Voyage Home

Callum stood at the base of the stone wall, sword through the holder in his belt. Dustin walked up in front of him and looked at him. Callum locked his fingers together of his hands, holding them a bit low to make a cradle. Dustin smiled and shook his head, knowing what he wanted to do.

“What about your stitching?” Dustin asked above a whisper. Callum looked him in the eye and smiled briefly.

“It will be fine. You don’t weigh that much. Give us your boot.” Callum said softly. Dustin put his hands on Callum’s shoulders, lifting his foot and placing it up in the cupped hands. Callum lifted as Dustin hopped. Callum looked up Dustin’s body, loving the view for a brief moment as Dustin put his hands on the top of the stone wall, pulling himself up and laying the wide width of it. Callum watched as Dustin reached out a hand, taking Callum’s upstretched hand and pulled, Callum hopping himself once and grabbed the top of the wall. He pulled himself up and lay on the wall for a moment and then rolled off onto the grounds of the grand manor. Dustin slid off the top of the wall and landed next to him. They crouched and looked about, seeing no one.

“They must be in the house by now.” Dustin whispered. Callum nodded his agreement and pointed to the far rear corner of the manor. They both moved, staying low, heading for a large group of bushes, going around it quietly as they continued to look about.

“There is the terrace.” Callum said in a whisper as he nodded in the direction of what he saw. Dustin looked as well.

“So far, your giant has been right.” Dustin whispered at the rear of Callum’s ear, “But now I’m wondering what we will do if we find Upton’s son?”

“That depends upon him.” Callum whispered, “Remember, stay low under the windows. We don’t want to be seen.” Dustin nodded and followed Callum to the corner of the manor. They crept along slowly until they reached the first window. Staying low, they both went under it, Callum in the lead, Dustin following. They cleared it and moved along the wall to the next one, doing the same as they did the first, moving closer and closer to the terrace. They reached a large planter that was overgrown with the flowering bush that it contained. Callum crouched, Dustin crouching behind him, as Callum scanned about and did not see a single soul anywhere on the grounds.

“We may be in luck.” Dustin whispered at Callum’s shoulder.

“That would truly be a first, don’t you think?” Callum asked and half looked over his shoulder. Dustin chuckled softly, shaking his head a bit.

“What now?” Dustin asked in a whisper.

“We see if that door is open.” Callum said as he pointed around the large flowering bush in the planter. Dustin looked and saw the door himself that led out on the terrace.

“And if it’s not?” Dustin asked.

“Details, it’s always details with you, why is that?” Callum asked without looking at Dustin.

“It is nice to know before we step off the cliff, don’t you think?” Dustin asked.

“I always find that if you just take it as it comes, it will just happen for you.” Callum said in a whisper.

“It is truly a wonder to me that you haven’t been killed yet, Quintan, with that type of thinking.” Dustin said and rolled his eyes once. Callum moved and went quickly over to the glass doors, looking inside. He didn’t see anything moving in the large room as he put his hand on the handle of the door. He pushed it down and pushed gently. The door opened for him. He looked over his shoulder and saw Dustin still crouched behind the flowering bush and smiled. He rolled his head a little to have Dustin follow as he opened the door wider and stepped into the room inside the grand manor. Dustin got up and followed him in, leaving the door open slightly.

“What are we looking for?” Dustin asked in a whisper at Callum’s shoulder.

“Anything that leads to proving that Upton is behind everything. Documents, papers of any kind.” Callum whispered as he looked around the room from where he stood.

“Are we to search the whole house?” Dustin asked in a whisper.

“I don’t think so.” Callum whispered over his shoulder, “This appears to be a study. If it exists, it must be here.”

The room was immense. Paneled richly and cased all around with bookcases, filled with books of all kinds, various sizes and types of bindings. Near the fireplace, in the center of the far wall, toward the center of the house, stood a cabinet that seemed to be built in. Callum went over to it as Dustin looked about from where he stood.

The cabinet was obviously a bar. Several decanters of different colored ambered liquids sat on the open shelves, glass sat about them. Callum moved along the shelves slowly. There was a desk near and in front of one of the widows of the room. There were also furnishings in the room, chairs that seemed to be overstuffed and covered in fine leather, obviously there for relaxing and reading, a settee that had its back toward them, obviously a gathering area. Callum moved toward the desk, Dustin coming slowly toward him to him there.

“Let us search the desk. Perhaps there is something here.” Callum said. Dustin coming around the large desk himself as Callum whispered. He looked down at several papers that were spread out. He read some of them, scanning them quickly.

