Voyage Home

The carriage came along the north side of the Parliament building. Callum was focusing on everything that was happening as the evening was starting to set in around them. Several men, formally dressed, were about on the wide stone walkways or were coming out of the main entrance itself, some alone, but most were in groups speaking with one another. Callum noted that these men, lawmakers of their nation, donned their top hats, formal and very regal looking as they were coming into fashion now. They set off the formal attire that these men wore, all quite distinguished looking. He smiled to himself over it.

“Where am I going?” Evan asked as he looked over his shoulder. Callum turned to look at him, taking his attention away from all others.

“Go to the far east corner of the building. There is a wide spot in the road there that we can turn the carriage around and wait.” Callum said.

“You have been here before.” Dustin said. His first words since leaving the Admiralty.

“Yes, with His Grace, when I had the pardon signed.” Callum said. He turned his attention back to all that were about on the grounds of the building, the finely dressed men.

“That must have been when you met Lord Eldon.” Dustin said as he was looking at all of the men himself.

“It was.” Callum said absently. He was looking for Upton, but did not know really what he looked like, possibly resembling Atch, but he also thought that he might catch sight of Bancroft.

“Quintan,” Dustin said as he leaned closer to him, “do you see that man there?”

“Which man? I see several.”

“There, coming this way.” Dustin said and pointed discreetly, showing Callum, “Does he look somewhat familiar to you?” Dustin asked and Callum was looking and then finally saw him. He looked and looked again as the carriage drove on slowly.

“He does.” Callum said, “Who does he remind you of?” Callum asked and gave Dustin a side glance.

“Darin.” Dustin said. Callum smirked and nodded.

“He does, doesn’t he? An older Darin Talon. He said once that his father was a member of Parliament, I wonder.”

“It’s not hard to see from here. They even walk the same.” Dustin said, “It looks like he is going over to that coach.” Dustin said as they passed a large coach. The driver sat up on the seat, dressed all in black, black as the coach itself. There was a large crest that was on the door. Callum did not recognize it, but he heard Dustin take in a breath and looked at him.

“What is it?” Callum asked.

“I have seen that before.” Dustin said.

“What? The crest?” Callum asked and Dustin nodded, “Where?”

“In Upton’s house. When I was going through the desk, I saw several papers that had that crest on the top of them.” Dustin said.

“That’s Upton’s coach then.” Callum said as he looked back at it. He turned and reached up and touched the back of Evan’s arm, “Hurry, Evan, turn us around. We will stop the carriage just behind that coach but on the other side of the street, alright?”

“Of course.” Evan said and reined the horses to step them up a bit. They continued on up the street coming to the wide spot, Evan turned the horses easily and came along the walkway on the other side, stopping just behind the carriage.

“Damn.” Callum said.

“What?” Dustin asked.

“I can’t see if someone approaches the coach from the other side. What if we miss him?” Callum asked.

“We could pull forward.” Evan said over his shoulder. Callum thought a moment long and hard.

“No. It might be too obvious with us watching. Let us wait here and see what happens.” Callum said. He watched as the man who looked like an older Darin Talon came to stand near the rear of the coach, looking back the way that he had come. Callum watched as the man nervously spun the top hat in his hands by the brim. He was waiting for someone, that much was apparent to Callum.

Dustin was looking ahead, beyond the coach that was before them. He saw several of the men climbing into carriages and coaches as they pulled up to the walk. Those carriages and coaches would pull away and drive by where they were sitting and waiting. Several times their view was blocked by large coaches and Callum struggled to see and then he and Dustin saw the man that looked like Darin speaking to someone else now, someone who was hidden by the size of the coach. It was apparent that he was speaking as one hand reached out and was obviously engaged in a greeting, then was withdrawn and became animated slightly in its motions as if explaining further with what he was saying. They were too far distant to hear anything that was said and then Callum narrowed his eyes as he saw a hand reach out and touch the shoulder of the man that looked like Darin at the end of the coach, the hand patting the top of the shoulder and then withdrawing out of sight.

“That must be Upton speaking to him.” Callum said softly to Dustin, who nodded in reply.

“What do we do now?” Dustin asked.

“We wait until he leaves and then we go into the building and see if Bancroft is still there.” Callum said.

“Seems simple enough.” Dustin said and let out a breath. They sat and waited another few minutes as the conversation carried on and then the man that looked like Darin at the end of the coach stepped out of sight. The coach rocked just a bit and the driver looked back and down. The driver took the reins and gave them a snap, the horses setting off, the carriage pulling away from the walk, the man, the older Talon, was now in sight and raised his hat as if saying farewell. He went to put it on and Callum moved. Dustin looked up at him as he went by him and climbed out of the carriage, Dustin jumping up to follow him. Callum crossing the street and stepping quickly as the man was walking away.

