Voyage Home

“Alright, Captain, you have my attention.” Frobisher said. Callum smiled briefly and gave him a slight bow of the head.

“Thank you, Your Honor.” Callum said. He looked down at both Haskills as they sat in their chairs. Eyes were frightened and also were pleading. Dustin slowly rose out of the large armchair he was in. Callum gave him a quick side glance and went to speak but was interrupted.

“I beg your pardon.” A familiar voice said, Callum turned and looked to the open doorway of this parlor they were all in.

“Lt. Marston.” Callum said. The young officer nodded and stepped forward, eyeballing the situation in the room. He had known of what was going on here from being in the middle of it earlier last evening.

“I beg forgiveness for this intrusion, Captain.” Marston said as he reached into his tunic and pulled an envelope. He held it out in front of him, “I come from His Grace. There was a special messenger from Lord Eldon. His Grace sent me to collect you, and to have you read this.” Callum looked down at the envelope and took it from Marston’s hand. He opened it, looking at Marston once and then opened the letter inside. Callum read it and looked at Frobisher, handing it to him.

“What is it?” Dustin asked as he stepped forward. Callum went to tell him but Frobisher read it aloud.

“Callum,

Upon receipt of this, come at once to the offices of Parliament. There is no danger of the Guardsmen as they have been placed under arrest by Regulars from His Grace. Be sure to have His Honor, Judge Frobisher, accompany you as I require his presence as well. Time is of the essence. Come quickly.

Eldon”

“What do you think has happened?” Frobisher asked lowering the letter. Callum raised a hand to him and turned to look at Marston.

“Did you do what I asked?” Callum asked. Marston nodded.

“As soon as I arrived at the residence. I went to the carriage, found the folder where you said it would be, and presented it to His Grace. He went through several of the documents that were inside. He dropped them and went to his desk almost immediately. He wrote a note and called for a messenger. That note was sent to Lord Eldon. It was not long that the messenger returned with this and one for His Grace as well. His Grace said I was to you come to you immediately without delay. What do you think it is, Captain?” Marston asked. Callum spun back to Frobisher.

“Your Honor, we must leave without delay, immediately. We must get to Lord Eldon.”

“Alright, Callum, but…” Frobisher said, but Callum turned and grabbed Dustin by the upper arms.

“Go upstairs, fetch your sword. Come back down here and watch over them along with the Regulars. Keep close watch over Lord Ameson, his safety is your primary concern.” Callum said. Dustin looked more than worried, “I need you to stay and do this until I return. Can you do that?” Callum asked, and then narrowed his eyes, “For me?”

“Of course.” Dustin said.

“Go, now.” Callum said and pat Dustin’s upper arm. Dustin turned and hurried out of the room. Callum spun and looked at Lord Ameson, “My Lord, I beg you to remain, under the care and protection of my companion and the Regulars. I would not ask you unless I thought it was vital, you must understand.”

“I do, Captain. I will remain until your return.” Lord Ameson said and sat down in another chair. Callum nodded deeply and then looked at Marston.

“Go back to His Grace, relay to him what this was. Tell him that we are going to Parliament at this moment. He is to stay where he is, and you make certain that the guard is doubled. Upton is about to strike. Do not leave His Grace’s side for any reason. Are you clear?” Callum asked, his voice was in full authority.

“Quite clear, Captain.” Marston said.

“I will send word.” Callum said and put a hand on the young officer’s arm. Marston nodded and turned on his heel, going out of the room. Dustin came back in, a little flushed but wearing his sword. Callum smiled briefly at him, “Sergeant?” Callum called out. The Regular snapped, “You will have your men secure both front and back entrances to this house. No one is to enter this house until I return. It is possible that there may be trouble and there may be many that might try to gain entry to this house. Keep all your men on their toes, Sergeant.”

“Sir!” The Sergeant said and snapped a salute. He turned to give his men instructions.

“Stay on your guard. Watch them closely, and more importantly, protect Lord Ameson with your very life.” Callum said in a low voice as he got close in front of Dustin.

“You think they will come?” Dustin asked. Callum nodded.

“But it may be after I return. Can you do this?” Callum asked above a whisper. Dustin smiled.

“You entrusted me with Dover’s safety once. I think this will be far easier.” Dustin said.

“I could kiss you right now.” Callum whispered.

“Not in front of the Judge.” Dustin whispered, flashed his eyes and walked over to Lord Ameson. Callum smiled and shook his head. He looked at Judge Frobisher.

“Your Honor?” Callum asked and held out a hand, indicating the door. The older man walked toward him.