“We don’t have a lot of time.” Dustin said as a reminder to Callum.

“There has to be something here.” Callum said in a whisper and then stopped as he heard something in the room, a groan it sounded like. Callum looked about and didn’t see anything, Dustin heard it as well and looked about. They heard it again, a soft sound, someone groaning and then they heard another sound, the sound of someone moving as if trying to get comfortable. Callum pointed toward the settee, Dustin nodded, as Callum went around the desk, he pointed back at its surface and the papers there for Dustin to keep looking. Dustin stayed where he was and watched as Callum put his hand on his sword pommel and went slowly and quietly toward the gathering area and the settee. He was watching it as he went around in a wide circle and stopped as he saw who was lying on it. He narrowed his eyes.

“What the hell are you doing here?” The voice from the settee asked.

“I would ask you the same thing, but as this is your father’s house, Atch, I already have the answer to that question.”

“How did you get in here?” Atch asked as he sat up slowly on the settee, staring at Callum, “What do you want?”

“You already know what I want.” Callum said carefully, seeing the sword that Atch possessed in his scabbard on his belt, “I came in through the door on the terrace. You really need better security on the grounds, Atch. Your father might be very upset to learn that I just walked in without passing a single soul.”

“You son-of-a bitch, get out.” Atch said and went to rise, Callum pulling his sword out of his scabbard just a bit, making Atch stop his motion.

“I will leave when I have what I need.” Callum said and stayed ready.

“What do you need?” Atch asked.

“I think you know that as well, Atch.” Callum said, never taking his eyes off his old friend and lover. Atch looked like hell, his groomed hair was mussed and his face was swollen and cut from the pounding that Callum had given him in the warehouse. The wet cloth that he had for his wounds dropped off him to the floor.

“You want proof that my father might be involved in something.” Atch said and Callum nodded once, “You will not find it, not here. My father is far too intelligent for that.”

“You mean clever, there is a difference.” Callum said as he glared at Atch, “I don’t think he is, Atch. I think that he has information that is kept here. I think that he is under the impression that it would be safer here, rather than at his offices in Parliament. I also think that you know where he keeps things, where they would be safe, and you’re going to tell me.”

“You are completely mad. I will never tell you anything.” Atch said and shifted his eyes once to the left and then back to Callum.

“You already have.” Callum said and looked over at a bookcase that Atch had glanced at. He looked back at Atch and then moved over to his right to the case. He looked it over quickly and noticed the something was not quite right with it, he looked back at Atch as he scooted to the edge of the settee as if to jump to his feet. Callum tightened his grip on his sword pommel, “Move again and I will finish what we started on the docks in the warehouse. I will kill you, Atch, before you can get up or cry out.” Callum saw Atch ease on the settee. He turned his attention back to the case, looking it over quickly again. He smiled to himself and touched what looked like a book. He put his fingers on the top of the binding, and pulled gently. A clicking sound came as the book tilted and the case moved as it was released from the wall. Callum reached over to the edge and pulled with just his fingers, the large case swung open. Callum looked back at Atch and saw him narrow his eyes with anger and growing hatred. Callum looked over and saw Dustin was coming to him. Atch saw him as well.

“And here I thought you were alone, Quintan.” Atch said as his eyes followed Dustin, “The boy that fought so fiercely that was at the docks. I see that you have found another young one, Quintan. One that will follow you…blindly.”

“I suggest, sir, that you keep your voice down.” Dustin said as he looked at Atch as he reached Callum.

Inside the space behind the case were pockets that were holding rolled documents. These pockets were like squares that were inset into the wall. Callum was pulling out one document at a time, reading it quickly, rolling it back up and placing it back into its place, pulling the next one.

“As I said, you will not find whatever you are looking for. He does not keep anything of a state nature here, everything is in his offices, in his private vault.” Atch said. Callum was getting the feeling that Atch may be right in what he was saying. The documents were nothing but deeds or letters regarding various properties that Upton held. Callum saw a door that was lower, black and made of steel. It had a polished silver looking handle. Callum put his hand on it and pushed it down and pulled on it.

“Hello.” Callum said softly and saw more papers inside on the narrow shelves. There was another smaller door inside that required a key to open it. What caught his eye was one folded, thick piece of parchment. He pulled it and unfolded it.

“What is it?” Dustin asked.

“A trade agreement.” Callum said as he read what he could of it, “Part of it is in French, the other part of it is in Dutch.” Callum said and saw names listed and then saw what he really needed and smiled.

