Page 109 of The Secret Castle in the Highlands

I was drawn to the whispers and thrum of conversation, but I ensured my boots were placed silently on each of the black-and-white tiles. It was as though I were participating in a game of chess.

Through the slight gap in the door my attention locked on Augustus, his severe pale hair swept back from his forehead. He appeared to be pacing back and forth like an agitated animal.

‘Gentlemen, I am not prepared to have that vagabond in my home for a moment longer than is necessary.’

‘Quite, sir.’

‘He is making every effort to inveigle himself into the affections of not only my wife, but also our son.’

A terrified breath stuck in my throat. I pressed my ear closer to the partially open door.

‘I therefore wish to employ your services on a rather delicate matter.’

‘That’s what we are here for, sir.’

I angled my body a little to the left, desperate to locate who possessed the other two, disembodied voices. Just beyond our grand stone fireplace, with its intricate carvings of hawthorns, stood two individuals I had never seen before. Their attire was shabby, tailcoats frayed and speckled with grime, and they bore discoloured shirts.

The slightly broader of the two men grinned a yellow smile at Augustus. ‘What would you ’ave us do, sir?’

I watched, my horror rising, as my husband delivered his instructions.

‘I wish you to ensure that Mr Kelly never sets foot in Port Starr again.’

‘’Ow so, sir?’ asked the other man, rubbing his ruddy complexion.

Augustus eyed them with disdain. ‘I want you to emphasise to Mr Kelly that he should leave Port Starr as a matter of urgency, as much for his own safety as for others’.’

‘Others?’ repeated the yellow-toothed man. ‘Who might that be, sir?’

Fear clawed at me as I listened. Perhaps the man didn’t appreciate the devious methods of my husband, but I did.

‘My wife and my son,’ Augustus answered simply. ‘If he refuses to depart, you must tell him that it is not only his safety that will be in jeopardy, but also that of Georgina and Oscar.’

The two men exchanged glances. ‘We’ve never hurt a woman or child before, sir. That ain’t right…’

‘Now you listen to me,’ spat Augustus. ‘I am paying you handsomely, so you shall take my orders and accept them without question. Do you understand?’

My heart felt as if it were forcing its way out of my chest, as the red-faced man assured Augustus. ‘Don’t worry, sir. When we’re finished with this Mr Kelly, he won’t be back ’ere again.’

There was a poignant silence amongst everyone for a few moments, followed by charged voices in the appalled crowd.

Alex Lapley slid his eyes left and right.

Eliza gathered herself together and rested the letter on top of the diary.

She began to read aloud.

My dear friend Amelia,

Words cannot express my grateful thanks for your kind and selfless offer. Do you not realise what danger you are placing yourself in? I cannot comprehend losing Gideon for ever and yet I am torn with remorse and guilt for you.

Are you certain you are agreeable to us meeting at your premises in secret? Please consider carefully before informing me of your final decision, which I will respect with all my heart.

Your faithful friend,

Georgina Lapley

There followed a chorus of excited chatter from the assembled Port Starr locals.