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The ride to the grand building of Parliament was rather quick in Judge Frobisher’s carriage. It was a large carriage pulled by two horses, large beasts, seemingly like draft horses like those that Callum’s friend, Wayne Daultry, used for pulling heavy logs at the mill in Birmingham. Callum did not say anything during the entire trip to Parliament. The driver pulled up alongside the stone walkway, in front of the main walk that led up to the front entrance of the building. Callum got out of the carriage first as the walk was on his side, Judge Frobisher behind him. Callum looked up at the grand structure. It had a different feel to it at night, almost foreboding. Judge Frobisher started walking, Callum stepped with him.

Two Regulars were at the main doors, acting as Sentries. They snapped to attention as Callum and Frobisher approached. They opened the doors and let them through without a word. Frobisher turned and started toward the east end of the long wide grand corridor. The echo of their boots filled the air around them as they walked along with the corridor being empty. Callum kept his hand on his sword to keep it from swinging as he walked alongside the older man.

“Callum, Frobisher. Thank heaven you’re both here.” Lord Eldon said as he came out of his chambers further up on the left.

“What has happened, John? Why have you summoned us?” Frobisher asked as they drew closer.

“Follow me. I’ll show you.” Eldon said. Callum continued walking, following Lord Eldon. He had been here before, and very recently. He did not wish to let them know that though. He remained silent. But Callum noticed that there were Sentries at Upton’s chamber doors. He narrowed his eyes. They came closer to them. The Sentries snapped to attention as they approached. Lord Eldon waved a hand and one of the doors was opened for them. He stopped in the antechamber, turned and looked at both of them.

“What is it?” Frobisher asked.

“It’s ghastly. I have never seen anything like it. I was summoned here by a scullery maid. She made the discovery. It positively scared the life out of her.” Lord Eldon said and turned. He went into the outer office and stopped just inside the doorway, the office that Bancroft used to do his work in. Callum came around Lord Eldon and saw what it was and why they were here.

The room was lit by lamps not only on the desk, but on tables as well as sconces on the wall. Callum stepped slowly forward and looked at the desk. He stepped up slowly, gritting his teeth. He stopped as he came up about halfway along the width of the desk. He did not touch anything. Frobisher came up the desk as well but on the other side.

“Dear God.” Frobisher said. Callum looked over at him for a moment and then back down at the desk. The tall gawky figure of a finely dressed man lay upon it, the man, Albert Bancroft, known as Pennysort. He was on his back on the desk, arms splayed out, a thin bladed dagger run all the way through his throat to its hilt, pinning the body to the desk. There were several bruises about his face, some blood about his lips. Callum knew about the bruises, he knew because he had given them to him, part of the price Pennysort asked in return for the documents given to Callum, the price asked to maintain his cover for Lord Upton. Callum slowly shook his head but said nothing, now knowing that that price was indeed high. The eyes were still open, staring blankly up at the ceiling. Callum looked over at Judge Frobisher.

“This was lying on him when I found him.” Lord Eldon said at the end of the desk. He held out his hand, Callum and Frobisher looked back at him, “It’s addressed to you.” His hand held an envelope, Callum looked down at it. It had one word written on it, ’Quintan’. Callum looked at Lord Eldon once and then reached out and took it gently from his fingers. He opened it, pulling out the letter and opened it.

“So, you found somebody that could serve us both. I trusted him but, I underestimated you. This is what happens to those that betray me, what we spoke of when we met. I shall not make the same mistake again. When I have my son returned to me, you will see.”

Callum lowered the letter, his eyes going wide, he looked at Lord Eldon.

“Did they take Atch to The Tower?” Callum asked.

“Yes, but he was moved, along with that Hessian you captured at the docks.” Lord Eldon said.

“Where?” Callum asked.

“Durham Geol.”

“What?” Callum asked, his mind was racing, “That’s to the north, isn’t it? When was he moved?”

“This morning. Yes, it is to the north, south of Newcastle. It is a large prison that…”

“He has an estate there, a dreary place, rather droll he said.” Callum muttered to himself looking down.

“What was that?” Frobisher asked. Callum lifted his eyes.

“Oh my God.” Callum said with sudden realization, “Your Honor, I am in need of your carriage, I must see His Grace immediately.”

“What is in the letter?” Lord Eldon asked. Callum handed it over to him without even looking in his direction.

“Why, Callum?” Frobisher asked.

“I am in need of troops. Upton is going to stop whatever is transporting his son and take him back before they reach the prison. He might be at his manor right now though. If I hurry, I might find him and stop him.” Callum said.

“What was it that you were just saying?” Frobisher asked.

“His son, Atch, told me of an estate that his father has, in the north. A dreary and rather droll place he said.” Callum said as his eyes shifted about trying hard to remember, “I’m trying to recall, when we were at school together…he had mentioned it before…I think it was outside of Newcastle somewhere on the sea. It all fits, don’t you see?” Callum asked, his mind was trying to remember where Atch had said. He closed his eyes a moment, thinking back and there he was back in his room at Sheflands, Atch sitting on his bed, talking, they were laughing about something, enjoying each other’s company at that moment and Atch started to tell Callum that he was going to see his father…

“It’s a rather large place, smells awful and old.” Atch said and rolled his eyes, “It’s very hard to sleep during bad weather, you know, the sea crashing on the rocks below can keep you awake all night long.”

