The Heiress of Winterwood - By Sarah Ladd Page 0,78
his eyes protested the lack of sleep. No matter. Sleep was not an option.
Where was Lucy? Who had her?
He reached into the pocket of his coat and pulled out the ransom letter. He’d already read it a dozen times, though each reading sent blind rage through every fiber of his being. He unfolded the letter. It was addressed to him. Strange that the boy had delivered it to Winterwood’s kitchen entrance, though Graham was staying at Eastmore Hall. What did that mean?
Graham scratched his head and slicked back his damp hair, contemplating the unfamiliar script.
Sterling,
Your daughter and her nurse are safe and well, for now, but that will not be the case for long. Deliver two thousand pounds to George’s Dock at dawn on Sunday. I’ve no doubt you know the location. Be warned I’ve no patience for heroics. Upon my honor, I will not hesitate to make good on my threat should anything go wrong.
He flipped the note over, looking for more clues, but that was it. No signature. No other information. Nothing more than messy marks on a crumpled piece of paper. He smoothed the note out on his knee, then folded it as neatly as his still-numb fingers could manage.
George’s Dock. Liverpool. Yes, he knew the place well, and the very thought of his daughter in such a place made his blood run cold.
He eyed each man in the room with suspicion. Someone was after a fortune—either his prize money or Amelia’s inheritance—and would clearly stop at nothing to obtain it. His instinct was to discover the man’s identity, hunt him down, and bring him to justice. The thought of giving in to the demands of a lunatic and simply handing over money went against the grain. But in this case, his daughter’s safety trumped his need for justice. He would gladly surrender his last farthing if it meant holding his daughter in his arms once more.
Across the room, Singleton signaled his departure and called to Graham. “You know where to find me, should you need me.”
Graham nodded and stood. “Thank you for your help, Singleton. It was much appreciated.”
The man shoved his hat on his wet head and stepped toward Graham. “Wish I could have done more. Best of luck.” He turned to leave, then hesitated. “You’re sure you’re not in need of further assistance?”
Graham shook his head. The last thing he needed was someone else slowing him down. “I have a connection in Liverpool. He’ll give me all the help I need. I’m sure of it.”
The heavyset constable shifted his weight and glanced around the room. “Surely your brother will accompany you.”
“No, I’ll go alone.” Graham didn’t miss the older man’s surprised expression.
Singleton took his leave and Graham returned to his chair, content to be alone with his thoughts. To his left, Carrington and Mr. Hammond recounted the events of the day. Near the door, Miss Helena Barrett sat conversing with Edward Littleton. Graham scowled at the sight of Littleton. Despite the man’s help this morning, Graham’s instinct to avoid him was as strong as it had been the day he met him. Perhaps Littleton’s efforts to help find the child were sincere. Perhaps not. But something seemed amiss.
He tore his gaze away just in time to see Amelia enter the room with swift and determined steps. He stood when she entered, and from the corner of his eye he saw Littleton do the same. But he was the one Amelia’s eyes sought out, and she was by his side in seconds.
The expression flushing Amelia’s face was anything but congenial. “Tell me. What is going on?”
He’d hoped to come up with a softer way to deliver the news. The room fell silent, as if all anticipated his response. She had not yet read the letter, so he extended it to her, watching as she devoured the contents. Her face paled, and her free hand flew to her mouth.
“George’s Dock. Where is that?”
“Liverpool.”
After a moment of agonizing silence, she spoke. “We must do as they say. We must go to Liverpool.”
“I must go to Liverpool,” he corrected. “You must stay here in case they return.”
“I think not! I have every intention of accompanying you. Lucy will need me once you find her.” She turned to Carrington. “How soon can you retrieve the money?”
Graham shifted his weight. “Listen to me. The letter instructs me to come alone, and come alone I shall.”
“But I know I can be of assistance. And if I remain here, I shall go