“Your Grace, could we speak in private?”
James nodded. “Very well.”
“Gentlemen, please give us the room,” the Magistrate said to the constables, and all of them bowed and hastened out the door.
James got the impression that they were very happy to get away from his shouting.
Once they were alone, the Magistrate went to the sideboard and poured two generous glasses of whiskey. He handed one to James and indicated that he should sit down. Grudgingly, James sank into the seat across from the desk, while the Magistrate sat back down in his chair.
“Your Grace,” the Magistrate began, “I sense that something has happened.”
“What do you mean?” James asked swiftly.
“Two days ago, when we met to discuss the case against Farrell, you were feeling good about how everything was proceeding. You were calm, you seemed to trust the constables, and you even said that if we weren’t able to get the evidence from Redfield, we would find another way. But here we are, two days later, and you seem to have transformed back into…” the Magistrate—or LordGray, as James had known him before he became a Justice of the Peace—trailed off and waved a hand languidly.
James knew what he was going to say—back into the Devilish Duke.
“I understand that losing Redfield is frustrating,” Lord Gray continued, “but there seems to be something else going on, other than your irritation at the turn of events. Did something occur in the last couple of days?”
James shifted uncomfortably. Of course, something had occurred in the last couple of days. His wife had kissed him, and then he had kissed her back, and it had been the most mesmerizing, intoxicating, romantic moment of his entire life.
It also could never happen again. But he wasn’t about to admit all of that to Lord Gray.
“Nothing happened,” he said stiffly. “I am merely eager to see my wife’s kidnapper brought to justice.”
Lord Gray studied him for a long moment before speaking. He didn’t look entirely convinced.
“We have known each other a long time, Your Grace,” he began. “How many years ago was it, when you came to me with the idea of cleaning up your father’s duchy?”
“Twelve, I believe.”
“Yes, twelve.” Lord Gray swirled his glass, lost in thought. “You were young then, and a hothead. You had not yet become the cold, calculating duke who commands respect and fear wherever he goes. I thought the hothead had gone forever, but I’m seeing him right now. It’s interesting, as the last time I saw you in this state when your rage was directed at your father. But now, I cannot tell where your rage is directed.”
“Still at him,” James insisted. “He is the reason we are in this mess. Well, he and those incompetent constables…”
“The constables are trying their best,” Lord Gray said, and for the first time, anger flashed in his eyes.
James understood why. Lord Gray was proud of the men he employed to keep the city safe.
“But they are outmatched in resources. Redfield is richer than the King, in large part thanks to his investments in Farrell’s businesses, and he can more easily elude my men than a poor man could.”
James took a deep breath and tried to quell his anger. “You have a good point,” he relented. “And I apologize. I will not question the competence of your men again.”
“Thank you.” Lord Gray smiled softly, then sighed. “I understand how personal this case is to you, and I want to reassure you that we are doing everything we can. But we could also use your help.”
“My help?” James leaned forward, his interest piqued. “I will do anything.”
“You are a man that many in the ton fear, and you have influence and wealth, just like Lord Redfield. You also have access to places that my constables cannot go.”
“Youare also a peer,” James pointed out. “Can you not go to the same places I can?”
Lord Gray shook his head. “I must follow the letter of the law. While you… you can bend it in pursuit of justice. I would not say this in front of my constables, of course. And I’m not asking you to do anything illegal. Merely to use your position and influence to find an alternative way to obtain Redfield’s financial records.”
“I understand,” James said slowly. “And I think I can help you.”
“Good,” Lord Gray uttered, clapping his hands together and giving James a fatherly smile. “I’m very glad to hear it.”
“And what about Jebediah Crampton?” James asked. “Is there anything I can do to help find him?”
