Silken Shadows by Jennifer St. Giles

Author:Jennifer St. Giles
Language: eng
Format: epub

disappointment fell over his features. “Nathaniel, Deverell, I apologize for my haste gentlemen, but as matters have

worsened, I’d hoped Killdaren would be with you.”

“He will be coming shortly, once he sees to the safety of his family,” Nathaniel responded. “Worsened how?”

“Shortly isn’t going to be soon enough,” the man replied.

“Sarah has been found murdered.”

“Oh God,” Nathaniel whispered. “I’d hoped—”

The burden that another had died before I could get here

to help hit me hard, making me draw a sharp breath. Deverell slid his arm behind me.

“Gentlemen, I suggest we take this conversation to a private room at the inn. But first, Rhys . . .” Deverell urged me forward. “Gemini, may I introduce you to Magistrate Rhys

Williams. Rhys, my wife, Gemini.”

The magistrate whipped his gaze from me to Deverell

and then back, eyes wide with shock. “Your wife. This is indeed an honor.” I offered my hand and he responded with a bow. “I hadn’t realized you wouldn’t be alone. We can postpone until you are settled and Mrs. Jansen is resting.”

Nathaniel coughed.

“That won’t be necessary,” Deverell said. “Gemini is

Sean Killdaren’s sister-in-law and contributed to Jack Poole’s discovery and capture in Dartmoor’s End. She is here to

help identify him. I unfortunately have a limited amount of time at the moment and need a favor from you, Rhys. One

of the sailors attempted to harm my wife and then jumped

SILKEN SHADOWS

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ship about an hour’s ride west of here. I sent several of my men after him and need to meet them. Hopefully they will

have captured Smitty.”

“An hour’s ride west, but that’s near—”

“Unfortunate, but of little import and no need to even

mention,” Deverell replied, curtly. “Can I count on your assistance?”

“Of course.”

“Then let us proceed to the inn, so you can tell us what

has happened.”

I wondered about what had gone unsaid between Deverell and the magistrate. Tension weighed heavily between them, but I didn’t find any answers in Deverell’s guarded expression and decided I’d ask questions later. He offered me his arm and I moved my hand to rest on his, feeling the instant warmth and strength of him through the cloth of his shirt and coat.

“Are you all right?” he asked, leaning nearer.

“Fine,” I whispered. I couldn’t let learning of the death of a second woman affect me so or I would become too upset to do anyone any good. As we moved up the dock, I turned my

attention to the activity bustling around, searching for that distance. Northrope’s port had to be four times larger than the one at Dartmoor’s End. The ships in the harbor ranged from half the size of the Black Dragon to double. Smells of fish being readied for market and the sweat of sailors moving heavy crates in the hot sun were minimized by the ocean breeze pouring in from the east and the fragrant scent of tea being loaded onto a cart nearby. Very few women were on

the docks, but there had to be men from every nationality in all manner of dress hurrying about their business. We soon reached an elegant street with richly appointed shops lining the cobblestones.

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