The truth will be your shield, Zach translated in his head.
“We have had word.”
Geraint was the man’s name, and he was the only person who gave them orders. Tall, with a solid build, his hair was dark with grey at the temples, and he was one of the king’s advisors. Zach had never been able to ruffle his feathers, although he had tried many times.
“And so it begins,” Zach muttered, but he felt his excitement rise as he received an elbow in the ribs from Michael.
“Two days ago, we believe four French women infiltrated the confidences of three of our high-ranking lords who sit in the House. One was the foreign secretary. They had gathered at Lord Blackhall’s residence here in London to discuss some highly confidential government information.”
“What were four women doing at such a meeting?” Nathan asked.
“The secrets the women took are extremely sensitive and could cause unimaginable damage to our monarch and to England if released,” Geraint said, ignoring Nathan’s question. “As yet, there is no indication of their identities other than the men believed them French.”
“How is it possible that three high-ranking lords and a government minister have left information about the place for these women to find?” Zach asked. “Surely they are not that reckless?”
“Why were these women in the house?” Forrest asked.
“We believe the women were masquerading as prostitutes,” Geraint continued in his calm voice. “The men were plied with enough alcohol so they stayed lucid but were happy to talk on matters they should not have. We cannot be certain but think some kind of drug was used also to control them.”
Michael snorted. “A man’s downfall. Women and alcohol.”
“Thinking with the wrong head again,” Zach said.
“I’m afraid it has resulted in an issue of national security for the king and our country. Last night, the king was sent a blackmail letter demanding the release of two French spies or the information they held would be sold to the highest bidder. What they sent was one of the documents that had been taken that night at Lord Blackhall’s house. They were told the rest would be given to the French government and any other country interested for the highest price if their demands were not met.”
“Which spies?” Gabe demanded.
“Falcon and Lucien.”
“I thought Falcon was dead?” Gabe said.
“He was not hanged but left in prison,” Geraint said.
Zach swore loudly, and his brothers did so under their breath.
“Two years ago, Falcon was responsible for the murder of many English soldiers,” Nathan snarled.
“He also murdered an entire family when he stepped foot on English soil so he could hide in their house with their bodies still warm,” Michael thundered.
“And let us not forget the three women he took to his bed the same night. All were mutilated and then strangled,” Zach added. “He must never be released.”
The only outward sign that Geraint might be slightly uncomfortable was the quick look he gave his hands before returning it to them.
“He cannot be released!” Gabe roared the words while slamming his fist down on the table.
It took a great deal to upset the Earl, but clearly this had done so. Zach put a hand on his shoulder as Forrest did the same from the right. Gabe’s muscles were rigid. Zach shared his rage.
The Falcon had been hard to catch. By the time members of Alexius had cornered him like the feral beast he was, he’d murdered many and passed information he’d stolen from the house of a high-ranking British government minister to the French. The Deville brothers had played their part in tracking him but hadn’t been the ones to capture the man.
“The king may have no choice but to order his release,” Geraint said.
“Surely Parliament will not allow that?” Nathan said, grim-faced.
“The information they have could destroy many,” Geraint countered.
“He will destroy many if released,” Zach said.
“Do you honestly think the documents will be handed over with his release?” Forrest asked. “Because I doubt that very much.”
