Chapter 50
ARREST AND REDEMPTION
Richard’s evidence proved devastating in its simplicity.
The overheard conversation, corroborated by Darcy as witness, the French coin, the slip of the tongue in Alexandria, and the report from his own officers about the contact between Captain Walker and the French, finally convinced Admiral Whitmore that his trusted captain was “L’Ombre”, the Shadow. Walker’s arrest was swift.
Confronted with direct testimony about the French agents’ conversation and their use of his code name, the captain’s confident denials crumbled into resigned defeat. The man who had maintained his innocence so convincingly now awaited transport to England for court-martial.
“Why?” Admiral Whitmore asked during Walker’s confession. “Fifteen years of exemplary service, James. What could justify this?”
Walker’s shoulders sagged with the weight of his choices.
“My youngest brother, Lieutenant Jason Walker, was with General Wellesley in Spain when they marched to meet the French at Talavera. During the bayonet charge with the 48th Foot, Jason was captured and taken with the French when they later retreated. That was the twenty-seventh of July in the year 1809.” His voice broke.
“Within a month, they sent me proof of his…condition. Near death, sir. Tortured. They promised his release in exchange for shipping intelligence.”
Richard felt unexpected sympathy for the man. The French military’s use of captured British officers as leverage against their families was a cruel but effective strategy that had compromised more than one loyal servant of the Crown.
Walker looked up with haunted eyes. “They promised that each piece of intelligence I provided would improve his treatment. That full cooperation would secure his release.”
Admiral Whitmore remained grim but understanding. “And you believed them?”
“What choice did I have? They showed me letters in Jason’s handwriting describing his circumstances. They knew details about our family that only he could have provided.” Walker’s voice grew bitter. “Three years he has been languishing in that horrid cell.”
Admiral Whitmore offered, “I shall make diplomatic inquiries.”
The captain wiped his face with his palms. “I convinced myself that the information I passed was relatively harmless. Shipping schedules that the French would eventually discover anyway. Convoy routes that could be changed if necessary.”
Richard leaned forward. “Captain, we need details about your French contacts. Names, locations, methods of communication. Your cooperation now could help us prevent further damage to British operations.”
Walker looked between Richard and Admiral Whitmore, then nodded slowly.
After listing details, he added, “There is a network of French traders who move freely between British and French-controlled ports. They carried messages in empty wine bottles, sealed with false bottoms.” Walker’s voice grew stronger as he provided more details.
“The payment came through the same network. Gold coins hidden in wine shipments delivered to my ship during routine re-provisioning.”
Richard exchanged glances with Admiral Whitmore. This revelation suggested a sophisticated operation that extended far beyond Walker’s individual treachery.
“How many other British officers were they attempting to recruit?” the admiral asked.
“They mentioned at least three others, though they never provided names.”
Admiral Whitmore became increasingly grave. “James, did they ever ask you to identify potential recruits among your fellow officers?”
“Yes. They wanted information about officers’ personal situations. Any family difficulties, financial problems, anything that might make them vulnerable to approach.” Walker’s shame was evident.
“Did you provide them with names?”
“I did not.”
Relieved, Richard asked, “How extensive are these wine merchant operations?”
“Larger than I initially realized,” Walker admitted. “Naples, Marseilles, Barcelona, and Tangier.”
“Blast it, James.” Admiral Whitmore leapt to his feet and began pacing the room. “We must assume that this information has been shared throughout the network. Our convoy schedules, patrol patterns, and supply arrangements are all compromised. They will need to be changed immediately.”
Richard sneered, “More than that, sir, the damage extends beyond individual ship losses. This allowed the French to avoid our naval patrols while concentrating their forces on our merchant vessels. Our entire Mediterranean strategy has been ineffective because of this turncoat.”
Walker looked up. “Admiral, if my cooperation helps capture these men, might it influence my brother’s situation? Could prisoner exchange be an…”
Admiral Whitmore remained stern but not unsympathetic. “James, your cooperation is noted and will be reported to the court-martial board. As for your brother, I can promise nothing.”
He turned to Richard. “Your work here is concluded, Colonel. I will ensure that your superiors receive a full report of your success in exposing this threat to British operations.”
Leaving the garrison, Darcy clasped his cousin’s shoulder. “I could not be more proud of you. Your actions will save lives.”
Grateful to have completed his assignment to satisfaction, Richard had only one thought. “I need Prudence.”