Page 41 of Surrender

“Your activities have begun to attract attention. People here and at home are beginning to express…concern about recent…casualties.”

“Who’s been talking?”

“Miller and his captain, as well as the captain’s cousin,” Simpson said in a low voice.

The disguised reference to his direct superior, Helmuth von Moltkem, the commander of the General Staff, who went by the name Miller in the field, wasn’t unexpected. But it was a troubling development that his work had captured the attention of the Kaiser and his cousin, the Prince of Wales.

The knowledge that the deaths of several Crown agents had been raised to such a high level of attention irritated him. He took pride in his discretion and objectivity when removing potential threats. But for the first time, he was forced to consider the possibility that he might have been overzealous in eliminating several members of the Crown’s Secret Intelligence Service.

“Melk believes your ability to move freely among the nobility will make you more effective in procuring the information needed.” Simpson’s voice penetrated his thoughts, and he bobbed his head in a sharp nod.

“Is there anything else I need to know?”

“We’ll need to find a new method of transferring information.”

“We can continue as we do now. I see no need to change the basics of our working relationship,” he said with a cavalier wave of his hand.

The moment Simpson’s expression darkened with displeasure, he arched an eyebrow at the man. For a brief moment, the informant’s lips parted as if he were about to speak before he shrugged. Whatever he’d been about to say went unsaid.

“Understood.”

“Then it’s settled. We’ll go on as before.”

He took a swig of his ale as he contemplated the changes in his assignment. In truth, he welcomed the realignment of his mission. His original goal had been to uncover any plans the English had for expanding and strengthening their military forces. While he’d yet to uncover any specific threats to Prussia, he knew he’d not uncovered enough details to confirm it without doubt,

Sailors could provide insignificant details regarding fleet strength and ship routes, but their knowledge of any actual military expansion was limited. The men who knew those sorts of detailed plans were found in Society’s ballrooms and clubs. He chafed at the realization he’d not thought in the very beginning to suggest to Miller that his mission would be better served if he mingled with the nobility.

People he intended to extract every bit of vengeance he could. He would find those who’d scorned and shunned his mother, making her a pariah among the nobility of which she was a part.

The only thing he would miss was the pleasant task of decreasing the number of agents working for the Crown’s Secret Intelligence Service. But his change in orders would allow him the opportunity to avenge his mother. Simpson’s features gradually came into focus, and he remembered how the man’s pretty whore had left the pub without him.

“I noticed your current paramour left without you this evening.”

“Ginny isn’t a woman a man can bed as quickly as he might others.”

“So, you’ve not yet fucked her.” Amusement made his lips twist in a faint smile as Simpson glared at him.

“No, but it’s only a matter of time,” the man’s expression was one of confidence. “This evening tells me that.”

“And what happened this evening?” he asked, as something in the back of his mind tried to push its way to the surface.

“She was more excited to see me than usual.”

“And you’re certain she’s interested only in you?” The memory of the whore and the tall stranger who’d dragged her into a dark alleyway made him eye Simpson with amusement. The other man bristled.

“Ginny has a thing for me, and I’ll find myself fucking her soon enough.”

“I’m sure you will,” he murmured with a strong suspicion Simpson’s confidence would bring him nothing where the woman was concerned. Finishing his ale, he rose to his feet. “I shall be in my usual spot two nights from now. Until then…”

Simpson nodded his understanding, and satisfied the informant had nothing further to share, he turned and walked out of the Black Horse Inn.

Chapter 12

Genevieve stepped out into the street, the sounds from inside the pub silenced as the door closed behind her. She paused for a moment to look in both directions before she turned to her right and began walking toward the rendezvous spot where she was to meet Theo and Teasdale.

Her mouth tight with anger, she didn’t know what irritated her the most, Simpson’s unwillingness to drink and reveal some of his secrets this evening or Theo’s attempt to secure a room for them at the pub.

At the same time, she couldn’t help but feel somewhat disappointed that Simpson had entered the pub, just as Theo was about to take her upstairs. While she’d been avoiding him, it annoyed her that Theo had made no concerted effort to be alone with her. As much as she knew she shouldn’t, she wanted to be in his arms again. She wanted him kissing her, touching her until she was melting in his arms.