“Excuse me, sir!” Callum called out as he came up closer to the man, making him stop and turn around. His eyes went slightly wide seeing Callum, carrying a sword on his belt, his sleeves billowing, the shirt suppressed by the vest that he wore. The man’s eyes scanned Callum quickly.

“What is it that I can do for you?” The man asked nervously.

“I beg your pardon.” Callum said, “I was wondering, are you Mr. Talon?”

“Yes.” The man said, still seemly nervous.

“How do you do? My name is Callum.”

“Callum,” The man said and then recognition set in, “Captain Quintan Callum?”

“Yes.” Callum said and smiled briefly and gave a slight bow of his head.

“My son, is he alright?” The man asked.

“Darin was just fine when I left him at my home.” Callum said.

“I see.” The man said and settled a bit, “Forgive me, I am Jeffrey Talon.”

“I thought as much. It is clear to see whom Darin resembles. An honor to meet you, sir.” Callum smiled warmly and put out his hand as Dustin came up behind Callum.

“It is I that am honored, Captain. My son has told me a great many, many things about you, sir. He holds you in the highest regard, I must say.” The older Talon said.

“It is always reassuring to hear that my officers and men tolerate me at least.” Callum smiled and the man became even further eased, “May I present Mr. Dustin Perkins, my helmsman of HMS Dover.” Callum said, holding out a hand toward Dustin.

“Mr. Perkins, I have heard many things about you as well, sir. I must say, this has been quite a day, standing here in both of your company.”

“Dustin, may I introduce Mr. Jeffrey Talon, Darin’s father.” Callum said.

“A true pleasure, sir.” Dustin said and took the man’s hand, giving it a firm grip.

“It is my pleasure, sir, truly.” Talon said.

“Mr. Talon, if you wouldn’t mind my asking, that man you were speaking with, was it Lord Upton by chance?” Callum asked.

“As a matter of fact, it was, Captain. Do you know Lord Upton?” Talon asked.

“We have not met formally yet, sir.” Callum said.

“You don’t say? I find that rather odd, Captain.”

“And why is that, sir?” Callum asked.

“He seemed to be very familiar with you, sir. In fact, he asked me to meet with him here after the session was closed in the House. He was speaking of my son, and your name came up. He spoke about you as if he has known for years, Captain.” Talon said.

“I see.” Callum said as he clasped his hands behind his back, “I was supposed to meet with Lord Upton, but was delayed with a meeting at the Admiralty. I am sorry now that I have missed him.”

“Indeed, he is one of the most influential men in all of England. Tis a pity, Captain. However, I believe that his personal secretary is still in his chambers, if you would like, I can show the way.” Talon said.

“That is most kind of you, Mr. Talon, but we would not want to impose upon you. You must be getting home to Mrs. Talon. I am certain that she might be getting concerned if you were too late.” Callum said.

“Now, now, Captain. It is no trouble at all. And as far as Mrs. Talon is concerned, well,…she has her own mind and opinion of things. If I am late, she doesn’t give it a second thought, really. You are not married, are you, Captain?” Talon asked.

“Perish the thought, Mr. Talon. A sailor is married to the sea and his ship is his mistress. There would be no time or heart for a woman I dare say.” Callum said and gave Dustin a side glance, who had an eyebrow lifted.

“Yes, quite right. Come this way, gentlemen, and we can speak more.” Talon said and turned. They began to walk slowly together toward the wide stone pathway that led to the front entrance of the great building, “Tell me, Captain, of my son. You seem to be very close to him. Is there a young girl in his life?”

“Mr. Talon, it is hardly my place to speak about your son and his personal matters.” Callum said softly. The older Talon nodded his understanding as he walked. Dustin saw the opportunity and stepped to the other side of the man.

“The Captain may not be able to speak of it, sir, but as a common sailor, I can.” Dustin said and smiled, the older Talon took Dustin by the arm and wrapped it in his, “He does have a young lady, Mr. Talon, a very sweet girl.”

“Is she pretty?” The older Talon looked at Dustin as they walked and Dustin smiled and nodded.

“As pretty as they come. He spends every moment that he can with her, I must say. They are the same age, and she comes from a very fine family, very honest and very hard working. They have taken him into the family as it were. Her name is Callista.” Dustin said as they walked up to the main doors of the building.

