“I would never seek that kind of retribution against someone who didn’t deserve it,” Thomas said sharply.
“I know you wouldn’t,” Henry said. “Of course not. But the constables don’t know you as we do, Thomas. What they’ll see—the only thing they’ll be able to see—is a gentleman who owes a debt reporting his debt collector as a criminal. You have to admit, that will look suspicious, especially since you don’t have any proof of the things you’re accusing Crowle of.”
“We have Richard’s account,” Thomas said. “The constables can speak to him about what he experienced, and when they find that his story is the same as mine—”
“But his story isn’t the same as yours,” Duncan chimed in. “Richard told us of something that had happened to him. You’re speaking of something that youfearmight happen to you. Crowle hasn’t actually done anything illegal to you at all yet.”
“Well, what of that?” Thomas demanded. “Richard’s story should still be more than enough—”
“But no one is going to listen to Richard’s story,” Duncan said. “He’s already been convicted of a crime. He’s an even less reliable witness than you are. The constables will laugh if he tries to throw suspicion onto Crowle.”
“All right, then,” Thomas said. “We’re just going to have to get the evidence we need.”
“How are we going to do that?” Henry asked.
“I don’t know,” Thomas admitted. “That’s the difficult part.”
“I don’t know if this is the solution you think it is,” Henry said. “Let’s say whatever you’re imagining works, and you’re able to eliminate the threat of Crowle. Well, you’ll still be in debt. The money you owe isn’t tohim. Won’t another debt collector be sent after you?”
“I don’t think so,” Thomas said. “I’ve been paying down my debt since my father’s death, bit by bit. I’ve just been doing so gradually. There was no particular rush about it. It’s only very recently that has changed. With Crowle out of the way, I think the way I’ve been managing my debt would once again be considered acceptable.”
“And besides,” Duncan said, “even if another debt collectordoescome along, chances are it will be one with some scruples, and not one who is willing to utterly destroy Thomas’s life in order to get the money he owes. I think it’s a good idea,” he said. “I think we should do whatever we can to run down this Crowle man and hold him accountable for his crimes.”
Thomas turned to Henry. “Are you with us?”
“You know I am,” Henry said. “Whatever you need from me, I’ll always be on your side. What are friends for?”
“What do you want us to do?” Duncan asked.
“I think we should track him down,” Thomas said. “If we’re going to bring him to justice, that’s where we need to start. We should find him and get him to confess his crimes.”
“Do you think he will?” Henry asked.
“I don’t know,” Thomas said. “But I think we have to try. Or at least, I have to. Truly, if you don’t want to be a part of this, I will understand. I won’t be angry. I know this isn’t what either of you bargained for when you agreed to come along with me.”
“Don’t be silly,” Duncan said. “You’re our friend, and we’re with you, to the end. Right, Henry?”
Henry nodded solemnly.
“Besides,” Duncan added, “the more witnesses you have, the better this will go. The constables may be able to accuse you of concocting a lie, but Henry and I have very little reason to mislead them, or to seek vengeance against a debt collector.”
“Except for the fact that he put your cousin behind bars,” Henry pointed out.
“Well, there is that,” Duncan agreed. “Butyouwould have no reason to speak against him, Henry. And you’re a Marquess, so your word will carry the most weight of all of ours”
Henry nodded. “You can count on me,” he said.
Thomas was amazed at the change this plan seemed to have wrought in his friend. Maybe it was coming face to face with Richard, or seeing the inside of the gaol cell, but whatever the reason, Thomas had never seen Henry—who was normally so lighthearted and carefree—look so serious.
“Thank you,” he said to both of his friends, looking from one familiar face to the other. “Thank you so much. You don’t know how much it means to me to have your help in this. I don’t know what I would do if I was forced to face it alone.”
“You don’t have to worry about that,” Duncan assured him readily. “We’ve always faced everything together, the three of us, haven’t we? And we’ll get through this too. You’ll see.”
Duncan drained his drink. Thomas was deeply grateful for him. It was Duncan who brought the most positivity to their group, Duncan, who was always certain that any obstacle could be overcome. It was Duncan whose cheerful outlook enabled Thomas to believe that he would be able to get the better of Crowle.
And maybe, when all was said and done, when Crowle had answered for his crimes and Thomas was free and clear once more—maybe then Lady Valeria would consent to resume their courtship.
That hope burned within him like a flame that wouldn’t be extinguished.
