Chapter 43
ATHENS CLUES
Days later, the ancient ruins of Greece provided excellent cover for discreet conversations as Richard and Mrs. Bell searched for clues to their own investigation while maintaining their roles for Darcy and the Bennets.
The morning sun cast long shadows across Piraeus as they systematically interviewed British merchants and available naval personnel.
They learned nothing.
Mrs. Bell gestured to a pony cart. “Perhaps the best use of our time is to help your cousin and the Bennets locate their clue. Like them, we cannot use what little time we have to investigate the wrong suspect.”
“I am beginning to reach the same conclusion,” Richard admitted reluctantly. “Which leaves us back where we started, hunting for L’Ombre with no clear guilty party.”
Before Richard could help Mrs. Bell into the cart, she pressed her palm to his chest. “What if we have been approaching this investigation incorrectly from the beginning? We have been seeking someone who appears suspicious when we should be looking for someone whose activities appear legitimate. Colonel, the most effective spy would be someone whose communications seemed routine, whose presence in sensitive areas attracted no attention. Someone like—”
“A respected naval captain with an exemplary service record,” Richard said, understanding dawning. “Someone whose inquiries about shipping schedules and convoy routes would be considered normal parts of their duties.”
“Not Captain Fink, who draws attention with his zealous fidelity, but someone quieter. Someone we might never have noticed because they blend perfectly into their role.” Mrs. Bell studied Richard. “Colonel, who else have we encountered during our investigation?”
Richard’s mind raced through their journey, recalling brief conversations and chance encounters. “I can think of no one who stood out to me, which would prove how skilled they are at disguise.”
“If I remember correctly, the only navy vessels in Porto were smaller ships that remained in the Atlantic. In Gibraltar, the Nautilus, Intrepid, and the Vixen, all Ships of the Line, were either incoming or outgoing while we were in port. In Italy the only naval vessels we encountered were Fink’s ship and the Intrepid. ”
“What do you know of the Intrepid?”
Mrs. Bell sighed. “My husband sailed with the current captain when they both were First Mates. Garrison had deep respect for Captain James Walker. Personally, I have never heard a word against him. He runs a tight ship. His crew is fiercely loyal.” She gasped.
“He would be precisely the sort of man who could gather intelligence without arousing suspicion. What do we know about his movements?”
“Very little, which may be exactly the point.” The pieces began to align in Richard’s mind. “Let us aid Darcy and the Bennets in finding their clue so we can depart for our next port of call.”
“Which might shed light on Captain Walker and the other officer’s activities to reveal who is the turncoat, this L’Ombre.”
Helping her into the cart, he jumped up beside her, grateful for the narrow bench, the woman pressed against his side, and the purpose that would keep them together for the rest of the journey.