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The gentleman nodded.
“Did any of these men, or his lordship, ever do anything suspicious that you took notice of?” Again, Longfellow took charge of the conversation.
“I recall several times when they would have guard duty together and not be at their posts. Of course, no one complained since they were under Major Atherton. Begging your pardon, Lord Fernsby.”
“Anything else?”
“There were times when the major,” Fines nodded toward Owen, “would go out on scouting missions, either by himself or with some of the men I named.”
“Were there others involved in these scouting expeditions?” Bran spoke up.
“There might have been, but I don’t recall.” Fines leaned back in his chair. “That’s all I can remember.”
“It is more than we have had up to this point. Thank you, Fines.” Owen stood, feeling restless. “Do you think those areas on the map are where the gold might be?”
“Gold!” Fines exclaimed.
Owen quickly told Fines about the letter he had sent to Longfellow prior to his injury.
“It’s a good assumption,” Longfellow agreed. “Well, I think we know what must be done. We must track down these men. I will have my agents start searching. When and if they are found, I will bring them in for official questioning.”
“You will let me know when you have found them?” Owen needed closure.
“Of course. I will keep you updated.”
Longfellow and Fines took their leave. Once the door closed, Owen poured himself a drink. Definitely a double this time.
“Drink?” he asked Bran.
“Please.”
Owen brought the drinks over, handing the crystal glass to his friend, then settling back into his leather chair. “So, what do you think?”
“About what?”
Owen chuckled. “Do you think this will be a wild goose chase?”
“I am optimistic. Longfellow works for the Office of Foreign Affairs and has connections that we do not. The men we are looking for are not upper class, therefore they are out of our realm. Leave it to the professionals. They are used to handling these types of situations.”
Bran’s words did little to settle the uneasiness in Owen’s gut. He knew it wouldn’t be easy digging into the past, and he had a feeling things would get worse before they got better.
“How is Selena?”
“She is doing well, thank you.” Owen finished the last of his drink.
“I do not hear the usual cheerfulness in your voice when speaking of her. Did something happen?”
Lord, was he in the mood to unburden himself to his best friend? Yes. Owen needed someone’s advice, and there was no one he trusted more than Bran. So, Owen told his friend about his recollection of his memories, and Selena’s revelations about the lost babies and her affair.
“Did you know about any of this?” Owen’s voice shook.
Bran gulped the last of his brandy before answering. “Only what Sarah told me. I knew about the babies, but I did not know about an affair. You must believe me in that.”
“I do. But why didn’t you tell me any of this?” A fresh wave of frustration rose.
“Because it wasn’t my place. Those conversations were between you and Selena, when she felt it was the right time to tell you.”
For as long as he lived, Owen would never forgive himself for the lost children. How old would they be now? Old enough to be running around, laughing, and playing games. Curse his foolishness.
