Rockford’s mind raced. A highwayman with such precision and foresight wasn’t just a thief, this was someone with a mission. The note left behind suggested a brazen confidence, almost as if he enjoyed taunting his pursuers. But taking only certain messages? That pointed to something deeper. Someone’s betrayal.
Was the highwayman working alone, or was he a pawn in a larger scheme? If there was an insider, the stakeswere even higher. Who stood to gain from disrupting royal correspondence, and, more importantly, why?
The king’s visit wasn’t just a deadline. It was a clue. If this highwayman had a greater motive, October 21st might reveal his endgame. Rockford would start with Barrington’s list of potential informants. Someone knew too much, and he would find out who.
“Political unrest. Nothing else?” Rockford asked.
A hint of intrigue appeared in Barrington’s eyes. “There are whispers of various reasons. Some say it’s political, others suggest economic interests or even a personal retreat. It’s an unusual visit, indeed.”
Rockford stared at Barrington intently as the urgency of the situation became clear. “Understood. Adam Wesley spoke with me about the clinic project.”
“Yes, the planned clinic improvements have been a beacon of hope for many. However,” Barrington sat back and drew a deep breath, then released it slowly. “Wesley is correct. It’s also drawn significant opposition.”
“Wesley mentioned that some influential people are writing against the project. They must not have sent anything off yet. If they had, it would have crossed my desk. His Majesty has me review anything related to health issues. He also went over the reasons for the resistance to the project. What more do we know about this opposition?”
Barrington hesitated before answering. “We have reason to believe someone is working hard to convince property owners and influential people to oppose the clinic by playing on their concerns.”
“Yes,” Rockford was glad he had stumbled upon his old friend. “Those being competition, fear of creating a dependent population, and spreading social unrest.”
“Adam is well versed in the issues. He’s planning to go to Royston Mills to talk to the textile mill owners. Dr. Manning’s clinic services the mill workers and their families. Uncovering the highwayman’s identity is one of our top priorities.”
Rockford glanced at the map, a thought forming. “Do you think there could be a link between the highwayman’s activities, the opposition to the clinic, and the project I’m working on in London?”
Barrington looked thoughtful. “It’s possible. The issues involve influential people and sensitive information. We need to consider all possibilities.”
“I’ll see what I can find. If there’s a connection, we’ll find it.” He glanced at Barrington, a smile playing on his lips. “At first, I thought your invitation was to make me look more guilty than people already think I am. Leaving London at the height of the scandal doesn’t exactly put me in a good light.”
“There was no way to avoid it.”
“I never thought our contrived monetary malfeasance scandal would come in handy here. Whoever is behind the highwayman may try to compromise me or invite me to participate, thinking they can use me to their advantage. We couldn’t have planned this better.”
Barrington’s eyes lit up with interest. “That’s clever. They might be more willing to reveal their plans if they think they can get your cooperation. Until we know who is involved, you must be careful.”
With a surge of determination, he turned to Barrington. “It appears I’ll be helping Lady Lora, after all.”
Barrington’s expression softened. “Your involvement could make all the difference.”
“You’re difficult to say no to.” They both chuckled.
“There is one final item.”
Rockford stared at his former commanding officer. The man was a master of strategy. What else could there be?
“We must agree that we will not disclose the identity of the secret informer under any circumstance. Everything could be lost if we reveal their identity before we have all the evidence to bring it to the King.
“On my oath.” Rockford put his gold coin on the table and slid it toward Barrington.
Barrington nodded and slid the coin back to him.
“Your word is all I need. Return this to me when our mission is completed. Now, let me show you the information I’ve been able to gather so far.”
*
Later that evening,Rockford arrived home with the day’s discussion still buzzing in his head. He spotted a sealed envelope on his desk as he entered his study. The Fallsmith family crest was unmistakable.
He picked up the envelope, broke the seal with a practiced hand, and read the elegantly scripted invitation.
The Right Honorable, The Earl and Countess ofFallsmith,
