Chapter 49
THE GIbrALTAR CONFRONTATION
The evening sun cast long shadows across Gibraltar’s fortress walls as Richard made his way to Admiral Whitmore’s office, his mind clear with everything to fight for.
Every day that Captain Walker remained free to pass intelligence to French agents meant more British lives at risk, more ships lost to enemy action.
Admiral Whitmore received him in his spartanly furnished office overlooking the harbor. He was polite but showed little urgency.
“Colonel Fitzwilliam, you have information regarding security concerns in the Mediterranean?”
“Yes, sir. I have evidence that Captain James Walker of HMS Intrepid has been systematically passing British shipping intelligence to French agents.” Richard kept his tone professional despite the magnitude of his accusation.
Whitmore’s attitude shifted from polite interest to visible skepticism.
“That is an extraordinary accusation, Colonel. Captain Walker has served with distinction for fifteen years. His record is exemplary. His loyalty is unquestioned. What evidence do you possess?”
Richard outlined his investigation methodically. When he mentioned the cargo transfer in Messina, the admiral listened with impatience. Even the French coin failed to move Admiral Whitmore.
When Richard finished, the admiral leaned back in his chair with obvious displeasure.
“Colonel Fitzwilliam, what you have presented is a few circumstantial observations, speculative interpretations, and assumptions. Your proof was supplied by thieves who had the temerity to attack you and Mrs. Bell. Implicating another is the hallmark of the criminal world.” He carried the authority of a man accustomed to dealing with junior officers who overstepped their bounds.
“Sir, the Messina information—”
“Messina is a standard re-provisioning stop for vessels traveling between Egypt and Gibraltar. Any captain with Mediterranean experience would assume merchant vessels might call there.” Whitmore’s tone grew colder.
“What you are suggesting is that I investigate a decorated officer based on your suspicions.” The admiral rose from his desk, clearly considering the matter closed.
“Colonel, I appreciate your diligence. However, I will not impugn the reputation of one of my most trusted captains based on speculation and innuendo. Unless you can provide concrete evidence of actual wrongdoing, this conversation is concluded.”
Richard left the admiral’s office feeling the full weight of his rebuke.
As he walked through Gibraltar’s corridors, he recognized the reasonableness of Whitmore’s reaction.
Richard had often dealt with junior officers bringing complaints against their superiors over personal grievances or misunderstood incidents.
An experienced commander learned to distinguish between legitimate concerns and unfounded accusations.
Walker’s service record provided him with credibility that Richard’s circumstantial evidence could not overcome.
Without concrete proof of actual treachery, they had achieved nothing.
The realization was both humbling and motivating.
He needed evidence that would convince a court-martial or justify destroying a decorated officer’s career if he was guilty. He needed proof of his innocence or his treachery.
Gibraltar’s market bustled with activity as Richard and Darcy wandered through, ostensibly shopping for engagement gifts. Both men’s true intent was to determine how to gather the evidence Admiral Whitmore would find convincing.
The practical task of selecting a token for Prudence helped to focus his turbulent thoughts.
He spotted several jewelry vendors offering elegant pieces suitable for a lady of refinement.
At the third stall, he found what he sought—a pair of emerald and gold earrings with delicate workmanship that would complement Prudence’s eyes perfectly.
While the merchant carefully wrapped his purchase, Richard and his cousin found themselves within earshot of two men speaking in a rapid, heavily accented mixture of French, English, and Spanish.
“…L'Ombre doit arriver bient?t,” one man announced the arrival to his compatriot. “The Intrepid, she will not stay long in harbor.”
Richard’s blood boiled as he heard the familiar code name spoken in connection with Walker’s ship.
“Capitán Walker, he expects the information about the next convoy upon his arrival,” the second man replied in Spanish-accented French. “If we do not deliver quickly, no payment this time.”
“Then we must hurry. The Shadow grows impatient.”
Vindication surged through Richard as the conversation confirmed his suspicions.
His first instinct was to follow the men, to gather additional evidence or intercept their communication with Walker.
But as he collected his wrapped package, he spotted a familiar figure across the market.
Prudence stood at another stall with Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet, examining some local handicrafts with obvious pleasure.
Richard made his way quickly to her side, his heart racing with both love and urgency. He pressed the wrapped earrings into her hands and lifted her fingers to his lips.
“Richard!” she exclaimed, her cheeks coloring at his very public display of affection.
“A token of my devotion,” he said simply, then turned to Darcy. “Cousin, we need to return to Admiral Whitmore.”
As they hurried from the ladies, Prudence’s response drifted on the breeze. “Is he not romantic?”
There was no accompanying laughter, no teasing from Elizabeth, and Richard’s heart soared even as his mind focused on the task ahead. Prudence would be waiting for him when this business with Walker was concluded.
“Is it enough?” Darcy asked as they moved rapidly through the market.
“Without a doubt,” Richard replied with satisfaction. “We must move quickly before the captain arrives in Gibraltar, and our opportunity is lost.”
Admiral Whitmore reluctantly invited the men into his office.
“Colonel Fitzwilliam, I told you…”
Before he could continue, Richard pointed out of the window to an approaching warship.
“The Intrepid will arrive shortly. Darcy and I overheard two men in the market with damning evidence against Captain James Walker. I ask only that you station trusted men to note every person who has contact with him. If I am correct, and we have every reason to believe I am, there will be an exchange of documents for gold Napoleons.”
“But…”
Richard stopped the Admiral. “If your men are discreet, there will be no consequences to you if I am wrong. But know this for a certainty, Admiral. I am not wrong.”
“Very well. It will be done.”