Mercy glanced toward the doorway to ensure they were alone. “Do you think he suspects?”
Anna stacked another plate atop the pile. “I don’t know.” But she feared he did.
And if Nathaniel Reed truly enjoyed Captain Whitby’s confidence, he might be the most dangerous man she’d ever encountered.
Nathaniel Reed kept his horse at a steady walk leaving the Pembroke house behind. There was no sense in hurrying. A man in a hurry attracted attention, and attention was the last thing he wanted.
The lane curved between two hedgerows before opening onto a broader road leading into town. Only then did he allow himself a glance over his shoulder.
The laundry still fluttered on the line. A sheet. Two towels. Another sheet.
Nathaniel suppressed a smile. The message was simple enough. A meeting had been requested. Nothing urgent, thank goodness. Urgent messages usually meant trouble. And there was already enough trouble to be found in Setauket.
He nudged his horse forward, his thoughts drifting not to the message, but to the young woman who had hung it. Anna Turner. She was a pretty thing, with light reddish brown hair and green eyes. She’d nearly dropped the tablecloth when she spotted him.
Nathaniel winced. He’d lingered too long. Normally, one glance at the wash line was enough. Today, however, he'd noticed something unusual. The arrangement had changed from the previous week. He'd wanted to make certain he understood the signal correctly.
Problem was, in doing so, he'd frightened the poor girl half to death. He doubted she’d thank him for it. Come to think of it, Anna Turner wouldn't thank him for much of anything. As far as she knew, he worked for the British. Which, Nathaniel supposed, was exactly what he wanted most people to believe.
Captain Whitby trusted him. Several other officers trusted him as well. That trust had taken months to earn by carrying messages, keeping questions to a minimum, and acting interested in nothing beyond collecting a fee for honest work.
It was a tedious role at times, but a useful one. Men spoke freely around those they considered unimportant. Nathaniel learned far more than the British realized.
The sound of approaching hoofbeats reached his ears. A farmer coming from the opposite direction lifted a hand in greeting. "Mornin', Mr. Reed."
Nathaniel gave a friendly wave in return. "Good morning."
The man continued on his way.
Nathaniel rode toward the other side of town. The expression on his face said he was unconcerned, though his thoughts remained busy.
The British believed occupation brought order. Many of the townsfolk disagreed but for the most part, were wise enough to keep those opinions to themselves.
Unfortunately, some were not. A public hanging had been scheduled for today. In fact, it was happening this very minute. The knowledge sat like a stone in his stomach. He’d seen enough death these past few years to last a lifetime, and the war was determined to provide more.
As his destination came into view, he spotted a familiar figure standing outside the cooper's shop. The man appeared to be examining a wagon wheel.
Nathaniel knew better. Without changing his expression, he guided his horse down the street and slowed as he passed.
"Fine weather for getting things done," the man remarked.
Nathaniel's gaze remained on the road ahead. "Provided it doesn't rain."
The man nodded once. A meaningless exchange to anyone listening.
Nathaniel continued riding. The meeting request had been received. Now all he had to do was to learn why.
He guided his horse toward the stable behind a tavern and dismounted. A stable boy hurried over to take the reins.
"Will you be long, sir?"
"A short while."
The boy nodded and led the horse away.
Nathaniel crossed the yard and entered the tavern through the rear door. The midday meal hadn’t begun, and only a handful of patrons occupied the common room. Most sat alone. A pair of fishermen occupied a table near the window. An elderly man nursed a mug of cider near the hearth. No one paid Nathaniel much attention which is what he preferred.
He purchased a cup of tea and carried it to an empty table in the corner and settled in to wait.