“How lovely.” Talon said as he was led through the doors and into the grand hall. He walked as he looked at Dustin, “Tell me more of her, Mr. Perkins.”

“I would imagine that Darin shall be showing her off to both you and Mrs. Talon before too long. He is quite taken with her and I would not be surprised if he asked for her hand very soon. Her mother, Mrs. Muir, thinks the world of Darin as well. She has remarked about it a few times.” Dustin said as they continued on their way toward the chambers that were at the west end of the building.

“Has she? What is that they do, Mr. Perkins?” Talon asked.

“They own their own freighting company, sir, and have the livery there in Birmingham.” Dustin said.

“I see.”

“The Captain is quite good friends with the eldest son of the family, Callista’s older brother, Owen.”

“Birmingham, you say. I have been there but twice. It is rather a large township, isn’t it?” Talon asked and looked at Callum.

“Yes, quite.” Callum said and smiled briefly as he was scanning about as well, watching for possible Guardsmen, “I am wondering, Mr. Talon, have you seen Lord Eldon?”

“Not recently. I was in session most of the afternoon, until late when we closed our business. Why do ask, Captain? Do you know Lord Eldon?”

“Indeed I do, sir. Lord Eldon and I have business that needs to be concluded. I was hoping that he was here as well and I could take two birds as it were.” Callum said.

“Understandable, Captain. Lord Eldon’s chambers are just there.” Talon said and pointed with his free hand, the other still wrapped around Dustin’s arm, “Lord Upton’s chambers are at the end, just there.” Talon said and pointed toward the end of the long grand hall.

“Mr. Talon, I thank you for guiding us. We do not wish to keep you any longer, sir.” Callum said with a slight bow of the head.

“It was no trouble at all, Captain, I assure you. Perhaps the two of you could visit my wife and I at our home? I would love to have the both of you for dinner?” Talon asked.

“Perhaps another time, sir. Our time is rather limited here in London. We must conclude our business soon and be off to go back home to Birmingham.” Callum said and then smiled, “And thereby relieving Darin from watching over my property in our absence.”

“I see. A pity, Captain. My wife would so enjoy your company. Darin has told her so many things about you as well. You have become the stuff of legend with her and I am of the opinion that she thinks of you as being larger than life or simply a myth that Darin has made up.” Talon said.

“Well, you can set the record straight as you have now met me in person, Mr. Talon.” Callum said and put out his hand. The older Talon took his hand free of Dustin and took Callum’s hand, grasping it firmly.

“Indeed I will, Captain. As I said, it is an honor to finally meet you.” Talon said.

“The honor was mine, sir. I wish to thank you for providing me your son. He is an excellent officer and will go far in his career, I have no doubt.” Callum said.

“Thank you, Captain. You have made my week, I must say.” Talon said with a smile and turned toward Dustin, “And thank you, Mr. Perkins, for sharing what it is that you know of my son. I know that Darin will not speak of it himself to either me or my wife. I owe you a debt of gratitude, sir.”

“It was my pleasure, Mr. Talon. But if you could, sir, don’t tell Darin that it was I that said anything.” Dustin said with a mischievous look.

“No, quite right. It will be our secret, Mr. Perkins.” Talon said as he leaned forward a bit. He took Dustin’s hand and held it for a long moment, “You have made an old man very happy.”

“My pleasure, sir.” Dustin smiled that wonderful smile of his.

“Goodbye, Mr. Talon, I hope to see you again, sir.” Callum said.

“Goodbye, Captain, I hope so as well.” Talon said and nodded. He walked away from the two of them, going back the way that they had come. Callum and Dustin watched him for a long minute and Callum turned and looked toward the end of the long grand hall.

“Come on.” Callum said softly and started walking, Dustin turned and followed.

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They stopped at the large set of tall doors at the end of the corridor. Callum put his hand on the handle of the door and looked around in the wide cavernous hall. He saw no one about and went to turn it but stopped.

“Aren’t you going to knock first?” Dustin asked in a whisper.

“Whatever for?” Callum asked in return, “Did we not break into his house earlier? What would be the difference here?”

“I suppose you’re right.” Dustin said and rolled his eyes. He looked about the cavernous hall as well as Callum turned the handle and opened the door quietly. He looked inside the door and then slipped inside, Dustin following him, Callum closing the door behind him.

The antechamber was large and lit with a few lamps. They looked about from where they stood. Several armchairs were about the room, small round tables between them, a settee against the wall and Callum noted only thing that adorned the walls. A painting of a ship at sea, a large ship, four masted. He thought it looked familiar to him but he knew that he had never seen a ship like this before. He narrowed his eyes a bit and then his attention was diverted as he heard something in the next room. He looked and Dustin was looking as well. They both saw someone’s shadow go by the door that was open.

