It took Nic a couple of seconds to toss this around in his mind, and by Jove, Frederick was right. “What do you think this means?”
“I’m not certain, but it’s definitely unusual.”
“Indeed, it is. Would you like me to check on it this afternoon?”
Frederick shook his head. “I don’t think you’ll find anything. Like I’d mentioned before, the hole would have been filled in by now because of the tides.”
“Hmm…” Nic tapped his forefinger on his chin. “Perhaps the good clergyman should pay Mr. Jacobs a visit to see if the blacksmith or his daughter recalls seeing anyone that morning?”
“Now that’s a very good idea.” Frederick’s eyes enlarged. “Maybe Mr. Jacobs had seen something, but isn’t quite certain what he saw.”
“Do you think this might have something to do with the thief we are after?”
“I can only suspect, but no matter, it’s very odd and worth looking into. Do you not agree?”
“Very much.” Nic nodded. “Did you find anything noteworthy last night while you were out spying on people?”
“Nothing. Thankfully, nothing was stolen from the church, either.”
“You know, I was wondering about the last robbery you had. Was there anything suspicious or laying around after the thieves had left?”
“No. I’ve gone over that night in my mind several times, already.” Frederick rubbed his forehead. “If I hadn’t stumbled over the bench, I could have caught them.”
“Yes, I remember you telling me. But everything happens for a reason, you know.”
“Indeed, it does. However, it still bothers me to think I was so close to those men and I couldn’t stop them.”
“How many were there again?” Nic wondered.
“Two. Although,” Frederick paused for a few seconds, “I recall one of the men falling down the back steps. Of course that was when I was detained by the bench, and by the time I reached the door, both of them were gone.”
Nic arched an eyebrow. “One fell, you say?”
“Yes.”
“By chance, do you recall anyone who came to church after that who was limping?”
Frederick’s eyes grew large. “I don’t know why I hadn’t thought of that before. I’ll certainly have to ponder harder about it today.”
Nic shrugged. “At least it will give you some kind of clue to build on.”
“I sincerely hope it will.” He nodded. “You still need to ask around, especially ask Mr. Jacobs and his daughter about this morning.”
“I plan on doing it today.” Nic smiled. “However I’ll have to do it after the noon meal. I have arranged a luncheon with a lovely lady.”
“You have?” Slowly Frederick rose from the table and stood, but his stare remained on Nic.
“Yes. I shall be meeting with Miss Tabitha.”
“Dominic,” Frederick’s voice had a warning tone to it. “You will be playing me, remember?”
“Of course I remember. However, she knows the truth now. She guessed it last night while I was dining with her aunt.”
“Oh, dear. That cannot be good.” Shaking his head, Frederick paced the floor, taking measured steps. “What if she tells her aunt or Mrs. Stiles? What if they notice how she treats you?” He pushed his fingers through his crop of dark brown hair that held streaks of gray.
“My dear cousin.” Nic stepped around the desk and stopped Frederick by placing a hand on his cousin’s shoulder. “That’s the very reason I’m meeting her in private. I need to explain to her what we are doing and why. I believe that she will understand and will work with us.”
“Can she be trusted?”
