“’Tis a long story, but the short version is, for many years we have looked after the monarchy and those closest to it,” Lord Raine said. “We cannot go into detail.”
“I knew you were up to something,” Warwick said, looking at Zach. “Some of your behavior is decidedly shifty.”
“You can talk,” Zach scoffed. “You and yours are the shiftiest people I know.”
“The point here is that your secret is safe with us,” Gabe said.
“My father sold information to a Frenchman,” Samantha said.
“Have you heard the name Theo Lavigne?” Warwick asked.
The Deville brothers fell silent while they thought about that.
“French spy?” Lord Raine asked.
“Yes. He is the one my father sold secrets to. Secrets about English troop movements and those behind enemy lines, to name a few,” James said, looking disgusted.
“How many people knew?” Zach asked.
“My guess is Father, the spy, and whoever is connected to this blackmail note,” James said.
“Does Mr. Breel have children, James?” Samantha asked as the thought came to her.
“By God, why did I not think of that? He wasn’t married but very much in the mold of my father, so he could have taken mistresses. Surely whoever is doing this is connected to that vile man.”
“I’d thought that blight on your life was done with.” Wolf sighed. “Clearly I was wrong.”
“Mr. Breel was my father’s secretary and equally as evil. He tried to have my sister Rose kidnapped,” James said to the Deville brothers.
“And I thought our family was always in trouble,” Lord Raine said. “So, Lady Samantha has had two attempts at abduction and also these notes and the business at the Duck and Goose?”
“Yes,” James said.
“Did any of you see the face of the man who met Lady Samantha in the Duck and Goose?” Lord Raine asked.
“He wore a scarf below his nose and his hat was pulled low,” Warwick said.
“Not overly tall,” Samantha added. “I did not think his build was solid either.”
“If you would write down all the names and dates you have and anything that would be helpful to us, we will start finding you answers,” Lord Raine said.
James did as he was asked with Samantha’s help.
“Stay out of trouble,” Zach said, his eyes going between Warwick and Samantha after they had been handed the information.
“We will see you at the charity ball, where you will no doubt fleece us of every penny we have,” Lord Raine said as he shook James’s hand.
“I shall try.” The duke smiled. “Many thanks for this, Raine. It is good to have another in our corner.”
“If you come across anything else that would help, send word. Good day and stay safe.”
“We are not the only family with secrets it seems,” Wolf said after they’d left. “But now Dev, Cam, Harry, and I have business to attend.”
They kissed Samantha and Dev hugged Warwick, and then they were gone. James sat, well actually fell, into his chair.
“It will be all right, James,” she said to this brother she loved so much.
“You’re my sister. My littlest sister,” he said slowly. “The first one I had to love and who loved me. I will allow nothing more to happen to you.”
