Page 6 of What the Heart Knows

“Brookbank brought in more men?”

“No, he somehow—either by force or persuasion—convinced many of the smaller gangs to band together. He brought in the Yarmouth bullies to threaten those who might not want to be part of his schemes. The hauls got larger.”

“How do you know that?”

“I haven’t wanted to cooperate with Brookbank, but I couldn’t stop them from using my cellar to store brandy tubs. Not if I wanted to keep my family safe. I heard from friends that their homes or farms were being used too.”

“Which means,” Kit mused. “That more goods were smuggled in one venture and profits increased.”

Brewster senior nodded.

“Sir, why are you taking an interest in the local trade?” George asked.

“While in the army, I was asked to look into complaints concerning Major Frederick Fenneman. Some enlisted soldiers and junior officers made claims he was engaged in profiteering.”

“Major was the squire’s rank,” George and his father spoke in near unison.

“Precisely. Any accusations against an officer by subordinates would be dismissed without credence. Senior command authorized an investigation of which I am part.”

“Did you find any evidence?”

“I managed on two occasions to witness encounters between Fenneman and persons who appeared to be civilians. These meetings took place well away from any camp or military activity. I concealed myself near enough to hear the conversations. On both occasions Fenneman negotiated the exchange of English weapons and supplies for tea, brandy, silks and money. Fenneman’s guilty of profiteering. The tea, brandy and silks probably were smuggled into England—most likely right here at Fenwick on Sea. If so, he’s complicit in that as well.”

“What of the money?”

“I’ll wager he used some of the cash to purchase inferior goods to substitute for the supplies he sold. What he didn’t use, he most likely pocketed.”

“Sir,” George spoke up. “Why didn’t you report him?”

“I made my report, but no action was taken.”

“Why not?”

“As with the earlier complaints, the Major outranked me. In addition, he wasn’t in my chain of command. I’d no proof beyond what I’d witnessed. Even combined with the statements of several others, the evidence was insufficient. I promised myself I would see Fenneman pay for his crimes. The number of English soldiers who died because of inferior weapons, food, and clothing is too great to tell.”

“I admire your promise, Captain,” the innkeeper said. “However, I’ve as little proof as you of the squire’s wrongdoing.”

“What about your friends and neighbors? You say they’ve been threatened or punished for not cooperating?”

“The squire’s no fool. Everything comes through Brookbank.”

“Yes, Fenneman’d make sure he couldn’t be blamed,” George commented.

“I doubt anyone in Fenwick’d be willing to lay information against the squire or his clerk.” Brewster rubbed his chin with thumb and forefinger. “Perhaps you’d speak with them. With more information, we may not need witnesses.”

“That’s a reasonable start. However, we must consider Fenneman may not be calling the shots. As George implied earlier, the possibility exists Brookbank’s coercing Fenneman for his silence and cooperation.”

“I’d not thought of that.” The innkeeper looked down at his hands on the table.

“How could we learn the truth?” George asked.

“Short of asking him directly, we must gather evidence of the smuggling. As we do that, the identity of the gang’s leader should become clear.”

“And,” Brewster senior added, “gathering evidence begins with you talking to the residents of Fenwick.”

“True,” Kit agreed. “However, I can’t simply tour the countryside interviewing people about their dealings with smugglers. I need a reason for asking questions of the locals.”

They sat silent, thinking, until George straightened. “What if you were to say you’re looking for a place to settle. It’s what you intended once we left Fenwick.”