“What else was in those barrels?”
“Opium,” Izack said. “A barrel fell off a cart one day and rolled down the street. It broke open, and it was old Mrs. Luther that saw the powder. She knew what it was. We confronted them, and it was then the threats started. Sally was found dead not long after.”
Toby knew how destructive opium could be. He’d seen the results on some of society’s members.
“We’re talking to you because no one else can help us, and we’re desperate. The hold they have over us will last forever if we don’t stop it,” Izack said.
“If we go to the authorities, we will be charged,” Tom added. “It’s my hope that now you’re back in Bidham, that you are a better man than you were, like your father, and will help us, Lord Corbyn.”
Toby nodded, knowing he deserved the insult. “I have already started investigations and have found the location in London where the barrels were being delivered.”
That surprised them. They then told him everything they knew. Both talked at Toby for the next five minutes.
“And now you need to go as they’re watching, my lord, and have eyes everywhere,” Tom said. “It’s our belief that whoever is behind this is one of you.”
“A nobleman?” Toby asked.
“Yes.”
“If you hear anything more, find a way to get the information to me,” Toby said, walking away. “But trust that I will see this through to its end.”
“We want to,” Izack Potter said, and Toby could not fault the words, as he’d given them no reason to trust him.
“Do you know when the next shipment is to arrive?” Toby asked.
“It comes every three weeks. They’re supplying many around thecountry now,” Izack said.
“They’re ruthless, with a huge gang of men, and they’re mean and loyal to whoever is behind it,” Tom added.
Toby nodded, then went back into the bakery where his friends were talking loudly about how good the gingerbread was. They then all walked out of there eating. It tasted like straw in his mouth.
He wanted whoever was behind this caught, and he would see that done. Only then could he look to a future with Liberty and Florence.
Chapter Thirty
Toby walked withhis friends down to the end of the street, where it met the water. Thoughts churned in his head as he worked through what he’d learned.
“A lot of work has been done on this dock lately,” Anthony said, looking at the wooden structure.
“Look right,” Jamie said.
Toby saw the two men standing beside a small building that for years had housed ropes, watching them. They were unfamiliar to him, and something told him they were here to watch over Bidham’s inhabitants. Anger simmered low in his belly. Someone was threatening his village, and his people. Yes, he’d not been near this place in years, but that had now changed, and he wanted its inhabitants to feel happy again.
“We could rush them,” Anthony said.
“But we don’t know if there are others here watching,” Jamie added. “We need whoever is behind this operation, not those working for him.
“Come, let’s walk. I have things to tell you, but no wish for anyone to overhear,” Toby said.
“I’ve been giving this some thought,” Anthony said, “and it’s my belief there has to be some place the barrels are being stored nearby. A location that they meet to load them and take them to London.”
“They just take them from here, surely?” Toby said.
“If the boats arrive at night or the weather is foul, I doubt that,” Anthony added.
“If, as those men I met at the bakery said, there is a nobleman involved, then it’s likely he is the one with the property,” Toby said.
“Are there any other families locally, other than you and the Talbots?” Jamie asked.
