“The ship’s owner and the yard owner.”
His handsome brow furrowed, and she wished she could smooth it. Wished she could run her fingers over his face and then into his thick hair. That was not her place to do anymore.
“If Master Builder Gilbert’s name isn’t on the policy, no one can know whether he profited from the sinking. Moreover, Liam told me he is over at the Navy yard in Charlestown, plying his craft,” he added bitterly.
“Mr. Gilbert should have been held accountable four years ago,” Rose said softly, imagining their lives if her husband hadn’t disappeared. “What will you do next?”
“Talk to Liam, I suppose,” he said, still considering.
She found herself shaking her head. “Not alone, I hope.”
He actually laughed, though it was a grim sound indeed. “Liam is no giant, Rose. He’s on the slender side and not particularly daunting. Besides, right now, even a giant would be no match for my ire.”
“I only ask that you be careful. I’m certain you won’t let me go with you, nor ask for help.”
“Right on both counts.” He reached out and touched her arm briefly, a quick stroke upon her wrist. “Truly, I’m grateful.”
“Perhaps if you tell the police about Liam,” she pointed out, looking at her skin where he’d touched it. It was still tingling.
“If it comes down to my word against a shipyard owner’s or a wealthy businessman’s, I don’t fancy my chances. No doubt the police will think me merely a disgruntled builder who came back hoping to cause trouble. And how are they going to protect me from an unknown threat? Or you, for that matter, if anyone found out that we were married and someone tried to force my hand by threatening you.”
When he put it that way, she supposed he was right.
Finn took a deep breath. “About the insurance claim, do you have proof, something in writing?” His question dragged her back to the present.
He looked more hopeful than she had seen any time they’d spoken. The painful feeling around her heart eased slightly.
“I don’t, though as I said, it’s public knowledge according to Charlotte. You can go to the office of North America Insurance if you like and see for yourself.”
He nodded. “I’ll do that.”
They stared at each other a minute. Rose had nothing more to tell him, but she found herself loathe to leave his company. Yet how would she feel if William were seeking out and keeping company with a former lady love? Utterly devastated and rightfully so.
“I must go,” she said. “I’m sure Reed will contact you soon.”
“He knows how to find me, I assume.”
“Yes. Finn, take care. Let me know how everything works out.” The words sounded so distant, and she almost imagined this was their last meeting.
He smiled wryly, the corner of his mouth turning up slightly.
“How am I to contact you if I need to?” he asked.
“I guess you can go to Reed’s offices at Scollay Square. And I, you?”
Finn thought a moment. “You can always send word via anyone at Ober’s. A note telling me a place and time, and I’ll be there.”
She gave him another small smile and turned to leave. Suddenly, he grabbed hold of her upper arm.
Expectantly, Rose turned back.Would she find him looking at her with love in his eyes? Was he going to sweep her into his arms and kiss her?
However, upon his face was a look of consternation, not adoration.
“Speak of the devil,” Finn said in a low voice, looking past her and out the small four-paned window in the brick wall.
“What’s the matter?” she asked.
“Liam,” he whispered.
