Page 77 of The Scandalous Love of a Duke
John swore under his breath, hoping one of the men trailing Wareham was close enough to bear witness.
He kept walking, refusing to avoid Wareham, feeling certain now Wareham had watchers too. Wareham stopped, blocking John’s path.
‘You look tired, Your Grace, does something disturb your sleep…?’
Unless he wished to step about Wareham John had to stop too. He said nothing, merely held the man’s gaze. His lack of sleep was due to Katherine anyway, not this man.
‘I’ve not heard from you. Are you gathering the funds? If you do not, I shall tell.’
John stiffened. ‘Any information is useless if you publish.’
‘That depends upon my reasons for publishing. Perhaps I would take pleasure in telling the world the truth about your mother.’
And what the hell is it?John should let Wareham do it, at least he would know then. ‘If that was your aim, why write and warn me? Go ahead, publish.’
The man smiled.
Hatred filled John.
Wareham leaned closer. ‘Because, I like playing with you, and the price has just doubled, Your Grace.’
John pushed past him and walked on, oblivious to all the people swelling about him.
What did Wareham know?
God, he needed this resolved, but he would not give the man a penny.
John’s destination changed.
‘Your Grace,’ the clerk said as John entered Harvey’s offices. Then Harvey appeared.
‘I was not expecting Your Grace. To what do I owe the honour?’
‘You owe it to Wareham…’
In Harvey’s office John expanded. ‘I had the unfortunate pleasure of walking into him just now. I doubt it was an accident, which means he is definitely watching my movements as I am watching his and he has upped his price to keep his silence over whatever information he holds on Lady Edward.’
‘Ah.’ Harvey sighed, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his desk.
‘Ah, indeed,’ John mimicked, ‘but from what I gleaned, I doubt he is interested in the money, it is revenge. Though, what he has to be vengeful over I have no idea. Yet it is clear he feels animosity towards me.’
‘Because Your Grace has spotted the error in his figures, no doubt?’
John was not convinced of that, and Wareham did not even know John had found out yet. No, there was something else.
‘Have you any conclusions on either my mother or the money?’
‘I am sorry, Your Grace, no. I am still working on both topics.’
John gritted his teeth and closed his eyes. He just wished this done with.
He opened his eyes again. ‘I want more men put on this. I want it resolved, Harvey.’
The business man smiled.
John did not.
‘Forgive me.’ Harvey leaned back in his chair. ‘There are many times Your Grace has the look of the old Duke, and it catches me unawares. I understand. Of course I will increase our resources as Your Grace desires.’
