Your Grace,
As you requested, I have looked into the man Michael Linwood. It appears he is not merely idle or discontent but has a history. He was once affiliated with a group of highwaymen and smugglers based near Kent known as The Mercies.
This group is rumored to be responsible for several incidents of violence, particularly near the River Severn. The name arises in connection with smuggling of spirits—brandy primarily—but also reports of intimidation, assault, and one unresolved disappearance.
Linwood’s name appears twice in old ledgers found during an unrelated estate raid, both times connected to known membersof the gang. There is also mention of a payment made to him in exchange for ‘silence regarding an incident involving the river’ though no further details are recorded.
I fear he may not have left those dealings as far behind as some might wish to believe.
Yours in discretion,
Charles Smythe
The name struck like a low bell in Theo’s mind.The Mercies.
He stood abruptly, folded the letter, and secured it in his coat. Within minutes, he was mounted and riding hard for town, wind tearing at his coat and thoughts racing faster than his horse.
The Bow Street office in Gloucestershire was modest, brick-fronted, its sign swinging faintly in the breeze. He dismounted, handed off his horse, and entered.
“Your Grace,” said a clerk with a bow.
“Where is Elderman?”
“He is in.”
Theo was shown through to the inner chamber where Elderman stood near a wall map, marking a small cluster of towns. The smell of ink and damp parchment clung to the walls.
“Your Grace,” Elderman said as he bowed. “I take it you received something new.”
“Yes. The namethe Merciescame up. Does it mean anything to you?”
Elderman straightened. “More than a little. They’re the reason this office was opened. For a time, they went quiet, but there are whispers again. We have one of our men in their ranks.”
“What sort of whispers?”
“Smuggling. Brandy. Possibly worse. We’ve got wind of a delivery planned in a sennight. Near the river path in Lower Caddington. The men we’re watching move fast, and they don’t leave much behind. If we act, it must be that night.”
Theo narrowed his eyes. “Is there any official incentive?”
“There is,” Elderman said. “A bounty from the Crown. If we can catch the Mercies in the act, the reward is considerable.”
Theo’s jaw set. “If the man who murdered my family is among them, then I’ll place a bounty of my own.”
Elderman gave a slow, grim smile and bowed. “We are at your service, Your Grace.”
“I’m coming with you when you set out.”
Elderman did not object. “We leave at dusk, Your Grace. Bring a dark coat.”
Theo nodded once then turned away.
For April. For her safety. I will not fail her. Never again. I have let shadows gather once before. I will not do so twice.
The ride back to Stone Hall was brisk, and the world blurred around him as he urged the horse onward, his mind in tumult with names, memories, and shadows. The Mercies. Linwood. The bounty. He had spoken with certainty, but certainty did not quiet the dread.
I am moving toward the truth, and yet each step feels as if it takes me further from peace.
He arrived just as the sun tipped low behind the hills, streaking the horizon in soft amber light. The familiar silhouette of the manor rose ahead, comforting and ominous in equal measure. As he stepped into the foyer, shaking rain from his shoulders, he found Redmond taking the coat of a stout, silver-haired gentleman.