“Where is it?” Callum asked looking excited about it.

“In Sunderland.” Atch said and looked at Callum long and hard.

“Sunderland.” Callum said out loud snapping out of his memory. He looked at Frobisher remembering something else, “Sunderland was also one of the ports named in the trade agreement. It’s on the River Wear. He wanted to give it to the Dutch. They’re going to the estate that’s there.”

“Just a moment. That doesn’t explain this.” Lord Eldon said, pointing down at the body on the desk.

“It’s in the letter, My Lord. Upton did this. He wrote the letter.” Callum said.

“It’s not signed, how do you know?” Lord Eldon asked.

“My Lord,” Callum said and pointed to one sentence in the letter, “’What we spoke of when we met?’ He is speaking of when he was with me at the boarding house. ‘Found somebody that could serve us both?’ My Lord, he is indicating Bancroft. Bancroft gave me documents to prove Upton’s treason, they are now in the possession of His Grace.” Callum said.

“That’s why His Grace wanted me to come to his residence this evening.” Lord Eldon said.

“Yes, and now Upton is guilty of murder as well as treason. And if we don’t act immediately, we are all doomed. He will carry out his plans, England will be invaded. He must be stopped, My Lord.” Callum said.

“Frobisher, escort the Captain, if you would. I shall issue a warrant for Upton’s arrest and then join His Grace at his residence to look over these new documents.” Lord Eldon said. Frobisher nodded.

“I seem to be at your disposal, Captain.” Frobisher said, “Are we to see His Grace first?”

“No, Lord Eldon will take care of that as he has said. We need to find out if Upton is still here, that he hasn’t set off to the north as of yet.” Callum said, “Have you ever been to his home?” Callum asked and raised an eyebrow.

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“Captain, warrant or no, I cannot sanction this.” Frobisher said as the carriage stopped some distance before the gates of the manor out on the road. Callum had been here before with Dustin and Evan Marston, when Callum and Dustin broke into the study, took the trade agreement, and kidnapped Atch.

“I can understand your position, Your Honor, believe me. However, we seem to be pressed for time in this. I ask your indulgence.” Callum said as he opened the carriage door.

“I cannot be a party to this.” Frobisher said.

“As I said, I understand your point in this, Your Honor, locked gates and all, breaking and entering and whatnot. However, if the gate were to be…opened, and an invitation given, would you enter then?” Callum asked and smiled briefly.

“Under an invitation to enter through an open gate, yes, then it would be possible to exercise the duties of my office.” Frobisher said.

“Then, Your Honor, I will see to it.” Callum said and gave him a nod, “And you don’t have to look.” Callum smiled.

“What do you…?” Frobisher started to ask. Callum pointed out the window of the other door on the other side of the carriage.

“What is that over there?” Callum asked, Frobisher looked out the other window.

“What are you talking about, I see nothing.” Frobisher said and looked back, Callum was gone from sight, the door was open and swinging slightly. Frobisher shook his head, “Oh to be young again.” He said softly and reached out and closed the door.

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Callum crept along the stone wall, on the inside of the property of the manor. He went around a large bush and knelt for a moment, looking about. He didn’t see any movement in the dark. He got to his feet and kept moving along the wall. He reached a small structure that was at the gates. He heard movement inside. He slowly pulled his sword, coming around the corner of the structure. A man stepped out and Callum swung his blade, stopping it as it lay across the man’s throat, steel touching skin.

“Not a sound.” Callum said softly, “Understand?” The man nodded, “Good. Now, open the gates.” Callum said and the man rolled his eyes in his direction, “Be quick about it, or I’ll slice your throat and open them myself.” The man swallowed hard, taking the ring of keys off his wide belt. He walked slowly over to the gates, Callum had his blade resting on the man’s shoulder near his neck so he could feel the cold steel. A key was put in the gate lock and turned. The gate was opened, the metal groaning on its hinges. The man went over and opened the other gate wide, the gate groaned loudly, Callum staying with him step for step, “You simply must do something about the rust on those.” Callum said, swinging his sword hard, hitting the man in the back of his head with the pommel. The man groaned and dropped to the ground, “Thank you for your help my good man.” Callum said stepping over the body on the edge of the drive. He stepped out in the road, whistled once and waved his arm in a beckoning wave.

Frobisher heard a whistle and went to look, but the carriage jolted forward and started to move. Frobisher sat back in his seat. There was a thump outside the door to his left. He heard muffled voices but couldn’t make out what they were saying and then he jumped a bit at seeing Callum stick his head in through the open window of the door. He smiled briefly at Frobisher.