“Do you have your boat knife?” Callum whispered at Dustin’s ear. Dustin nodded and pulled it out of his boot top and handed it out. Callum took it from him and went quietly across the antechamber and went to the door.

He looked through the crack between the door and the jamb and saw a tall slender figure bent over the desk slightly on the other side. Callum slipped through the open door, sliding close to it and came up behind the tall slender man and grabbed him from behind, knife to his throat, his hand covering the mouth to silence him.

“One sound and I will slit your throat.” Callum whispered into the closest ear of the man, bringing the blade tighter against the skin. The man eased and did not struggle against Callum, “Your master, he has left has he not?” Callum asked. The captured head in his hand nodded in reply, “Are you alone?” Callum asked in a whisper. Another nod. Callum let him go and pushed him into the desk. The man turned and looked with wide eyes, a hand going to his throat as he leaned against the desk.

“Captain, what are you doing here?” Pennysort asked, his eyes flashing toward Dustin and then back at Callum.

“You paid me a visit in my room, Bancroft, I thought it was only right that we do the same for you.” Callum said.

“How did you get in here?” Pennysort asked.

“Through the door.” Callum said as he looked about the small office then back to Pennysort.

“That’s not what I mean. There are Guardsmen about.”

“We saw no one.” Callum said.

“What do you want?” Pennysort asked as he lowered his hand.

“Answers.” Callum said.

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The large black coach pulled through the gates opened by two men who bowed their heads as the coach went by them. They closed the gates as soon as it cleared. The coach proceeded up the circular drive and stopped at the door. A man came down the deep broad steps and came to the coach, opening the door, his head bowed and stayed as Lord Upton climbed out.

“Good evening, My Lord.” The man said but was not acknowledged as Lord Upton went up the same steps to the front door, which was opened for him. He took off his tall hat and handed it to the man there, a man dressed formally.

“Banning.” Lord Upton said flatly.

“My Lord.” Banning, the butler said, taking the hat and bowing his head.

“My son, where is he?” Upton asked.

“He,…is not here, My Lord.” Banning said carefully, head still slightly down. Upton turned and looked at him with cold eyes that were narrowed.

“What do you mean he’s not here?” Upton asked, his voice graveled and loud.

“He was taken, My Lord, by two men.” Banning said without looking at Upton. The narrowed eyes became enraged and wide.

“What?!” Upton screamed out and Banning wanted to die at that moment, to sink into the marble floor beneath him, “What two men?!”

“I am not sure, My Lord. We barely caught a sight of them.”

“What did they look like?” Upton asked, his rage was held as best he could for the moment as he turned on his butler and went face to face with him.

“One was blonde, My Lord, the other, slightly smaller in stature and had darker hair. Both had tails, billowed sleeves, boots, and carried swords on them.”

“Quintan.” Upton whispered to himself, his eyes were slits as he glared at his butler, “From where was he taken?”

“Your study, My Lord.” Banning said and kept his head down. Upton turned on his heel and headed across the large formal foyer and went toward a corridor that ran the width of the grand house. He went quickly to the doors that led into his study and saw that it had been forced, Banning, stopped behind him by a few steps, still carrying the tall hat in his hands. Upton growled in his throat as he hit both doors with his hands and threw them open, slamming them back against the walls. He looked about as he clenched his jaw, grinding his teeth. He could see that there had been a struggle here and looked over at his desk from where he stood. Banning was joined by several other men now, they all waited in silence as Upton stepped into the study.

He looked over and saw the bookcase, the false case, was standing open still. He came closer and saw the safe box door was open and he exhaled louder and growled as he went to it. He did not touch anything that was there, simply scanned it with his eyes. He moved over to his desk and surveyed the top, seeing that everything was in a disarray, not the way it had been when he was last here. He looked up as Banning and the men were in the doorway. The glare that Upton gave was bone chilling to them all.

“And you did nothing to stop them?” Upton asked, his voice deep and echoed off the very walls of the room. All eyes diverted and looked down at the floor, “What do I pay for?!” Upton screamed out, growling even deeper. He slowly calmed himself but continued to glare that icy stare that was like daggers to all of the men, “Banning, get the coach.” Upton growled.

“As you wish, My Lord.” Banning said with a bow and was relieved that the moment was now over for him as he turned away.

“Catwood.” Upton said. A man that stood in the front of the group outside the doors stepped forward. He was a large man, very fit, and carried the respect of the others behind him. He was a retired Army Regular officer and was now Upton’s chief of security here at the manor.

