in his pressed shirt andslacks, and he nodded.
They rounded the bend, coming upon the disabled delivery wagon for Ferryman’s Plant Nursery. Theo pulled the horses to a stop and called out to the man investigating the broken wheel.
“Need a hand?” Theo’s voice came out with a thick Brithswaitian accent, helping to cement his identity as a member of the lower middle class.