“Your Honor, your formal invitation has been given.” Callum said. Frobisher gave him a frown and a raised eyebrow in return. Callum pulled back out of the open window. The carriage came to a slow halt in front of the grand manor on the circular drive. Callum opened the door for Frobisher. He climbed out. Two large lanterns lit the grand entry, one on each side of the tall doors. Callum and Frobisher walked up the wide and deep stone steps. Frobisher used the heavy knocker on the door. Callum waited as did the older man. The door opened and a formally dressed older man was standing there.

“Good evening, gentlemen.”

“Good evening. We would like to see the master of the house.” Frobisher said.

“I was not informed that His Lordship was receiving guests this evening.” The man said. Callum could feel his control slipping.

“He will see us, I assure you.” Frobisher said and stepped forward, Callum followed him. The man at the door came around them rather quickly and stopped them, “He is here, is he not?” Frobisher asked. The formally dressed man just held up his hands. Callum lost his control. He came around Frobisher and grabbed the lapels of the formal jacket.

“He asked you a question.” Callum growled through clenched teeth, “Is he here?”

“Callum.” Frobisher said, grabbing one of Callum’s wrists. The formally dressed man made an audible gasp. Callum narrowed his eyes at him.

“Captain Callum?” He asked. Callum nodded slowly, teeth still clenched, “He is not here. His Lordship left about two hours ago.”

“Where?” Callum growled.

“Sunderland, his estate there.”

“You were right, Callum.” Frobisher said

“Perhaps we should search the house anyway.” Callum said, tightening his grip on the lapels.

“You will not find anything, sir. He took it all with him.” The man said, Callum narrowed his eyes.

“What is your name, my good man?” Frobisher asked.

“Banning, sir.”

“Well, Banning, perhaps you could tell us what it is that he took with him?” Frobisher asked.

“One trunk of clothing, sir, along with his ledgers.” Banning said.

“Ledgers?” Callum asked.

“His accounts, sir. His holdings, his details, of everything here and abroad.” Banning said. Callum let him go.

“I was looking for papers. They were in books the entire time. I didn’t think of that.” Callum said softly. Banning went wide eyed.

“It was you that was here and took the young master, wasn’t it?” Banning asked. Callum glared at him, “He was quite angered over that. He had to make other arrangements because of what you did.”

“There will be even more arrangements very shortly, Banning.” Callum said.

“I understand, sir.” Banning said. Callum eased his look a bit.

“Was he alone?” Callum asked. Banning shook his head.

“He took his guard with him. Five men, all very sturdy, sir.” Banning said.

“Your Honor.” Callum said and turned to head for the door. Frobisher stared at Banning for a moment and then followed Callum out, “Damn.” Callum said as he opened the door to the carriage. He held it for Frobisher as the older man walked up.

“Nothing to be upset about.” Frobisher said.

“I have missed him, yet again. I blame myself for what is about to happen. I had my chance earlier to take him…and didn’t.” Callum said in a low voice.

“It might have been seen as murder, my boy. Then where would you be as my duty would have been clear.” Frobisher said and put a hand on Callum’s shoulder, “No, you did the right thing. We will find him, and we will have the law on our side, and he will then be stopped.” Callum nodded once, letting Frobisher climb into the carriage.

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“I must say, Callum, you are quite daring.” Frobisher said as they walked up the steps to the boarding house.

“Something I learned, Your Honor, as a boy aboard ship. Seize the opportunity, for it will not come again.” Callum said.

“Who said that?”

“My former commander, Captain Powers.” Callum said. The door was opened for them by the Sentry. They went inside the house. The Sergeant snapped and gave Callum a sharp salute, “Any problems, Sergeant?”

“None, sir. Everything is quiet.”

“Good.” Callum said and went into the open parlor. He saw Dustin and Lord Ameson still there. Dustin had a look of relief on his face at seeing Callum. Callum did not see either of the Haskills, “Where are they?” He asked. Dustin stepped toward them.

“Locked in their rooms, under guard.” Dustin said, “I felt it best, if there was trouble. They would be out of the way.”

“Alright.”

“What are you going to do now, Callum?” Frobisher asked.

“I am going to see His Grace, Your Honor.” Callum said.

“Why did you come here?” Dustin asked. Callum gave him a soft smile.

“I wanted to make certain that everything was alright, you and His Lordship were safe.” Callum said.

“Thoughtful, but not necessary.” Dustin said.

“Everything is out of control, slipping away as it were.” Callum said in a low voice, “We need to see Lord Ameson safely home.”

“I would think that we need to have him with us when we see His Grace.” Frobisher said, Callum turned and looked at the older man, “Lord Ameson oversees the Home Office with his committee. He needs to be kept up with this, considering what has happened this evening.”

“What has happened?” Dustin asked, Callum looked at him.

