“It was an undertaking of the Prince of Wales, with Her Majesty’s approval, to begin a transition to the new technologies, and specifically included the development of an underwater vessel with the ability to navigate areas unseen. B-10 is being built for that purpose.”
“Ye made the comment that our inquiry case has intersected with that of the Agency,” Brodie reminded Sir Avery.
“The goal for the construction of B-10 was to keep the project secret. There are those in other places who would be very keen to know about the project,” Sir Avery explained.
“You are familiar with Mr. Sinclair’s work,” he pointed out. “He has learned that there has been conversation in foreign places with information about B-10.”
“Every precaution has been taken to make certain that no information has been divulged,” Admiral William added. “Those working on B-10 have been thoroughly scrutinized.”
“Yet, you had knowledge of B-10 through your investigation into Mr. Burke’s murder.”
“Do ye have yer suspicions regarding the person who may be responsible for that information being known?” Brodie inquired.
Another look passed between the admiral and Sir Avery.
“There is someone who has been part of the planning and development of B-10 from the beginning. This person would have specific knowledge and access to all aspects of the project.” Sir Avery hesitated, then continued.
“This person is integral to the development of B-10 and highly regarded.”
He hesitated once again. “He is also a cousin to Her Majesty. It is highly unlikely, but must be considered, that the information he has may have been compromised. It is to that end that we have been making our own inquiries. I am certain that you understand the delicate nature of the situation.”
A most delicate situation indeed.
“If we are to provide assistance, I must ask that ye provide us with all information that ye have.”
“You do understand the serious nature of this, Mr. Brodie? You have stumbled into something that could have serious ramifications.”
“It would seem that it is past the time for that concern,” Brodie then told him, “I will expect the information first thing in the morning. If ye decide against it, then we will continue with our own inquiries.”
“You are leaving?”
Brodie’s hand closed around my arm.
“Unless we are being further detained. In that case I will ask for Sir Laughton to return.”
“That won’t be necessary. I will see that you have all the information that we have. I will send Mr. Sinclair.”
We encountered Alex Sinclair in the hallway as we left.
“I apologize. I was not aware what Sir Avery was about. If I had known, I would have tried to warn you, even though there are things I could not tell you about.”
I did appreciate it, even though it would have been impossible to warn us after we left for Portsmouth.
“We will be working together,” Brodie shared with him. “We will see you in the morning.”
A coach and driver were provided for us. We sat together as we departed for the ride to the Strand.
In spite of his bruises and broken ribs, Brodie pulled me against his side and wrapped his arm around my shoulders.
“You were quite magnificent,” I told him as we set off.
It was well after midnight, and I was exhausted from the day’s‘adventures.’There was nothing quite like being surrounded by several armed men of the Royal Navy, shackled, then taken aboard a return train to London, and all but accused of conspiracy, and whatever else Sir Avery might have considered.
“Do you trust him?” I asked as I rested my head on his shoulder.
I was fairly certain I already knew the answer from past experience with the man. There were only a few Brodie trusted, hard lessons learned in the past.
“I trust the word of His Highness,” he replied. “Sir Avery will not go against him.” His hand was warm as he took mine.
