He had hidden that small wooden carving because he wanted no one to believe his father a devil worshipper, and until now, he’d managed to push it from his thoughts. Monty remained silent, unsure what it all meant.
His father was not a devil worshipper. Monty would never believe otherwise, but he had died with a pentacle in his hand.
“We will investigate these details, but as your father’s name is involved, I wanted to tell you personally,” Geraint added.
“I want to be kept informed of everything to do with this case,” Monty said.
“Of course. We have as yet found nothing more, but if there is something to find, we will. Our monarch is quite insistent we uncover what is going on.”
Could this all relate to his parents’ deaths? Considering what his father had been clutching, Monty thought there was a chance, and that finally he may find answers to the night that had changed his life forever.
“Do you believe the deaths of the other two men on that list suspicious?” Monty asked.
“Peters died in France a year after your father, and we know little other than they found his body on a Paris street. I believe he was the victim of a random attack, as the possessions he was carrying were all missing. Lionel was the youngest of the three, and he died seven years after your father at his home in London. His wife found him one morning. Even though they are all associated with Alexius, we did not believe their deaths were connected,” Geraint said.
He now had more questions than answers.Why were those three names on that list and all were now dead?
“Now, what is it you wished to discuss with me, Lord Montgomery?”
Monty had thought long and hard about what he was about to say, but he had believed the time was right to leave London and never return. However, with the information that had just come to light, he was now not so sure, but he would be honest and tell Geraint that his time as Plunge was drawing to a close.
“I had no longer believed there would be justice for my parents, Geraint. Before you told me what you have, I had grown weary of playing the fool and no longer wished for the charade to continue.”
The man he’d known for many years could not mask his surprise.
“It is true that we have not found those who killed your parents, but it’s my hope with this new information we may do just that, Lord Montgomery.”
Monty hoped that as well.
“I understand you joined us to seek justice for your family and acknowledge the sacrifice you have made for your king,” Geraint added. “It is my hope we can change your mind, as you are an asset to Alexius.”
“Thank you. But should this not yield a lead or name for my parents’ killers, then I will leave London at the end of the season and not return.” Monty did not mince words when the direct approach could just as easily be taken. He may act the fool for society, but he was not that man away from it.
Hard, unfeeling, he’d become the person his parents had vowed he’d never be. Their death had set him on this course, and Monty had finished it.
“We have searched every corner of England for information regarding your parents’ killers but found nothing, so it is pleasing to have a new lead.”
“Considering the resources and time we’ve had, it suggests to me there are powerful men behind my parents’ murders,” Monty said in an emotionless voice.
He fought the image that wanted to fill his head of the blood-spattered walls and bodies of his parents.
“At the time, Alexius was busy dealing with unrest and animosity focused on our monarch due to changes taking place in England. Your father was one of the people involved. I had believed this was the reason for their deaths and yet have never been able to substantiate that,” Geraint said.
“We have discussed this over and over and come up with nothing, Geraint. This new lead may yield something, or it may not. I made my decision. I will leave soon, depending on what is uncovered.”
“And you will retire from society?”
Monty nodded.
“There will be talk.”
“There will,” Monty conceded. “I will fall ill and be unable to return.”
Geraint nodded. “Very well, if that is your wish.”
No more words were needed as far as Monty was concerned, and Geraint knew better than to persuade him to stay. He rose and left. At the door, he turned to face Geraint once more.
“Please keep me apprised as to what is uncovered regarding Ackland.Veritas scutumtibi erit.” He bowed and walked out of the church. After closing the door, he exhaled slowly. It was done. Lord Plunge would retire from society one day soon and never be seen again. If no more new information came to light about his parents, it would be sooner rather than later.