“Bancroft is dead, murdered.” Callum said flatly.

“At Parliament?” Lord Ameson asked as he rose from his chair.

“Yes, My Lord.” Callum said.

“These documents that you obtained, Callum, did you read them?” Lord Ameson asked, Callum looked at him slightly puzzled, “Your companion here, Mr. Perkins, told me of them.”

“No, My Lord, I did not read them. I took the word of this fellow, Bancroft, that they were indeed the proof that we have sought.” Callum said.

“You trusted his word?” Lord Ameson asked slightly cocking his head.

“I did, My Lord,” Callum said, “there seemed to be no reason to doubt him. He felt that what was happening was wrong. He had relayed that to us more than once.”

“Then perhaps we should not delay any longer. The hour is starting to grow late.” Lord Ameson said.

“I agree, My Lord.” Callum said.

“What of the Haskills?” Dustin asked.

“The Sergeant and his men can remain to keep watch and them secured.” Callum said.

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A short ride by carriage to the residence of His Grace, Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington. Callum opened the door of the carriage, stepping out first. He saw the Regulars, four of them on the steps of the house acting as Sentries. Callum smiled to himself in seeing them all. Marston had indeed doubled the guard as he had requested. Callum looked about the street, it was quiet as Dustin stepped out, going to the end of the carriage and looking about himself, hand on his sword. Callum nodded toward Lord Ameson and Judge Frobisher that it was safe to step out themselves.

“I think you are being a bit overcautious, Captain.” Lord Ameson said as he stepped out, to stand next to Callum.

“I would rather be overcautious, My Lord, than to be sorry if something were to happen. He is going to become desperate, My Lord, I am certain. He is probably thinking by now that we are hunting for him.” Callum said bowing his head slightly.

“I see your point, Callum.” Lord Ameson said. They all went up the steps slowly, Dustin and Callum looking up and down the street as they followed Lord Ameson and the Judge. The door was opened and Marston stepped out to greet them.

“I thought you were going to send word, sir.” Marston said as Callum stepped up next to him. Callum guided Dustin through the door with only a hand as Callum stood still.

“Consider yourself informed, Lieutenant.” Callum said, “Have you seen anything?”

“The house does not seem to be being watched any longer, sir.” Marston said.

“Well, we won’t let our guard down because of that. Have your men stay vigilant.” Callum said, Marston nodded and followed Callum inside the house.

“Ah, there you are, my friend, at last.” Wellesley said as he stepped away from Dustin toward Callum. His smile was warming and most welcoming to Callum. The hand was extended, Callum bowed his head toward his friend, extending his own hand. The grip was firm, sure, and it brought a smile to Callum’s face, “It seems like an eternity since I have seen you at the Admiralty. You look well, Quintan.”

“Thank you, Your Grace. It is good of you to receive us so late.” Callum said.

“Nonsense, my friend. You have no idea what it is that you discovered. Come, Lord Eldon is reviewing the last of them as we speak.” Wellesley said, guiding Callum into the parlor, bringing him close to Dustin. Wellesley looked over and gave Dustin a nod and a smile, “You must be hungry, Mr. Perkins. I hear a rumbling coming from your direction.”

“I beg pardon, Your Grace.” Dustin said slightly embarrassed.

“When was it that you gentlemen last ate?” Wellesley asked.

“Yesterday evening, Your Grace, but I assure you…” Callum said, shifting his eyes back and forth between Wellesley and Dustin beside him.

“Good heavens.” Wellesley said, turning slightly, “Marston, escort Mr. Perkins to the kitchen if you would. Have Cook prepare him something.”

“Yes, Your Grace.” Marston said with a slight bow, then looked at Dustin, “Mr. Perkins.” Marston said and held out his hand to indicate the way. Dustin looked at Callum, who nodded once to have him go.

“Do you require anything, my friend?” Wellesley asked Callum as Dustin left the parlor with Marston.

“Thank you, no. I am fine, Your Grace.” Callum said and bowed his head slightly.

“Enough of that nonsense. I have said it before, Quintan.” Wellesley said softly. Callum almost blushed with his words, “Alright, let us have you look at these then. I think you will find them very interesting from what I have seen of them.” Wellesley said and guided Callum over to a desk that Lord Eldon was seated at. Lord Ameson was standing at his shoulder looking down as they both were discussing one of the documents. Judge Frobisher was beside Lord Ameson.

“Read this one, Captain. It will spark your interest especially as being of the sea.” Lord Eldon said, “Tell me what you think of it.” Lord Eldon handed up a large piece of unfolded parchment. Callum took it, tipping it slightly to read it by the light of a lamp on the top of the desk. Wellesley was at Callum’s shoulder. Lord Eldon turned his attention back to the document that he and Lord Ameson had been discussing with Judge Frobisher, going over several points. Their voices became distant to Callum as Callum read what was in his hands.