“My Lord?” The man carried a deep voice, but yet was soft spoken. He never had to say the same thing twice to any of those under his charge. He was always listened to with the greatest of attention, something he had learned from being an officer.

“I will be going back to London.” Upton said, his voice icy, “I will return late this evening after I have repaid this visit that was given to me.”

“As you say, My Lord.” Catwood said, “Do you require escort, My Lord?”

“No.” Upton said after a pause, “And I will return alone.”

“What of your son, My Lord?” Catwood asked. The glare from Upton was now on him alone.

“He will remain where he is for the time being.” Upton said. He came around his desk and started toward the doors. Catwood and the men stepped out of his way, bowing their heads as he went by them all.

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“You have led me to believe that there would be proof of Upton’s involvement here in his chambers. I want it, and I am not leaving without it.” Callum said. His eyes were fixed on the eyes of Pennysort.

“Captain, I cannot give you anything like that, especially from here, from his chambers. He would know it was me that has betrayed him.” Pennysort said as he shrunk back away from Callum.

“Fine. Then I will find for myself without your help.” Callum said.

“You can’t.” Pennysort said and went to touch Callum’s arm to stop him.

“Can’t I?” Callum asked and looked at the hand for a moment. He shifted his gaze back into the eyes of the tall gawky man before him, “You come to my room, sneak in, lay in wait for me, and then tell me and my companions that you know of what is going on, what he is planning. I need proof of that, Bancroft, proof to stop him, and I am going to get it if I have to tear this place apart. Now, you can either help, or I will kill you where you stand and find it anyway.” Callum said and put the point of the knife to the throat.

“Either way…I seem to be a dead man.” Pennysort said and swallowed hard feeling the knife point. His enormous Adam’s apple bounced under the tall collar.

“I thought you would see it my way.” Callum said, “Dustin, lock that outer door.” Dustin nodded and turned, moving quickly to the doors of the antechamber, “I would not want to be interrupted by any Guardsmen.” Callum said to Pennysort.

“Captain, he will kill me if I help you.”

“As I said, I will kill you if you don’t.” Callum said, “You said you wanted this to end, Bancroft, did you not? You spoke of all of those lives lost in this already, the pain, the suffering. Were those merely empty words?” Callum asked. Pennysort shook his head in answer, “Then help me.”

“He does not keep those documents here. They are at his home.” Pennysort said and Callum raised an eyebrow.

“Really? Now, there you are wrong.” Callum said and pressed the point further and broke the skin just under the jaw, “I was there earlier, in his study. Those documents have to be here.” Callum said as he saw the eyes of the tall gawky man go wide.

“You…you were in his home?” Pennysort asked. Callum nodded and leaned closer.

“Yes, and we have his son as well.” Callum said, “Now, give me what I want and we will be on our way.”

“He,…he will be…coming for you.”

“Fine. I prefer that, rather than all this sneaking about.” Callum said.

“If I help you, Captain, then you must do something for me in return.” Pennysort said. Callum narrowed his eyes at him.

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Callum got out of the carriage onto the sidewalk in front of the boarding house. Dustin followed him out as Callum stepped over to Evan up in the driver seat. They smiled at one another briefly and Callum reached up and pat the leg that was closest to him.

“Evan, take the carriage back over the stable if you would. If you see your brother, ask him to visit me a bit later if you would.” Callum said.

“Of course, sir. Is there a certain time?” Evan asked.

“No. Only when it is convenient for him, if you please?” Callum asked. Evan nodded, then looked at Dustin and nodded at him. Evan snapped the reins and the carriage set off down the road.

“He’s a good man.” Dustin said.

“That he is. A credit to the uniform, I would say.” Callum said. He turned and looked at Dustin, “Shall we go in?”

“I hope they have something good for supper, I am simply starved.” Dustin said as his stomach rumbled. Callum chuckled.

“So I can hear. We have been on the go all day, haven’t we?” Callum asked.

“Yes.” Dustin said as they went up the steps. There was a Sentry there. Dustin looked at him as they came up.

“Good evening, Sentry.” Callum said.

“Good evening, sir.” The young man said and snapped to attention.

“Anyone come looking for us while we were out?” Callum asked.

“No, sir.” The Sentry said.

“Good. Keep your eyes open.” Callum said.

“Yes, sir.” The young man said as Callum opened the door, Dustin followed him in and Callum closed the door.

“Good evening, gentlemen.” Haskill, the owner of the boarding house said as he met them in the foyer, “I have supper still available for you, if you would like? Where are Captains Tomlin and Holt?”

