These Tangled Threads by Tracie Peterson

Author:Tracie Peterson [Peterson, Tracie]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2003-09-30T21:00:00+00:00

William stroked his chin in absolute delight. What more could he have asked for? A recent letter from Thad-deus telling him of a possible strike in the Lowell mills, coupled with the information he’d assembled about John Farnsworth and his family over the past week, should raise his stature a notch or two with Chauncy Fuller and his pompous English associates. He ordered ale and watched the front door of the pub.

Barlow Kent and Chauncy Fuller entered the Ale House. William waved the men toward his table and then rose to greet them. “Exactly on time,” he said.

“I personally abhor tardiness,” Barlow replied while signaling to the barkeep.

Chauncy pulled a gold watch from his pocket and checked the time. “Since the topic of time seems to be of the utmost importance to both of you, I’d best mention that I have only an hour to spare before my next meeting.”

Thurston clenched his jaw. However, he didn’t want Chauncy to discern his irritation. “Then we’d best move along swiftly, as I have much to report.” He hesitated for a moment, assuring himself he had their full attention—he deserved their full attention. “Since our last meeting, I have been engaged in numerous activities, all of them garnering valuable information. I began my quest for additional facts by following John Farnsworth on numerous occasions. My first piece of significant information was gained through secreting myself at dinner—”

“I’m sorry to interrupt, my good man, but if we’re to accomplish anything today, you’d best cut to the chase. As I said, I’ve only an hour,” Chauncy cautioned impatiently.

Unable to hide his irritation, William leaned across the table and met Chauncy’s gaze. “I spent innumerable hours in the freezing cold gathering this information, and now you want me to hurry along so that you may attend to other business? I think not! Perhaps you need to reevaluate your priorities.”

Chauncy didn’t appear offended, yet he didn’t waver from his proclamation. “Tell the information at your own pace, but the fact remains that I must leave in an hour. Unlike you, I have more than one matter that beckons my attention.”

William inwardly flinched at the remark but gave no visible sign he was offended. Instead, he offered a perfunctory nod. “In that case, I assume you’re even more grateful for my assistance. As I was saying, I followed the Farnsworth family to numerous locations and, through my observations, became privy to information that Taylor Manning, Farnsworth’s nephew, may have discovered a way to steal print designs, and the group may be departing England in the very near future.”

Chauncy’s eyebrows arched. “If they’re leaving and none of the mills has reported espionage problems, what makes you certain designs have been stolen or anything has gone amiss? Perhaps they were here for the obvious reasons— to visit family and spend the holidays in England.”

William wagged his head back and forth, clearly enjoying the moment. “I assume you’re playing devil’s advocate since I know you’re already convinced Farnsworth is up to no good.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.