The document was rather wordy, but listed several points. Callum absorbed the names that were named on it, Phelps for instance, the elder Phelps that owned the shipping company that was based in Bristol. It was spelled out quite clearly on the document that he and Upton were partners in that company. This document was a directive to one, a Hector Ramirez, named and listed as the Captain of a fleet in the Caribbean. The directive to this Ramirez was to give him instruction on the division of cargo taken and ‘special items of interest’. Callum was curious as to what that meant. He read on further. It clearly listed that gold shipments from the port of Cartagena was to be divided by weight, not count. A schedule was listed as well, a point of rendezvous, and instructions to this Ramirez that gold was to be transferred to Dutch merchants and that they were to granted and insured safe passage back to Stockholm. Another name was also given, a name Callum knew, Rofton. His eyes narrowed at reading further that Rofton would retaliate if there was any deviation to the instructions. ‘Special items of interest’ could be divided up and used as Ramirez saw fit as long as those items had survived. Callum had been using a finger to trace along the words as he read them.

“What do you think he means by that, had survived?” Wellesley asked at Callum’s shoulder.

“Slaves.” Callum said, “Obviously, this man, Ramirez, is a pirate. Upton is controlling him somehow, probably funding his actions and efforts to profit by it even further.”

“But you would think that a pirate would operate on his own to obtain more for his own use and wealth.” Wellesley said. Callum shook his head.

“I don’t believe so. If he was funded, that means that he is possibly protected, as well as paid. If Upton is doing that, that means that this Ramirez follows rule and regulation. It is spelled out clearly here when he is to meet the Dutch. And if they are dividing by weight, not count, and coming from Cartagena, that means that they are raiding the Spanish, prior to the gold being smelted. That also means that they are taking the crews of those ships as slaves as well as the ships more than likely.” Callum said in a low voice.

“Here is another, Callum.” Lord Eldon said. He held another parchment, a letter. Callum placed the one he was reading down on the desk and then took the next from Lord Eldon’s hand. He tilted it and read it. He gasped slightly as he read it quickly.

“I didn’t get to that one.” Wellesley said reading over Callum’s shoulder.

“It is quite shocking actually.” Lord Eldon said, Judge Frobisher was nodding his agreement.

“Disgusting is the word I would use.” Lord Ameson said flatly as looked at Wellesley, “The Admiralty needs to know of this of this as well, I would think.”

“What is it about?” Wellesley asked as Dustin and Marston entered the room and joined them. His attention had been taken by Lord Ameson for a moment.

“It speaks of the use and sale of children captured or taken by this Ramirez.” Callum said, “It is rather brutal in its wording as to what is going on with them.”

“That’s an understatement.” Lord Ameson almost growled. He shook his head, “The man is a monster, plain and simple.”

“Who, Upton?” Wellesley asked.

“No, this Ramirez. This letter comes from him, not from Upton. As far as I can tell, Upton sanctions it however.” Callum said, “There is a notation here at the bottom, in Upton’s hand that indicates that.” Callum pointed at it, Wellesley was looking at where Callum was pointing.

“This is what I need, right here,…yes,” Lord Eldon said, “we have him, at last.” All eyes in the room looked at Lord Eldon seated at the desk, “This clearly lists dates, times, and also names places where those involved are to strike almost simultaneously. Every crown head of Europe is also named, including His Majesty. If he carries this out…”

“Then he can take total control.” Callum said lowering the letter that he held, “He said that to me, when we met at the boarding house. This was his plan all along.”

“Captain,” Lord Eldon said softly, turning in the chair and looking up at Callum, “I believe I owe you an apology, sir. I must admit that I had my doubts about what you have been saying all along, but this proves it. I…”

“My Lord, I understand.” Callum said with a slight bow of his head, “There is no need for an apology, sir. I more than likely appeared as a raving madman to most, if not to all of you.”

“Very magnanimous of you, Captain.” Lord Ameson said, “But without your persistence in this, we would not have this in our possession and I shudder to think of what the result might have been.”

“Thank you, My Lord.” Callum said and bowed his head slightly, but watched him closely.

“Captain, from here on out, let me say that I will be the first to listen to you…very carefully.” Frobisher said. Callum smiled at the older man, “You are truly a force to reckon with, sir.”

“You have no idea, sir.” Dustin said with a roll of his eyes. Everyone looked at him and smiled.

“What is the next step?” Lord Ameson asked almost nonchalantly.

“We must stop him, quickly.” Callum said, his eyes still on Lord Ameson.

“You mean to take him in Sunderland?” Frobisher asked, Callum nodded in reply.

“He means to take back his son. He needs him to help carry this plan out. We have forced his hand by obtaining these, upsetting his timetable assuredly. If we act quickly, we can end this once and for all.” Callum said.