“Can you read it?” Dustin asked.

“Only what is in French, but that’s not what is important.” Callum said above a whisper, folding the document back. He took it and looked at Atch as he took the document and put it into the waist of his long pants.

“You’ll never get out of here with that, Quintan.” Atch said with a growl in his throat.

“And who is to stop me, Atch? You, perhaps?” Callum asked. Atch jumped to his feet and spun, going for the door. Dustin moved first, launching after him to stop him, Callum moved as well. Atch reached the far side of the immense room, turning halfway as he reached for the door as Dustin was on him, arm going around Atch’s throat. The force of Dustin hitting him made them crash into the door, Dustin climbing on Atch and holding on as Callum came up to help, grabbing Atch by the arm and twisted, pulling the hand from the knob. They all came together in a jumble of bodies and limbs, Callum getting a hand to Atch’s throat as he worked in over Dustin’s arm that held Atch. Callum pushed, using the door to push from, sending the three of them back into the room a bit.

Atch fought back, punching Dustin in the face more than once over his shoulder, Dustin letting his grip ease from the blows. Atch hit Callum in the midsection at his wound and Callum grunted heavily from it but did not let go of Atch’s throat. Callum pushed, Dustin letting go of his grip, Atch and Callum going to the floor, Dustin dropped to help, getting another grip on Atch’s left arm, Callum over the top of Atch, left hand on the throat, Callum pulled back his right as he lifted Atch’s head with the grip and punched Atch square in the face. The sound of the impact was solid and the body went still that was under Callum and Dustin.

“My God, you certainly can hit.” Dustin said. He looked at Callum as he heard muffled voices outside the room. Callum looked at him.

“Lock that door.” Callum said. Dustin jumped to his feet and went the few steps to it, turning the knob under the door handle, hearing the lock bolt engage. He looked down and saw the handle trying to be turned from the outside and then the knocking started, Dustin backed up a step from it as the knocking became more like pounding.

“Sir,…sir,…are you alright…sir?” The voice asked from the other side of the door sounding muffled from the thickness of the door itself, “Sir?” The pounding became more insistent. Dustin turned and looked back at Callum as he was struggling with the limp body to get him up.

“Time to go.” Callum said.

“You aren’t thinking to take him with us, are you?” Dustin asked with wide eyes.

“Break it down.” The muffled voice said on the other side of the door.

“That lock won’t hold for very long, help me.” Callum said. Dustin took Atch’s other arm and they lifted the limp body and went for the terrace doors. They drug Atch along, his arms draped over their shoulders as they moved as quickly as they could toward the stone wall where they had come over.

“I wish we had a few of the hands with us.” Callum said with strain, “They would certainly be most welcomed right about now.”

“I agree.” Dustin said as they crossed the greenery. They reached the base of the wall and stopped.

“I’ll hold him.” Callum said, changing position under the limp body, pushing it up to the stone, and holding him up, “Up on top, hurry.” Dustin looked as Callum bent his right leg a bit, giving Dustin a step as it were. He put his boot on Callum’s mid-thigh and hopped up on the wall, looking over and saw Evan in the waiting carriage as the shouts came from the back of the house. Callum looked over his shoulder and saw men coming on a run starting to cross the hundred yards of distance, Callum looked up as hands reached down and toward him. He lifted Atch’s limp arms. The hands gripped the limp hands and pulled, Atch started to rise and up on top of the wall. Callum saw Dustin smirk once and rolled the body off the wall and let it drop to the ground on the other side. Hands reached for Callum, he took them and was pulled up as the men came very near to him.

“Stop you!” One of them shouted and jumped to try and catch a boot of Callum’s but he was up and over, “Quickly, the gate!” The man shouted. Callum looked at the top of the wall as Evan and Dustin were carrying the limp body to the carriage and got inside, laying it on the front bench, Dustin looked back as Callum was coming and jumping for the step as Evan had climbed up and over the bench, grabbing the reins and set the horses off into a full gallop. Callum closed the door as he sat down on the bench, Dustin was taking a pistol, cocking it and readied himself. The carriage was speeding along down the road along the length of the stone wall, the wide gates were coming into sight but were still closed as the carriage rolled by them, not a single man was in sight yet.

“You might have broken his neck dropping him off the wall like that, you know.” Callum said as Dustin lowered the hammer on the pistol back into its safety position.

“No loss there, in my opinion.” Dustin said as he looked back down the road toward the gates, “What are you going to do with him?”

“He has information, I know he does. We just have to figure out a way to get it out of him.” Callum said.

