"Richards," she whispered. "Yes, he was Caine's director, wasn't he?"
Caine's father looked surprised over that statement. "You've gathered quite a bit of pertinent information, haven't you? I cannot help but wonder how you came by it. Will you tell me who gave you such secrets?"
She was a little insulted by that question. "No one gave me anything," she said. "I found out on my own. I'm most resourceful, sir. My brother, Nathan, was helping Colin sort out a rather complex problem for the government. Someone didn't want them to succeed, however. A trap was set. The only reason
they're both still alive is that… Pagan became suspicious. The pirate was able to intervene in time."
"Does Colin know who is behind this treachery?"
She shook her head. "We only know that it's someone high up in the War Office. Nathan and Colin are safe only as long as they are believed dead. I cannot tell you anything more. When Colin returns…"
"Will you take me to see him?"
"He should be home in just a few more days, sir. He cannot stay here, of course, unless you've cleaned your house of the servants… the details will have to be worked out." She paused to smile at him. "I wonder if you'll recognize your son. His hair has grown way past his shoulders. Both he and Nathan
look like true pirates now."
"That must please Pagan."
"Oh, it pleases Pagan very much."
"Were their injuries severe?" he asked.
"They had been bound and gagged, then shot and tossed into the waters. Their enemies knew they weren't dead yet."
"They left them to drown."
"No, they left them for the sharks. The waters were infested with the predators and the fresh blood… drew their notice."
"My God…"
"The sharks didn't get them, though I will admit there were several close minutes. Pagan lost a good
man in the rescue."
"Pagan went into those waters with this other man?"
"Yes," she answered. "Pagan is the strongest swimmer. Besides, the pirate would never ask others what… he could not do himself."
Jade started for the door, but was stopped by his next question. "Are you in love with my Colin?"
"Oh, heaven's no," she answered. She unlocked the door, then turned back to her new confidant.
"When we next meet, you must pretend not to know me. I'm keeping Caine occupied for the present.
As you know, he's determined to track down Pagan. The hunt has put him at risk, but that soon will be resolved."
"But Pagan wouldn't…"
"Pagan's protecting Caine," she said. "The pirate has been blamed for killing Nathan and Colin. Your government put a price on his head. Caine, as you probably know, has doubled that amount. Now consider what would happen if Caine were able to find Pagan and talked to him before he…"
"Pagan might be able to convince Caine he didn't kill Colin."
"Exactly," she replied. "Do you see? Whoever is behind this treachery wants to make certain Pagan isn't found."
"Or have Caine killed before he hunts down the truth."
"Yes."
"My God, Caine is at risk. I must…"
"Do nothing, sir," Jade announced. "As I've explained, Pagan is watching out for Caine."
"Good Lord, Pagan isn't our enemy," the Duke whispered. "I owe the man a debt I shall never be able
to repay. Dear lady, is there nothing I can do for you?"
"I must take care of Caine for now," she answered. "He's a very stubborn man, but a protector by
nature. He's occupied by thinking he's taking care of my problems now. When Colin comes home, then the three of you can decide what's to be done."
"Pagan sent you to Caine then?"
"Yes," she replied with a smile.
"Caine won't give up," he interjected. "I pray Colin returns soon."
"Don't worry so," Jade said. "If you tell Caine to quit his hunt, he'll only try harder to succeed. He's
too determined to stop now."
"Then you must confide in him." "I cannot, sir. I have given my word to Colin. Besides, we've only a
few more days before the truth is revealed."
"What if your brother and Colin are delayed?"
"Then we'll have to form a new plan," she announced with a nod.
"But what specifically…"
"We'll have to find a way to take the prey away from the hunter. Caine will be furious, but he'll be alive.
I must consider this carefully," she added as she opened the door.
"When will I see you again? You mentioned that I must pretend not to know you, but…"
"Oh, I'm certain you'll see me again," she answered. "And there is one little thing you could do to repay me," she added. "You did say you would do anything," she reminded him.
"Yes, anything."
"Caine is your eldest son and if there must be a favorite, then he should be the one."
The Duke was clearly astonished by her remarks. "I love all my children. 1 wasn't aware that I favored one above the others."
"Sir Harwick believes Colin is your favorite," she said. "He also said that Caine keeps himself separate from the family. Don't allow this to continue, sir. Caine needs your love. See that he gets it."
The door closed.
The Duke of Williamshire sat at his desk a long while before his legs felt strong enough to hold his
weight. Tears of joy streamed down his cheeks. He said a prayer of thanksgiving for this miracle he'd
just been given.
His Colin was alive.
Henry was suddenly ravenous. He went in search of breakfast. It was going to be difficult, for the Duke wasn't a man given to trickery, but he would have to control his smiles. None of his staff must suspect
the true reason for his recovery.
He felt reborn. It was as though someone had reached down into his lonely black abyss of despair and lifted him all the way up to the stars.
The young lady he now considered his savior had the most unusual green eyes. Pagan must have named his ship after the beautiful woman. The Emerald. Yes, he decided with a nod. He was also certain he now knew the pirate's true identity, but he vowed he'd go to his death before revealing that truth to anyone.
He wondered, though, what Caine would say when he found out that the woman he was sheltering was actually Pagan's little sister?
There'd be fireworks aplenty, and his only prayer now was that he'd be there to protect his savior when Caine's temper exploded.
The Duke of Williamshire was certain he had it all figured out.
He was filling his plate with a second helping of eggs and kidneys when his wife, Gweneth, came rushing into the dining room. "Cook told me you were eating," she stammered out.
The Duke turned to his wife, a soft smile on his face. Poor Gweneth looked rattled. Her short blond hair was in complete disarray and she couldn't seem to get the sash to her robe tied. "Why, Henry?" she asked, staring at him so intently.