“What of the others listed here in these letters and documents? This…pirate will continue to plunder without doubt, and this Rofton that also is named several times over. What of him?” Lord Eldon asked, “He is still free to carry out and possibly take over in place of Upton if he is stopped.”

“I have someone, My Lord, that can possibly help with that, someone of your acquaintance.” Callum said.

“Who?” Lord Eldon asked.

“Reginald Paupling.” Callum said flatly looking directly at Lord Ameson.

“Why him?” Dustin asked, “He is not trustworthy, Quintan.” Callum looked at him as he stood beside him now.

“I think he is.” Callum said looking at Dustin and then shifted his gaze back to Lord Ameson, “You see, he knows this Rofton. Paupling was the one that brought all this to light in the very beginning. His attempt to take the boy from me when I returned to port, to take him to The Tower. Hans told me that himself from what he had overheard from Paupling and the Guardsmen.” Callum said as he looked at Dustin again, then slowly turned and looked directly at Lord Ameson again with glaring eyes, “And then earlier this evening, Judge Frobisher confirmed another part to this when we returned to the boarding house. Is that not so, My Lord?” Callum asked slowly and Lord Ameson was quiet as he stared back at Callum. Lord Ameson nodded his head slowly.

“You are a force to truly reckon with, aren’t you, Captain?” Lord Ameson asked, “You understand all too clearly, don’t you?”

“I do now, My Lord, as all the pieces now fit.” Callum said, “But I am wondering why you have not acted as of yet?”

“What are you talking about, Quintan?” Wellesley asked. His eyes were squarely on Lord Ameson as well, who was still standing behind a seated Lord Eldon.

“Simply this, Your Grace, Lord Ameson and his committee oversee the Home Office, the Diplomatic Service. Paupling works for that division, has said so many times. When asked who was giving those orders to him, he never said, not once. He couldn’t as it would expose everything, everything that they were working to try and stop, which is what we are doing now. Is that not so, My Lord?”

“Again, your insight does you credit, Captain.” Lord Ameson said.

“Lord Wilkins and Lord Spire are also involved as they are on your committee, are they not?” Callum asked.

“You are quite clever, Captain, I must say. You should have taken the offer that Paupling made to you when you returned to port.” Lord Ameson said, folding his arms over his chest, “You would go far in the Diplomatic Service. You see things that most men cannot, that much is obvious. And with that insight of yours…”

“I thank you, My Lord, but as I told Paupling, I am but a simple sailor.” Callum said, his tone sounding slightly angered.

“And far too modest as well.” Lord Ameson said.

“Will someone tell me what the devil is going on?” Lord Eldon asked from his chair. Callum stared directly at Lord Ameson, their eyes locked on one another.

“You knew.” Callum said, his voice sounding frustrated, “You knew all along, yet you did nothing.”

“We suspected, nothing more. We needed proof.” Lord Ameson said.

“You used me.” Callum said with more realization, “What gives you the right?”

“Come now, you know the answer to that, Captain. Do not let your feelings get in the way at this point and cloud everything.” Lord Ameson said.

“How many have died? You and your associates are no better than Upton.” Callum said.

“I beg to differ, Captain,” Lord Ameson said, not changing his stance or averting his eyes from Callum, “we are nothing like him. We have done what we have done for the sake of England, nothing else.”

“You let that madman that I pursued to carry on. You could have stopped him. All those crews that were murdered, all those men, they didn’t have to be. The men that sailed with me, those young Marines that were killed, my officer. They didn’t have to die had you simply acted.” Callum said, his voice strained, his throat closing in on itself as his chest tightened, “Smythe, Maupin, La Rochelle, all of it could have been avoided. You knew.” Callum narrowed his eyes. He was flooding inside with regret, frustration, pain from the loss, everything he had been through. It angered him so deeply.

“Correct, Captain. History will judge us harshly, I have no doubt. Thankfully however, you were there and you did what you did, carried out your duty. As well as saving my sons life. All for England, the England that we know and cherish so very much.” Lord Ameson said.

“Please,…explain to me what you are talking about.” Lord Eldon said.

“The Diplomatic Service, My Lord,” Callum said as he looked at Lord Eldon seated at the desk, “have men that act for them, agents, if you will, men like Reginald Paupling. I have no doubt that there are several in place throughout all of Europe, and more than likely elsewhere throughout the world, is that not so, My Lord?” Callum asked Lord Ameson. He received a nod in reply, “Paupling has been to Stockholm, of course that’s only an assumption on my part, but he knows of Rofton, knows how to get close to him. My point in this is, with those kinds of operatives, you could have taken steps to remove those threats before they acted to bring such loss. Battenou for one. You obviously knew that he had been stopped and destroyed by me as Paupling came to me before even those from the Admiralty had arrived.”

“Correct again, Captain.” Lord Ameson said.