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“What is the meaning of all this, Callum?” Lord Hood asked in the center of his formal chamber at the Admiralty. Callum bowed his head toward the older man.

“Forgive me, My Lord.” Callum said as he lifted his head, “But perhaps the survival of England itself, My Lord.”

“Who is that man that you brought in with you?” Hood asked.

“He is the son of Lord Upton, My Lord.” Callum said. Hood’s eyes went wide. Fitzwarren was there as well, behind Hood and also had a shocked look on his face.

“Dear God, man! Have you taken to kidnapping?” Hood asked.

“No, My Lord. He is…under arrest. You would better understand, My Lord, if you were to read this.” Callum said as he pulled out the folded parchment from his waist. He held out the parchment and stepped forward. Hood held out his hand. He took the document and opened it and scanned it. He looked back at Callum.

“It’s in French and some other language, what…Dutch?” Hood asked.

“Precisely, My Lord.” Callum said, “It is a trade agreement, not the one that they have been hunting, the one that you and Lord Fitzwarren were asking me of when I returned from my sailing, but if you will take note, My Lord, of who has signed it at the bottom, you will understand.”

“Dear God.” Hood said softly as he looked at the bottom of the document. He looked over his shoulder briefly toward Fitzwarren, who stepped forward and looked at the document as well.

“Napoleon.” Fitzwarren said quietly, “Who is that, Rofton?”

“It would appear so.” Hood said, “And there is also Phelps’ signature, as well as another.” Hood said and lifted his eyes to look at Callum.

“Penrose.” Callum said flatly.

“Who is Penrose?” Fitzwarren asked as he looked at Callum as well.

“Penrose is the surname of Lord Upton.” Hood said quietly, “What would you like to do now, Callum?”

“Send for Lord Eldon, My Lord, immediately. He needs to know of this. He can have His Grace send troops to have Upton arrested. We also need to have this document translated.” Callum said, “I can read French, but I am not versed in Dutch, My Lord.”

“Find someone that can read and speak Dutch, Edmund, and get them in here.” Hood said.

“Of course.” Fitzwarren said, giving a nod and went for the doors of the chamber. He opened them and started booming orders.

Hood turned with the document and went to a broad table and lay it down on the shining surface, Callum following behind him, but stayed back a few steps. Hood stared at the document for a long minute, Fitzwarren came back into the chamber and stood near Callum.

“This intrigue of yours, Callum, has placed us all in grave danger, I must say.” Hood said as he stared down at the document, “If this document is what I think it is, it will shake us to our very core.”

“I understand, My Lord. I apologize for my actions, but I felt that I had no choice in doing what I have done.” Callum said. Hood turned from the table and looked at Callum.

“I might have acted the same, had I been in your place. My French is not all that it should be. Perhaps you can translate it for me, if you would?” Hood asked.

“Certainly, My Lord.” Callum said and stepped forward as there was a knock on the great doors of the chamber.

“Enter!” Hood said. Two officers came into the chamber, both stopping inside the doors, bowing, “Arvin.” Hood said.

“My Lord.” Arvin said, “Lt. Calloway is here in answer to your summons, My Lord.”

“Lt. Calloway, you read and speak Dutch?” Hood asked.

“I do, My Lord.” The young man in his dazzling tunic replied and bowed his head again. He was tall, slender, blonde, and very striking, Callum thought.

“There is a document that I need to have read and translated.” Hood said and held a hand to indicate the table. Arvin and the young officer stepped forward, Arvin hobbling on his wooden leg, “This is Captain Callum.” Hood said as the young officer stepped forward, who was wide eyed at seeing Callum, bowing his head slightly toward Callum.

“I have heard much of you, sir. It is an honor to meet you.” The young man said.

“Thank you.” Callum said and looked at his old friend, Arvin, “I trust that haven’t heard too many things, Lieutenant, that might be a bit on the embellished side.” Callum said and looked back at the young officer.

“I take what has been told to me, sir, as fact, I assure you. Everything has come from reliable sources.”

“I see.” Callum said and stepped out of the way to let the young officer look at the document. He read it and there was a bit of an audible gasp from him.

“What is it? What does it say?” Hood asked as he stood next to the young officer and looked at him. The young man lifted his eyes and stared back at Lord Hood, swallowing hard once.

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“Why am I here?” Atch asked as he gripped the bars of the cell in the Crypt. He glared at Callum who stood in front of the door of the cell. Others were there as well, Arvin stood to Callum’s left but behind him, Dustin stood behind Callum’s right, Marine Sentries were at full attention behind them against the wall.