“They will not be joining us this evening, Mr. Haskill, I’m afraid.” Callum said.

“I see. I trust that all is well with them?” Haskill asked.

“That remains to be seen.” Callum said, “Supper would be fine, thank you. Mr. Perkins seems to be quite hungry.”

“Right this way, gentlemen.” Haskill said, turning and heading down the elegant hallway going by the staircase. Callum and Dustin followed him and were led into the drawing room. Haskill led them to a table that was set for four, pulling out a chair, “Captain.” He said holding the chair for Callum.

“Thank you.” Callum said as he sat down, Dustin going to the other side of the table, Haskill going to hold the chair for Dustin now.

“Was your day difficult, gentlemen?” Haskill asked as Dustin sat down.

“Why do you ask that, Mr. Haskill?” Callum asked as he dropped a napkin in his lap.

“Forgive me for saying it, Captain, but you both look rather…spent. You also appear to have some bruising about your neck, Captain, and seem to have some cuts about your faces as well.” Haskill said.

“Yes.” Callum said, giving a brief smile to the older man, “I apologize for our appearance, Mr. Haskill. It has been a rather difficult couple of days to be certain. Perhaps we should freshen up first before supper.”

“On the contrary, Captain. You look fine. I am the one who should apologize for speaking openly. It is not my place.” Haskill said.

“That’s quite alright, really. You know of what is going on, I am certain. This is your house and we do not wish to disrespect it or your reputation.” Callum said as Haskill took an open bottle of wine from a side table and poured two glasses for them.

“You do not disrespect either, Captain, I assure you. I had a visit from my cousin late this morning. I am very aware of everything and I offer my support to you and Mr. Perkins.”

“I see. Did His Grace happen to mention anything about Captain Tomlin or Captain Holt?” Callum asked.

“No, he did not.”

“I am of in hopes that Captain Tomlin will be able to join us at some point tomorrow. They are both at the Admiralty in the surgery there, recovering from their wounds.” Callum said.

“Oh dear lord.” Haskill said, his eyes full of concern, “I had no idea, Captain.”

“Quite. Has anything come for me, Mr. Haskill?” Callum asked.

“Nothing at all, Captain, I’m afraid.”

“No news is good news, I suppose.” Callum said and smiled at Dustin. Dustin smiled back and then looked to his left. A plate was set in front of him by the exquisitely handsome dark haired son of Haskill. He smiled briefly at Dustin and then set a plate in front of Callum, “Thank you.” Callum said as they smiled briefly at one another. Callum looked at his plate and then across to Dustin, “This smells absolutely wonderful.” Callum said.

“Thank you, Captain.” Haskill said. Hiram, the son, turned and walked out of the drawing room, leaving the three alone.

“Would you care to join us, Mr. Haskill?” Callum asked. Dustin started into his supper and was shoving it in as fast as he could.

“Thank you, Captain, but I…”

“I think we can dispense with formality, Mr. Haskill. You could tell me what it is that His Grace said to you. I am sure that you have questions about all of this as well, and perhaps I can help to fill in the blanks for you.” Callum said.

“I am understandably curious, yes, Captain, but I also understand the sensitivity of all of this. You really have nothing to explain to me, sir.” Haskill said.

“Well, you might be right in that, but I feel that it is only right as you have now become involved, especially after our last conversation together.” Callum said and put a piece of his supper into his mouth, “This is most excellent, Mr. Haskill, really.”

“Thank you again, Captain. My cook excels at doing her very best with every undertaking she does for our guests.” Haskill said and looked over at Dustin and smiled briefly, “Would you care for more, Mr. Perkins?” Dustin looked up at him with wide eyes, like he had been caught in the sugar bowl. Haskill turned and went over to beside the fireplace and pulled the rope there. He came back to the table.

“Yes, sir?” The almost feminine voice asked from the open doorway.

“Hiram, would you bring more for Mr. Perkins, please?”

“Certainly.” He said and was gone from the doorway.

“Please, Mr. Haskill, join us, I insist.” Callum said, holding out a hand toward the empty chair to his left that Haskill was standing behind. He pulled it out and sat down at the table with the pair. Hiram brought in another full plate and took the empty one away, setting the new down in front of Dustin and gave him a warm smile this time before leaving the room. Dustin seemed to blush.

“Eat up, Mr. Perkins. It is a wonderful compliment to my cook that she knows you enjoy it so very much.” Haskill said with a smile. Dustin wiped his mouth with his cloth napkin and then started into his second plate. Haskill looked at Callum, “Captain, let me begin by saying again that you have nothing that you need to explain.”

