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It was nearly ten by the time he finally reached the village and the small brick constabulary that housed a modest jail. Graham dismounted and tied his horse to a hitching post, then strode into the building. A young constable sat at the desk, a recent replacement for the aging officer who had last served there and had recently retired from both his position at the Royal Mail office and the constabulary. The young officer stood, immediately seeing the alarm in Graham’s face.
“Your Grace!” he said, bowing deeply. “I am surprised to see you. I did not know you had returned from the city. Of course, I ought to have assumed it, given the recent tragedy. My condolences, Your Grace.”
“I thank you. Yes, I returned some days ago for the funeral. Tell me, what is your name, for we have not been introduced. I am familiar with Farnsworth, your predecessor.”
“Hastings,” the young man said. “My father owns the mill.”
Graham nodded. He knew the miller well. “I see,” he said and tipped his head to the side. The constable could not be much older than him and Graham wondered if he was up to the task of taking on a murder.
“Hastings,” he said. “I have come to see you on a matter of utmost importance,” Graham said. “We must go at once to Sedgwick Manor. A murderer is on the loose.”
“A murderer?” the constable said, alarmed. “You cannot possibly mean—”
“Yes,” Graham said. “My sister was murdered—and Oliver Bragg is the one responsible.”
“Murdered? But forgive me, Your Grace, Lady Bridget and Lord Bragg both—”
Graham raised his hand. “Bragg is the murderer, therefore, his word is hardly reliable. Lady Bridget was coerced into lying.”
The man rubbed his lips and shook his head. “Coerced? I questioned her thoroughly, and she did appear at times rather withdrawn. I assumed it was to do with the shock. I know the two ladies were good friends. The whole village knows it.”
“Indeed. Now, you must come to Sedgwick Manor with me. He is there, Bragg. We must apprehend him and make sure he stands trial,” Graham demanded.
Graham was a respected member of the community, and he’d assumed that Bragg’s reputation would have preceded him.
However, Hastings merely stepped from one foot onto the other and chewed his lips as if uncertain.
When he raised his head, Graham saw his eyes were filled with apprehension. The young man let out a deep sigh. “I’ve heard tales about the goings at Sedgwick Manor,” he conceded.
“Tales?”
“Indeed, servants have talked about activity below stairs, maids in peril at the hands of someone the servants deem dangerous.” He shrugged.
“And you did nothing?” Graham replied, shocked at the constable’s nonchalant manner.
“I cannot do anything unless I am called upon, as I am now. I overheard talk in the tavern and approached two gentlemen, former employees of Lord Sedgwick’s and asked them about the matter. They were less than comfortable with answering my questions.”
Graham sighed. “I understand. Without a complaint there can be no investigation. However, I am making an official complaint.”
The constable nodded. “Well then, in that case, I can conduct a proper investigation. Perhaps, once the servants see that a duke stands ready to speak out and demand justice, they will feel braver and be inspired to speak up.”
Graham ran his tongue over his lips. It was true that often it required the word and influence of a nobleman to get anything done. While he had never craved the position of duke, he had to admit that influence suited him well in that moment.
“Well, then let us go to Sedgwick Manor and confront him,” Graham said and turned, ready to head for the door. The constable, however, had not moved.
“Not so fast, Your Grace. I stated that I am ready to investigate, but first you must tell me what happened. I couldn't possiblymarch into Lord Sedgwick's home andarrest Lord Bragg without knowing the entire story, who the witnesses are—”
“We have no time to waste, man!” Graham shouted. He thought of Bridget, asleep in her bed in his home, of his mother, both sure that he was bringing justice to the horrid man’s door. Yet, here he was, arguing with a constable.
“Then you must speak fast, Your Grace. And perhaps we can find a middle ground. Let me fetch the wagon, and we will ride to Sedgwick Manor together. On the way, you will tell me all you know, agreed?”
Graham let out a sigh but nodded. “Very well, we shall do so.”
And then, with their agreement reached, the two men finally set out together and made their way toward the manor house.
* * *
Half an hour later, Graham and the constable were riding in the wagon toward the manor house, with several riders following them as reinforcements. Graham had insisted on enlisting additional help, and since they had no idea what they would face, the constable had rallied a few men from the village to join them. As they got closer to the house, thunder clouds loomed on the horizon, a new storm brewing overhead.