“You are here because of what you know, Atch.” Callum said as he folded his arms over his chest.

“Tell me, Quintan, what is it that I supposedly know?” Atch asked, “You do realize that once my father hears of this, you will all be arrested. Your careers, your lives as you know it, will be over.”

“I think not.” Callum said, “You, on the other hand, will be charged with treason against the Crown. Your life is the one that is over, Atch.”

“Who the hell do you think you are?” Atch asked as he gripped the bars of the door tighter.

“A loyal officer, in the service of His Majesty.” Callum said flatly. Atch frowned as he let go of the bars, turned and went to the back wall of the cell. He reached the slat bed that ran along the stone, turned and sat on it, putting a foot up on the bed frame, resting his arm over his bent knee as he leaned against the cool stone behind him.

“You were always one for doing his duty so very well, weren’t you, Quintan?” Atch asked.

“Tell me what I need to know, Atch.” Callum said.

“I know nothing, Quintan, therefore, I can tell you nothing.” Atch said.

“Why don’t you let me in there? I’ll get it out of him.” Dustin said as he stepped forward to Callum’s shoulder.

“Yes, why don’t you let him in here, Quintan. I might enjoy that, pummeling your little bulldog there.” Atch said, “He certainly is full of fight, isn’t he?”

“You have no idea.” Dustin said as he glared through the bars, “I beat you once, I ‘ll do it again. You certainly have it coming for what you did to our friends.”

“Tsk, tsk.” Atch said, “That would be your own fault for trespassing, the way you did and attacking us.” Atch said as he used a finger to point at Dustin as it hung off the bent knee.

“Tell me about the uniforms, Atch.” Callum as he held up a hand to stop Dustin.

“What uniforms, Quintan?” Atch asked and cocked his head slightly.

“The ones in the crates in the warehouse.” Callum said.

“Ah, you mean the coats.” Atch said and smiled, “Those are for the poor and the needy for this winter when it becomes cold and wet.”

“You don’t seriously expect me to believe that.” Callum said raising an eyebrow. Atch waved his fingers of the hand that rested on the bent knee.

“I don’t care what you believe, Quintan, I never have.” Atch said and looked directly at him with a cold stare.

“What is your father planning?” Callum asked.

“I think he said something about summering at our estate in the Highlands as I recall.” Atch said, “But, I am sure you would understand that his plans change as when the needs of his posting take priority from time to time.”

“The Highlands?” Callum asked.

“Yes. You will recall that I mentioned it once when we were at school.” Atch said continuing his cold stare, “Not that you would care, but it is an old place, has been in the family for generations.” Atch said and looked about him, “Rather like this old and stuffy place. I never really liked it.”

“He’s stalling.” Arvin said in a whisper to Callum’s ear. Callum nodded.

“The Lord High Chancellor will be here shortly, Atch. Formal charges will be given to you after his arrival. You will more than likely hang for your involvement in the activities with your father. His days are also numbered as well, as are your companions.” Callum said.

“What companions?” Atch asked. Callum went to turn to leave as Atch dropped his foot to the stone floor and got up off the slat bed.

“Oh, didn’t I mention them? I do so apologize.” Callum said as he looked back at Atch, “Those that you left behind at the warehouse, your giant of a man, the Hessian for one, and those that were wounded when you ran away.”

“Where are they?” Atch asked.

“They are safe…for now, until the trial at least. They will be hanged as well. Not just for treason, but other charges have been levied against them, attempted murder for one.” Callum said.

“I will ask again, where are they?” Atch asked as he came closer to the door.

“They have been moved to a more secure location. The Hessian was very cooperative, I must say, after his position was explained to him.” Callum said.

“He would never say anything.” Atch said as he gripped the bars again.

“There you are wrong. As I said, he was very cooperative.” Callum said. He walked away, Dustin and Arvin looked at one another for a moment and then followed toward the stone stairs.

“Quintan, wait!” Atch called, “What did he tell you?! Quintan?!” Atch called after Callum was out of sight.

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“He’s worried about that mountain of a man, why?” Arvin asked as the three of them stood in the great foyer of the Admiralty.

“Obviously Griffould knows something of value.” Callum said.

“Yes, but what?” Dustin asked.

“Perhaps I should go to the Tower and ask him.” Callum said as he looked at Dustin.

“You may not be as lucky as you were last time with him down in the Crypt. You called his bluff.” Arvin said. Callum smiled and looked over at his friend.