“Mr. Haskill, I believe you are wrong in that, sir.” Callum said and barely sipped his wine, setting his glass down and reached for the bottle, pouring a glass for Haskill, who watched what Callum was doing very carefully. Callum set the bottle down, “I offer a toast.” Callum said and picked up his glass, holding it up. Dustin set his fork down and picked up his glass. Haskill did the same and looked a bit concerned for a brief moment, “To His Grace and his ability to end the war swiftly and soon.”

“His Grace.” Dustin and Haskill said together. Dustin took a deep pull from his glass. Haskill shifted his eyes between Callum and Dustin for a moment and then put the glass to his lips, Callum did the same. He watched Dustin set his glass down and go back to his second round of dinner. Callum set his glass down and ate a bit more, going slowly with it, small bites at a time.

“As to Captain Tomlin, Mr. Haskill, I think that once the good doctor has said that he can leave the surgery, I would like to put him up in his room to rest. His arm was badly mangled and broken. They have saved it, but it will be quite some time before he will have use of it again.” Callum said.

“I see.” Haskill said setting his glass down, “I am very sorry to hear about that, Captain. We will do whatever we can to make him comfortable, I assure you.” Haskill said.

“Thank you, Mr. Haskill, I appreciate that. Were we at home, I have no doubt that there would be any number of people that would be able to help attend to him, but being here in London, there are few that I can count on it would seem.” Callum said.

“Understandable, Captain. What of Captain Holt?” Haskill asked.

“His wounds are far more extensive. They have had to operate on him more than once just to save his life. His recovery will be quite long I dare say.” Callum said and ate a bit more.

“More wine, Captain?” Haskill asked reaching for the bottle.

“Thank you, no.” Callum said with a smile, “But do not let me stop you by any means.”

“I am fine with this, Captain, thank you.”

“It’s an excellent vintage I must say.” Callum said and picked up the glass again, “I would like to return home with a bottle or two as I have said, and I would be most happy to pay for them.”

“I might have to let you at that, Captain.” Haskill said.

“So, Mr. Haskill, tell me of what His Grace said to you.” Callum said, not drinking, but set the glass back down. He looked out of the corner of his eye across the table to Dustin, who was slowing and almost cleared his plate again. Callum set his fork down. Dustin picked up his wine and finished it, setting the glass down. Hiram, the exquisite looking young man was there at the table again.

“Would you like me take that, sir?” He asked in his light voice. Dustin smiled and nodded once, “Would you care for a dessert? We have a wonderful bread pudding or perhaps a turnover?”

“No, I am fine, thank you.” Dustin said and looked very tired to Callum all of a sudden, “I am thinking that the day has gotten the better of me all of a sudden. I am wondering if I shouldn’t go upstairs?”

“You do look a little tired.” Callum said as he focused his attention on Dustin fully, “Perhaps you should wash up and then go to bed.”

“Perhaps, you’re right. I do feel a bit more than tired actually.” Dustin said.

“Do you want some help?” Callum asked.

“No, I can manage.” Dustin said and rose slowly to his feet. He looked at Haskill, “I apologize, Mr. Haskill, if you would excuse me?”

“It’s quite alright, Mr. Perkins, completely understandable.”

“Thank you.” Dustin said and looked at Callum, “I’ll see you upstairs.”

“May I be of assistance, sir?” Hiram asked and took Dustin by the arm. He guided him out of the room and into the hallway going out of sight. Callum turned back to his supper and picked up the fork off the plate.

“If you will excuse me, Captain.” Haskill said and got up from the table.

“What is your hurry, Mr. Haskill?” Callum asked, “You still have not told me what His Grace had to say.”

“Well, it was not that important, really, Captain, if you would excuse me for a moment.” Haskill said as he stepped to go around the table behind Callum to go out of the room.

“What was in the wine, Mr. Haskill?” Callum asked carefully and slowly and Haskill stopped.

“In the wine, Captain?” Haskill asked as he was behind Callum. Callum set his fork down on the plate again. He picked up his napkin and dabbed it to the corners of his mouth.

“Yes, the wine. Obviously, it is drugged with something. The bottle that you poured from was already open.” Callum said and picked up his glass he held it up to the light of the room. The dark red color did not reveal anything through the clear of the glass.

“Captain, you have to believe me, I had no choice.” Haskill said above a whisper at Callum’s shoulder.

“If any harm comes to Mr. Perkins because of this, Mr. Haskill, yours will be the first throat that I cut, do you understand?” Callum asked as he set the wine glass back down on the table. Haskill was wide eyed and straightened. He swallowed hard and walked out of the room. Callum watched him with narrowed eyes.

