“I do,” Isaac responded, offering no further details.
Winston straightened his posture, exuding authority. “Then I am at a disadvantage, as I do not believe we have ever been introduced.”
Isaac gave him a smug smile. “We haven’t, but I am more than aware of who you are,” he said.
Winston’s expression remained impassive. “That will save us a considerable amount of time, then. What is it that you want?”
With a scoff, Isaac stated, “As if you don’t already know. I want my wife.”
Winston spread his arms wide. “I don’t know where your wife is,” he replied.
“I find that hard to believe.”
“It is true,” Winston said. “In fact, I have never even met my father’s younger sister. His family disowned her after she eloped with you.”
Isaac took a menacing step closer. “If Sarah isn’t here, then where is she?”
Shrugging, Winston responded, “I cannot answer that. I don’t even have a wife to lose yet.”
“I did not lose my wife,” Isaac declared. “She ran away with our son! I want them back home where they belong.”
Winston walked over to the drink cart, keeping his movements deliberate. “That is unfortunate, truly. But what does that have to do with me?”
Isaac pointed a finger at him, his frustration palpable. “You know where she is, don’t you?”
As he picked up the decanter, Winston replied, “I told you. I do not know where my Aunt Sarah is.”
“Do you expect me to believe that?”
“I do, because it is the truth,” Winston said, pouring himself a drink. “Now you can depart and leave us be.”
Isaac lifted his brow, defiance etched on his face. “I am not going anywhere until I have my wife.”
Winston placed down the decanter and picked up his glass. “Then you shall be waiting a long time for nothing,” he said. “And I hear that the rooms in the coaching inn are less than stellar. It’s the rats, I’m afraid.”
Glancing at the door, Isaac’s face darkened. “Where is your father? I came to speak to him, not a lowly second son.”
Winston met his glare with a calm demeanor. “I’m afraid my father is in a meeting, and he is unable to meet with you,” he revealed, bringing the glass to his lips. “I agreed to speak to you out of the goodnessof my heart.”
Isaac’s eyes narrowed. “You think you are so clever, but your vain attempts at bamboozling me won’t work.”
“I have no idea what you are talking about,” Winston remarked. “I am just a lowly second son, as you stated earlier. Why should I know anything of importance?”
“I will bring back the constable and he will demand that you turn over my wife and son to me,” Isaac threatened, his voice rising.
Winston lowered the glass to his side. “That would be a waste of your time and the constable’s, considering your wife and son are not here.”
“But you know where they are!” Isaac exclaimed, his voice edging towards desperation.
Sighing, Winston said, “Now we are just going in circles, and we are not getting anywhere. Perhaps if we try again later.”
Isaac took a commanding step towards him. “You will tell me where my wife is or?—”
“Or what?” Winston demanded.
Grady stepped into the room, standing guard by the door, his presence a silent warning.
Isaac glanced at Grady, shaking his head in disdain. “You think you are better than me.”
