“Who are ‘these people’?” Roswell pressed.
“I shouldn’t tell you,” Lord Oxley replied, his eyes holding a sense of panic to them. “You already know too much.”
“Please, Father,” Caleb said. “We are trying to help you.”
Lord Oxley walked back over to his chair and dropped down. “I can’t believe I am going to tell you this, but I was approached by a man that threatened my family if I didn’t cooperate with them.”
“What did the man want?” Caleb asked.
“Information,” Lord Oxley replied. “I am on a committee that works with Wellington to ensure proper funding for the troops. In exchange, he sends us detailed reports about the war efforts on the Continent, including their locations.”
Roswell placed the vase down and inquired, “What information have you turned over to them?”
“Nothing,” Lord Oxley replied. “I refuse to betray my King and Country, but then Lord Chester was killed, and I started panicking. I burned all the documents that related to my work so the French couldn’t get ahold of them.”
Lord Oxley placed his elbows on his desk and cradled his head with his hands. “Now they went after Anette,” he said. “I don’t know how much longer I can go on.”
Roswell had made it a point to know when people were lying and he believed Lord Oxley. He looked tired, defeated, as if the weight of his burdens were too much to carry alone. But now they needed him to work with them, not against them.
“How do you contact this man?” Roswell asked.
“I don’t,” Lord Oxley replied as he dropped his arms and sat back in his seat. “He contacts me by leaving me notes on my desk, but I toss them into the fireplace.”
Caleb’s gaze grew calculating. “Next time, you are going to do what the note says so you can draw this man out.”
Lord Oxley looked at his son as if he were mad. “Why would I wish to do that?”
“Because we need to speak to that man and see what he knows,” Caleb replied.
“He won’t tell you anything,” Lord Oxley said.
Roswell interjected, “I can assure you that we won’t be asking nicely.”
Lord Oxley glanced between them with a perplexed look on his face. “What are you two involved in?” he asked, his tone hesitant.
“It is best that you don’t know,” Caleb replied. “Just know that we are in a position to help you.”
“You aren’t involved in anything dangerous, are you?” Lord Oxley asked in a low voice. It was almost a humorous question, given the circumstances.
Caleb met his father’s gaze. “No more than you.”
“That didn’t answer my question,” Lord Oxley stated.
“I know, but we can’t reveal anymore,” Caleb said. “If anything, we have said too much.”
Lord Oxley’s eyes held questions, yet thankfully he chose not to press them any further. “I will let you know when the man makes contact with me.”
“See that you do,” Roswell said.
The viscount turned his attention towards Roswell. “I know you care for my daughter,” he said matter-of-factly.
“I do,” Roswell replied, seeing no reason to deny it.
“Please watch over her and keep her safe,” Lord Oxley urged. “She is my only daughter and I love her deeply.”
“I promise,” Roswell said. “I would give my own life, if necessary, to ensure she is safe.”
Lord Oxley appeared pleased by his response. “Thank you,” he replied. “Let’s just hope she listens to us and doesn’t leave the townhouse.”
