“Ace and I went to a boxing match, and then for a pie. For some reason we passed here on the way home. Hello, Walter,” Daniel said, bending to scratch behind a large ear as the dog wandered in. “You seem remarkably chipper considering you were limping yesterday.”
“We need your help,” Nathan said, making a decision.
“Anything,” Daniel replied, suddenly serious.
“Lord Carlow is unwell at his residence in Reading. We need someone to check on him,” Nathan said.
“Of course, we will see it done,” Daniel said. “And when we return, you will explain everything,” he added, throwing Nathan a steady look.
He nodded.
“You will stay here now, Lady Carlow,” he added. “Fairfax, make Lady Carlow comfortable.”
“Bring my daughter home safe, Nathan.”
He nodded, then ran to his rooms and pulled on his black cloak. He pushed a pistol into the back of his waistband and a knife into his boot. He then filled a pouch with money.
“I have called for the carriage,” Gabe said, entering. “Zach and Michael will be ready.”
“There is no time; I must go now.”
“Not without us, you won’t, and on foot you’ll be slower. We will leave in a matter of minutes.” He wore his cloak also and a determined look on his face. “We must notify Geraint. The king, too, must be made aware that Mr. Valentine’s diary has got into the wrong hands.”
“I know. But first we find Beth.”
“For future reference, if all emergencies could be in daylight hours, I would be grateful.” Zach entered looking disheveled. “I found my bed a mere two hours ago.”
“Shut up and listen,” Gabe snapped as Michael walked in, looking alert.
They headed down the stairs running seconds later, with Gabe still explaining things to Michael and Zach. Walter followed them out the door, nary a limp in sight.
“Toddy, I need you to get us to the Grillion Hotel as fast as you can,” Nathan said to their driver.
“Aye, Mr. Deville.”
“What’s he about?” Michael asked as Walter sprang into the carriage.
“I thought he was still injured.” Zach frowned.
“He’s been playing all of you for days,” Gabe said. “His limp is more pronounced when in company. None of you besides Nathan realized that fact.”
“What a smart fellow you are.” Zach scratched behind a large ear.
“And now he’s decided, for whatever reason, to accompany us,” Nathan said. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say that dog is human.”
They were soon rolling along the streets at speed.
She didn’t leave me because she doesn’t love me.
“I cannot believe Lord Carlow sold English secrets to the Russians,” Michael said. “If that gets out he’ll be in a lot of trouble.”
“Then let’s make sure it doesn’t get out,” Nathan said.
“But if that book gets in the wrong hands, Nathan, and lives are lost because of it, I doubt we can stop either of the Carlows being tried for treason.”
He knew Gabe’s words were right, but he could not think of that now. Now they had to find Beth.
“If this Logan is as ruthless as he sounds, then she could—”
