Page 37 of A Treacherous Treasure

“And why did you not apprehend him yourself?”

“If you are unwilling to do your duty, I shall apprehend him myself.”

Thomas’s blood was boiling, but he stood his ground and gave the man stare for stare.

Had Thomas foolishly divulged what he knew to a man who would betray his office and the trust they all had in him? Had Fogg bribed him already?

After a short silence, Mr. Strader said, “I have every intention of doing my duty, Mr. Westbrook. But if you feel you or your neighbors are in danger, then you may apprehend the offender. I will certainly bring Mr. Fogg in to question him.”

“I would like to be present when you question him.”

Mr. Strader took his time in answering. Finally he said, “I shall permit it. We shall meet here, tomorrow at twelve noon.”

“Very good. Thank you, Mr. Strader.”

The man nodded and Thomas left, mounting his horse and riding toward home.

The last thing Thomas had wanted when he came home from serving his country in its military was to face danger and treachery of this nature. He’d planned to live a quiet life, using his guns to shoot pheasants, not to defend himself and his neighbors.

But if a fight was what Fogg and Strader wanted, a fight was what they would get.

~ ~ ~

Rebecca was surprised when the servant announced that Mr. Thomas Westbrook had arrived, but she bade the servant show him in.

She couldn’t help thinking he looked a bit agitated. “Are you well, Mr. Westbrook?”

“I am very well, thank you. But I am come to give you news of a very serious nature, I’m afraid.”

“News?”

“Yes. I believe I know who shot at you. I caught the man digging in the place where you saw him.”

“Oh. That is very good.” Her heart fluttered a bit at the thought of the man who was wicked enough to look for treasure that was not his own and even kill for it.

“I would not burden you with it now, since the man has not been apprehended yet, but I wanted to make sure you were on your guard, should the man come here again.”

“Again? Is this someone I know?”

“Indeed, it is the constable, Mr. Fogg.”

“Mr. Fogg?”

“I saw him digging. It was Fogg, I am absolutely certain.”

“That is shocking.” Could the man who had looked her in the eye, sitting in this very room, be the man who killed Arthur? A shiver snaked across her shoulders.

“I’m sorry to have to tell you, but I felt you ought to know, for your own safety.”

“I thank you for telling me, and for catching him. I know you must have taken quite a bit of trouble to watch for him.” Her voice was trailing off as the truth and shock set in.

“I regret I did not simply apprehend him while he was digging.”

“Oh no, that would have been dangerous. He might have shot you.”

Thomas Westbrook had a strange look on his face. “I have faced down men with guns before.”

But she got the feeling he would not like to do so again. “I am sorry. I imagine you anticipated a quiet life after coming home.”