“You might be right about that, William.” Callum said and saw the Registrar at the long table bowing his head. Several men came in, all were finely dressed Callum noticed. He smiled wider and felt a relief wash over him as he saw in their midst, the older man, Lord Eldon, “It seems that help has arrived, and in good time as well.” Callum said nodding in their direction, Dustin and Arvin looked in that direction as well. Callum walked over to the group.

“Captain Callum.” Lord Eldon said stepped through the group of finely dressed men.

“My Lord.” Callum said and bowed his head formally.

“We came as soon as we received word from Lord Hood.” The older man said as Callum straightened, “I see you are up and about after your ordeal, Captain.”

“Yes, My Lord. There was far too much to do, I am afraid, than to simply stay still as my good friend the doctor wished me to do.” Callum said.

“I have heard that about you, Captain. I am most indebted to you, as is England, for what you have done. His Majesty shall be hearing of this as well when I see him tomorrow, along with the Prime Minister.” Lord Eldon said as he put out his hand. Callum took it and gripped it firmly.

“Many thanks, My Lord.” Callum said and bowed his head again as he took his hand back.

“Gentlemen, may I introduce Captain Quintan Callum, of His Majesty’s Navy.” Lord Eldon said to the finely dressed men, Callum bowed his head toward them that were behind Lord Eldon. Dustin walked up as did Arvin and were behind Callum, Lord Eldon made eye contact with Dustin, “May I also introduce Mr. Dustin Perkins, a close associate of Captain Callum’s. Mr. Perkins, it is a pleasure to see you again, my lad.”

“The pleasure is mine, My Lord.” Dustin said and bowed his head.

“Were you with the Captain this afternoon, Mr. Perkins?” Lord Eldon asked. Callum looked at Dustin and smiled warmly.

“Indeed he was, My Lord, and thankfully so. Without his valuable assistance, you would not be here and we would not be able to end this nightmare that we are all in.” Callum said.

“I see. Gentlemen, may I introduce my associates, Lord Spire, the Honorable Judge Frobisher, Lord Wilkins, and Lord Ameson.” Lord Eldon said and looked at Callum.

“Gentlemen, it is an honor. May I present to you, Captain William Arvin, attaché to Lord Hood.” Callum said holding out a hand toward Arvin, his old friend.

“Captain Arvin,” Lord Eldon said, with a slight bow, Arvin bowing as well, “where is Lord Hood?”

“Their Lordships are up in their chambers, My Lord. They are expecting you as you know. I was asked to show you the way. If you will follow me, please?” Arvin asked, bowing again but slightly.

“Of course.” Lord Eldon said and stepped closer to Callum, taking him by the arm, Arvin leading the group to the wide stairs and started up, “Callum, what else has happened?” The older man asked above a whisper.

“Were you not told, My Lord?” Callum asked in reply above a whisper.

“No. The message sent by Lord Hood simply said that we were to come at once to the Admiralty, to bring my associates as well.” The older man said.

“Mr. Perkins and I were able to obtain a document, My Lord, one that offers proof of treason by your old friend Lord Upton.” Callum said. Lord Eldon’s went a bit wide, “We also were able to place under arrest Lord Upton’s son.”

“Where is he now?” The older man asked as they walked up the stairs.

“He is under our feet, My Lord, in a holding cell. Once you see what this document is, you will be able to formally charge him.” Callum said.

“You don’t say?” Lord Eldon asked as they reached the top of the stairs, “How are your companions?”

“They are resting, My Lord. I am told that Captain Holt will survive, though his recovery may take quite some time. Captain Tomlin should be able to travel in another day or two I would think.” Callum said.

“You have had quite a day it seems then.” Lord Eldon said as they reached the chamber doors. Arvin was knocking and heard the command from inside. He opened the doors and stepped in announcing Lord Eldon’s arrival.

“That we have, My Lord.” Callum said.

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“So, as you can see, John, we have translated the document. I had my junior officer here copy it word for word onto this parchment.” Lord Hood said.

“Yes.” Lord Eldon said as he and the others had read the document. Callum and Dustin stood near the far wall and just watched. Callum noticed that Lord Eldon had become quiet after reading the document, something that he didn’t expect from him.

“What’s wrong?” Dustin asked Callum in a whisper.

“I would have thought that he would have been upset or angry about this.” Callum whispered as he kept watching the group of men, Lord Eldon especially.

“Who, Lord Eldon?” Dustin asked in a whisper. Callum nodded, “Perhaps he is merely thinking about all of this. What does the document actually say?”

“I could only read the part that was in French, but it was the signatures that set me off.” Callum said in a whisper.

