Page 59 of When a Lady Kisses a Scot
“All indications point to a personal grudge against Trask, rather than an interest in debunking spiritualism. By all accounts, Stanwyck is a highly respected scholar. His service in Her Majesty’s Navy was beyond reproach, and he’s said to be a man of courage, if his actions in the field are a fitting measure. He risked his life in Egypt to save members of a sightseeing expedition that had come under attack. Without his intervention, the travelers might have been killed by the bandits. Why would he invest valuable time destroying a rotter like Trask without an intensely personal motivation?”
“I’ve also considered that possibility,” she said, even as Colton’s description of Stanwyck took her by surprise. She’d known of his expeditions, but not of his selfless bravery—other than, of course, the courage he’d shown in her defense. Why had he tried so hard to convince her that he was a scoundrel?
“I tried to get the truth out of him. He admitted he believes Trask is a fraud.”
Colton’s eyes narrowed. “He told you this?”
“Essentially, yes.”
“Blast it, none of this makes sense. At this juncture, I do not know what has led the man to Trask. It’s one more piece of this damnable puzzle.” Again, Colton peered at her over the steeple of his fingers. “Whatever his reasons, Stanwyck has focused his attention on you. That in itself is a troubling development.”
“Stanwyck does not pose a threat to me. I’m quite certain he means me no harm.” She removed the letters and the clipping from the envelopes. “I found these today. I suspect they prove Stanwyck’s life may be in danger.”
Colton examined each message. His brow furrowed as he studied the image.
“Where did you find this?” he asked finally.
“In Trask’s desk.”
He gave a grim nod. “Did you think to consider that Trask will suspect you if he realizes the letters are missing?”
“Yes, but I did not see that I had a choice. It was a chance I had to take.”
Another nod, and he turned his attention back to the clipping. He pointed to the second man in the picture. “Do you know who this is?”
“No, but I feel certain there is some meaning behind the selection of the image.”
“Your instincts are correct, Sophie.” Colton placed the clipping on the round, doily-covered table between the two chairs. “That man is Peter Garner. I trust you are familiar with the name.”
Good heavens!Garner was the third man who’d sought Trask’s services only to meet his end soon afterward.
Sophie lifted the picture to the light, studying the image. The two men had embarked on an expedition. Such a danger-fraught endeavor often forged lasting bonds of loyalty and friendship.
“It all makes sense now,” she said. “Stanwyck has gone after Trask seeking retribution.”
“So it would appear. Trask’s web is getting more tangled by the day.”
“Someone must warn Stanwyck.”
Colton nodded. “I will have my contact at Scotland Yard arrange a meeting. Stanwyck cannot know how the evidence was obtained.”
“This is a matter of some urgency,” Sophie countered. “It is my duty to warn him. The man put himself at risk to defend me.”
“I understand, but I must forbid you from making further contact with him. Every moment you are in his presence places you in danger.”
“And if Stanwyck is attacked…if he is killed…what then? Shall I go about my life and console myself that I followed orders?”
“We will take measures to ensure his safety. The tone of these letters indicates that the writer expects Trask to take action against Stanwyck. It follows that any threat to Stanwyck will originate with Trask. I will assign a surveillance detail to shadow Trask. He won’t be able to make a move without being trailed.”
“That is some comfort.” Sophie stared down at her hands. Her knuckles had gone white with tension. “I do feel as if I owe it to Stanwyck to warn him away from Trask.”
“Absolutely not.” Colton rubbed his neck as if to ease an ache. “I can no longer live with the risks you face in this investigation. I am reassigning you, effective immediately.”
The air rushed from her lungs. His pronouncement seemed a belly blow she’d seen coming but could not guard against. “Reassigning me? You cannot do this. Trask will realize something is amiss. He may gather his ill-gotten gains and escape to another country, out of reach. There is no telling what the man may do to avoid justice.”
“Our agents will ensure that does not happen.”
She steadied her voice. A display of weakness would only undermine her cause. “I need more time…more time to see this through.”
