Page 65 (1/2)

“What about the duke’s solicitor and banker?”

“Ostensibly, they did nothing other than meet with other prominent businessmen who are in London for the Season”

Courtney chewed her lip thoughtfully “Slayde, you yourself alerted Morland to the fact that you were delving into his activities Is it possible he are you’d followed his colleagues to London and advised the action?”

“I suppose In truth, it’s difficult forto a weak drunkard like Morland Then, again, he’s no longer the ave a frustrated shake of his head “Honestly, Courtney, I just don’t know”

“What about Oridge?”

“Ah, Oridge He’s the only one who’s ed to yield some results We went our separate ways once we reached London, then met at an out-of-the-way pub on the day I left for Pe to his sources, a few disreputable iven hie”

“When was this?” Courtney dee certain the men were Armon’s crew?”

“Two days before Oridge’s arrival, and yes He confirht; Armon’s men didn’t immediately flee the country Conceivably, they could still be in England or, at worst, they’ve traveled a short distance Either way, Oridge will find them—and their ship Of that, I have no doubt The question is, what peace will that bring you? Who of your father’s crew ht those filthy pirates have allowed to live?”

“I’ve asked ard to Lexley” Courtney sed past the lump in her throat “And the ansill doubtless be painful But I must face them nonetheless”

“I know” Slayde stared out over the gently rolling waters “In addition to the avenues , I still want to check out that unsavory merchant, Grimes, to see if he was the contact Arht he was killed After you and I return from this excursion, I intend to head back to Dartmouth Perhaps Grimes has slithered his way ho, I’ll urge him to cooperate”

Courtney’s insides surged, whether in reaction to their conversation or as the onset of her custoo below,” she said shakily, her voice as unsteady as her stomach

Slayde cast a swift glance at her “Do you need my help?”

“No” She was already on her way “I just hope you had the good sense to provide a chamber pot in the cabin”

The next hour was one Courtney would have liked to forget—just as she’d liked to forget the dozens of other ti until her muscles ached She was thankful she’d eaten very little the previous night, although her body see theafter her stomach was empty

At last, the torment ended and she collapsed in an exhausted heap, too spent to even atte up As if froratefully when he carried her to the berth, gently wiping her face and neck with a cool cloth