“Who signed it?” Dustin asked.

“Captain Callum.” Lord Eldon said as he looked at he and Dustin.

“Napoleon, for one.” Callum said in a whisper, Dustin went wide eyed, “My Lord?” Callum asked as he stepped toward the group.

“Do you know what this document is?” Lord Eldon asked.

“A trade agreement from what I could read, My Lord.” Callum said.

“Yes, it is. It is rather shocking in its wording. If you wouldn’t mind, would you read it and then I would ask your opinion of it.” Lord Eldon said. Callum hesitated for a moment. He knew of these men that accompanied Lord Eldon, their reputations as members of Parliament, as well as Judge Frobisher, known to be fair yet very firm, known in some circles as ‘The Hanging Judge’. He wondered why Lord Eldon wanted his opinion as he stepped up to the table. He read the transcribed document that lay there next to the original. He was near the end of it, and of course the transcription was not signed. He was shocked by what he read. He looked at Lord Eldon, who had gone to the end of the table and sat down in the chair.

“Samuel,” Lord Eldon said to Lord Hood, “may I press you for quill, ink, and paper, if you please?”

“Yes, of course.” Lord Hood said and looked at the young Lt. Calloway. The young officer went over to a side table, bringing the items requested and set them down on the table in front of Lord Hood. Callum finished reading the document and let out a long breath. He looked down the table at Lord Eldon, who was writing.

“My Lord.” Callum said. Lord Eldon looked up, quill in hand, “I am not quite sure as to what to say exactly.”

“I can understand, Captain. I felt the same myself.” Lord Eldon said and set the quill down on the inkwell tray. He leaned back in the chair, resting his elbows on the arms, touching fingertips of both hands together, “Tell me, Captain, what is your first impression of it?”

“It allows for invasion, My Lord. Several port cities in England are listed here, some to be under French control, others under the Dutch.” Callum said.

“And you have a thought about that, Captain?” Lord Eldon asked.

“Why yes, obviously, we cannot allow that to happen, My Lord.” Callum said. He was confused by the question asked.

“I agree. It would completely change our way of life, wouldn’t you agree with that, Captain?” Lord Eldon asked.

“Yes.” Callum said.

“Good.” Lord Eldon said, smiling briefly, tapping his fingers together silently, “However, this is only a trade agreement and has no official capacity to it. Those port cities listed are only speculative as being offered to both the French and the Dutch. There is nothing political within that document. No insurrection or hint of it.”

“I beg to differ, My Lord.” Callum said firmly.

“Callum.” Lord Hood said.

“No, it’s alright, Samuel, let him speak.” Lord Eldon said, “I asked his opinion.”

“Thank you, My Lord.” Callum said, looking at Hood for a moment and then back to Lord Eldon, “I would argue, My Lord, that the man wishes to trade with the very nation that we are at war with. The Dutch are in support of Napoleon, they have admitted that openly. Their ships are in every French port on The Channel. Our entire fleet has been in witness to this, My Lord. And further proof to that of treason is the signature at the bottom of this document, the signature of Napoleon himself.”

“I understand your point in this, Captain, fully, as I share it myself.” Judge Frobisher said as he came beside Callum. The voice was rich and full, very much from the north. Callum looked at him, “But you must also understand that there is law here, and we are representatives of law and sworn to uphold it. No law has been broken, Captain, unless you can prove otherwise.”

“I am sorry, Your Honor, this is all that I have to offer.” Callum said.

“May I ask, where did you obtain this document?” Judge Frobisher asked. Callum’s mind was racing, he knew where this was going.

“Respectfully, Your Honor, you may ask.” Callum said and was firm in his look. The Judge narrowed his eyes at him.

“I see. You do not wish to share that information. I can respect that. Although, I have a heavy suspicion that I know already. You do realize, Captain, the position that this puts you in?”

“I do, sir.” Callum said.

“Then, as a matter of consequence, if anything should come of this and you were to be brought before me, I…” Judge Frobisher said but Callum turned away from him and looked at Lord Eldon.

“My Lord, I beg you. There is proof, there has to be.”

“Callum, I cannot see…” Lord Eldon said, shaking his head slightly.

“There is another, a person that is close in all of this, My Lord, a person who would know. I need time, time to be able to get to him, to persuade him to give us the proof that we need.” Callum said, his hands on the table, leaning over them as he pleaded with the older man, “Again, I beg you, My Lord, all I need is time.”

“How much time, Callum?” Lord Eldon asked.