“Then why?” Callum asked with gritted teeth.

Dustin had heard every word and now understood fully. He, too, felt as Callum felt now. He had been there as well, in all of it, lived it. He was angered to the point of tears. He reached over and put his hand on Callum’s arm, Callum slowly turned his head, looking at Dustin, their eyes met. Dustin dropped a tear, slowly it rolled down his cheek.

“I am so sorry.” Dustin said above a whisper, “All those times that I doubted you, those times that I questioned or argued with you. I knew you were only doing what was right, but it didn’t have to happen, did it? None of it.”

“No.” Callum said in deep anger and then turned his head, his teeth still clenched as he tensed his entire body. Dustin felt it with his hand still on Callum’s arm. He moved quickly, getting in front of Callum, stopping Callum from leaping onto Lord Ameson.

“Don’t.” Dustin said above a whisper, “It will solve nothing, Quintan.” He was staring into Callum’s handsome face. Callum met him with his eyes. The anger that was behind them slowly began to diminish. Callum nodded, knowing Dustin was right.

“You should thank him, My Lord.” Callum said as he stared into Dustin’s beautiful brown eyes, “He just saved your life.” Callum said and lifted his eyes, looking at Lord Ameson with a burning glare. There was fear on Ameson’s face.

“Yes, I do thank you, Mr. Perkins. And again, I thank you as well, Captain.” Lord Ameson said, “You must understand, yes, we do have the ability to act, but do we have the right to do so? Yes, we knew about Battenou, we knew what he was doing, knew where he was actually, on the Somme, his place of hiding, but we could not act until we knew why and who was giving the information that he was receiving. That information came too late to us, I’m afraid. You see, it doesn’t always work well for us, Captain. We knew of Maupin and Smythe and their little ring. We knew that information was leaking out of the Admiralty, but, we did not know at the time where it was going and to whom. We suspected Lord Upton, but, as we are all well aware, we needed proof.”

“What of the boy?” Callum asked, trying to calm himself.

“He is a different matter entirely, Captain.” Lord Ameson said, “He is a threat to stability.”

“He’s only a boy.” Callum said gritting his teeth and shaking his head, “He wanted nothing of that life, he said so over and over.”

“Yes, but one day he will grow up, and possibly change his mind. You, placing him in hiding, has only delayed what might come to pass.” Lord Ameson said.

“I find that hard to believe. You don’t know him as I do, My Lord. He is not a threat of any kind, especially not to us here.”

“Are you so certain, Captain? Will you take that chance for all of us?” Lord Ameson asked.

“I would stake my life on it, My Lord.” Callum said with his voice of authority.

“And I would as well.” Dustin said, looking directly at Lord Ameson. Eyes shifted back and forth for a moment and Ameson nodded slowly.

“I see.” Lord Ameson said slowly, “Alright, Captain. It seems to be your move now. We will follow whatever course of action you would suggest with our current problem.”

Callum dropped his eyes from Lord Ameson. The flood of anger and pain was washing through him and was slowly diminishing. He was trying desperately to remain in control and not do what the back of his mind still wanted him to do, throttle the life out of the man in front of him. Dustin had been right, it would not solve anything, and at this moment, he was drained, feeling exhausted. He pulled from the last of his reserves and turned around. His friend was still behind him, Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington. Their eyes met, Wellesley’s eyes were filled with sorrow, knowing what everything Callum had been through, his heart was breaking for his friend right now as well.

“Your Grace,” Callum said softly, “I will require a dozen men, all heavily armed, horses, to accompany me in the capturing of Lord Upton. He seems to have a few hours head start on me, I’m afraid.”

“Of course, my friend, anything that you need.” Wellesley said, just as soft. He put hands on Callum’s upper arms and gripped him firmly. He gave Callum a brief but sad smile and turned his head, “Marston.”

“Your Grace.” Marston said, chin up and a snap of his heels.

“You will need this, Captain.” Lord Eldon said, holding a document in his hand as he rose up from the chair at the desk. Callum turned his head slowly as Lord Eldon took the short two steps to him, “The warrant for the arrest of Lord Upton. You now have the law on your side, my boy.”

“With thanks, My Lord.”

“Are you alright?” Lord Eldon asked as Wellesley lowered his hands from Callum’s arms. He, himself, stepped away from Callum toward Marston.

“I will have to be, My Lord, to see this through.” Callum said.

“Perhaps we should send another…” Lord Eldon’s trailed off seeing the look in Callum’s eyes.

“I started this, My Lord, I will see it done.”

“Do not kill him, if you can help it, Callum.” Lord Eldon said.

“Killing is too good for him, My Lord. It will be my pleasure to see him hang.” Callum said, turning his head slightly and caught the eyes of Lord Ameson, who swallowed hard hearing Callum’s words and seeing the look on his face.