“At last, we are finally alone.” The voice behind Callum said. It was icy and graveled in its tone. Callum jumped up from his chair, spinning, hand on his sword, “Ease yourself, Quintan. I am not going to harm you before we have had a chance in which to talk.”

“Lord Upton, I assume.” Callum said looking the man up and down quickly. He could see that there were no obvious weapons on the man and eased himself a bit, releasing his sword pommel, “What do I owe this pleasure to?” Callum asked. He watched the jaw tense, the cold eyes narrow, and then the man came a few steps forward from where he had been hidden from view.

“You,…you have caused me much…” The man said and then eased himself a bit. It was very visible to Callum, “much time and shall we say…much trouble.” The icy voice said and Callum cocked his head slightly and smirked.

“Good.” Callum said flatly, “I am glad to have caused you something after everything that you have done.”

“Where is my son?” Upton asked.

“He is being held, under arrest.”

“Why?”

“He is charged with treason. Something that you should be charged with as well.” Callum said.

“Really?” Upton asked as he composed himself. Callum watched him intently as he moved across the room, Upton putting his hands behind his back, a move that showed Callum that was nonaggressive, “Where is he being held?” The older man asked as he looked at a painting on the wall.

“Some place that is secure, very secure.” Callum said, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Where would that be, I wonder? At the Admiralty?” Upton asked without looking at Callum, still staring at the painting of a woman.

“It should not matter. What should matter is that he is going to hang.” Calum said.

“For what?” Upton asked.

“For treason, crimes against The Crown.” Callum said and listened to the chuckle by the older man.

“Crimes against The Crown, how ridiculous. My son has done nothing but do what I have asked of him.” Upton said.

“So, you asked him to commit treason then?” Callum asked.

“You are so short-sighted, Quintan, you always have been. And here I thought you were a man of intelligence. You are nothing, like this painting,…flat, lifeless, without depth.” Upton said.

“What do you mean? You speak as if I should know you.” Callum asked.

“Do you not recognize me? Do I not look familiar to you?” Upton asked as he looked at Callum squarely. Callum narrowed his eyes and stared back staying silent, “No? Think back to your early days, Quintan, when you were a boy, very young.” Upton asked and watched Callum closely, the wheels almost turning in Callum’s mind, “Yes, it is coming back to you, I can see it, but slowly.”

“I have never seen you before in my life.” Callum said and was given a smile in reply.

“Ah, but you have, dear boy, you just don’t remember fully.” Upton said, turning and stepping closer toward Callum, his hands still behind his back, “This is almost like coming home again for the first time to you, isn’t it? Yes, I can see it in your eyes. We are almost like family, Quintan, you and I, and it has nothing to do with my son, does it? Those things that you two used to do with one another when you were at school together when you were so young.” Upton said and watched Callum’s eyes, he paused a moment, a long moment and then struck, struck deep, “Those things that you used to do with him, those intimate things that were supposed to be between you and him only, not shared with anyone else…but, they were weren’t they…he shared them, and shared them with me. You loved him, Quintan, and you still do, don’t you? You still love him.”

“What are you talking about?” Callum asked. The smile he saw on Upton’s face was evil, total evil.

“Do you not remember when you were a boy, Quintan, a very young boy? Standing there in your home in Birmingham, in your mother’s kitchen? I was there, Quintan, there with you both. I began molding you then. I gave you what your mother couldn’t, a future for you.” Upton said after pausing a moment, “Think back.”

“Sheflands.” Callum said softly.

“Yes, but more than that, Quintan, it was your father that started it all for you.” Upton said, turning away from Callum, walking back to the painting and giving it another look.

“My father? I never knew my father.” Callum said and Upton half turned and looked at Callum.

“James Callum.” Upton said and smiled briefly. The stare went cold again at Callum, “I knew your father, Quintan, knew him well. He was with me in the Colonies during the war there. He served me well in all our time together, and then in my dealings in the Indies.”

“My father was sailor on a merchant ship. He drown…” Callum said.

“Yes, during the storm, the wreck of Montrose.” Upton said and Callum was stunned even more, “You seem surprised, Quintan.”

“I am.” Callum said.

“I wanted some time alone with you, to explain things, to make you a proposal.” Upton said.

“I would not accept any proposal that you would make. You are a traitor, sir.” Callum said.

“Treason can be seen as a matter of opinion, or depending upon where one is standing in a certain moment of time.” Upton said as he gave Callum another evil smile.