“A day, My Lord, perhaps less.” Callum said. Lord Eldon looked at him and then at the others around the table.

“Frobisher?” Lord Eldon asked.

“If the Captain has a plan, perhaps we can delay the inevitable for a day.” Judge Frobisher said.

“I agree.” Lord Ameson said, “I know of his reputation for tenacity.” Callum turned around and looked at the man, who had not said anything as of yet as far as Callum had heard, they looked at one another and the older man smiled briefly at him, “I was told of it first hand, Captain, by my son, an officer serving with Captain Barrish. I owe you a debt of gratitude, sir, for possibly saving my sons life at La Rochelle. May I shake your hand?” The older man asked and stretched out his hand, Callum took it and gave it a firm grip.

“Thank you, My Lord.”

“No, it is I that thanks you, Captain, for giving me back my son.” Lord Ameson said. He took his hand back and looked down the table at Lord Eldon, “We are gathered here to find proof against a man that we all know wants to seize control of our nation and to possibly take control of all of Europe as well. I say that if this young man wants and needs time from us to see to it, then we should and must act to give him whatever help he needs. We owe him that at least after what he has done for all of us.”

“Here, here.” Lord Wilkins and Lord Spire said together.

“Well, there seems to be a general consensus of approval in your favor, Captain.” Lord Eldon said, he looked at Judge Frobisher who nodded as well, “Alright, you have your day, Captain. Make good use of it.”

“Thank you, My Lord.” Callum said with a slight bow of the head.

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“There you are.” Thomas said as he was sitting on a stool in the surgery next to the table that held Christian, still on his stomach and very much asleep, “I was wondering where you two had gotten off to. Where have you been?” Thomas asked as Callum and Dustin walked to him on the other side of the table.

“Fact finding.” Callum said, giving Thomas a warm smile, “You’re looking better. How are you feeling?”

“A bit on the sore side as well as being a bit groggy still, thanks to those potions they gave me.” Thomas said. He saw the look on Dustin’s face, worry was written all over it.

“How is Christian?” Dustin asked as he looked at his friend lying there on the table.

“Sleeping soundly for now. His breathing is better. They removed the thing from his chest that was draining the blood out of him. Crawford said that he should be up and about in a few days’ time.” Thomas said, “What has happened?”

“What makes you ask that?” Callum asked.

“I can see it all over the both of you. No one is telling me anything in here, even Arvin.” Thomas said.

“Nothing to worry about.” Callum said.

“Oh for God’s sake, just tell him, Quintan. He won’t let it go if you don’t.” Dustin said as he went around Callum to the head of the table, looking down at the sleeping Christian.

“Tell me what?” Thomas asked.

“I didn’t want you to worry, Thomas, there is enough going on what with your arm and Christian and all.”

“What have you done, Quintan?” Thomas asked.

“We broke into Upton’s house.” Dustin said as he looked at Thomas and then knelt to be close to Christian’s face.

“You did what?” Thomas asked and stared at Callum, “Oh, dear lord. What happened?”

“I was able to find a trade agreement that was there, signed by Napoleon no less.”

“Then they have him, it’s over.” Thomas said.

“I thought so as well. But, according to Lord Eldon, it does not prove anything but for possible trade, for commerce.” Callum said.

“Now what?” Thomas asked.

“I’m going after Bancroft. He will give me the proof that I need to end this.” Callum said.

“Why you?” Thomas asked.

“Because they can’t.” Callum said.

“Or won’t.” Dustin said as he touched Christian’s hair, pushing it back out of his face and tucking it gently behind his ear.

“What can I do?” Thomas asked.

“You, my friend, can just stay here. Tend to Christian, and rest yourself. I want us all to go home, together.” Callum said.

“As do I, Quintan.” Thomas said and looked over at Dustin. Dustin seemed to be getting more and more upset as he was looking at Christian. Callum looked at Dustin himself and could see it, Dustin pursing his lips tight, his jaw clenching and he finally rose to his feet and glared at Callum.

“Let’s go get the bastard and get this over with.” Dustin said with a definite growl. It surprised both Callum and Thomas.

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Evan drove the carriage into Westminster, not far from the Admiralty really, but the carriage ride seemed to take them forever, Callum thought. There had been a long silence between Callum and Dustin as they sat on the back bench of the carriage. Callum was worried that Dustin was about to lose his control and go off like a crazed man. He had seen that look before in battle, the look of a man that was taken in the frenzy of it, by it. He had to focus him, bring him back from the frenzy, the anger that Dustin obviously felt over everything right now.