Page 62 of An Imperfect Scoundrel

Mr. Hayward chewed on his tongue, considering Cedric’s words.

“What is your explanation then?” he asked, glancing behind them, his gaze sliding over the choppy water.

He didn’t have one, except to admit Rowland’s warning might have held more merit than he allowed it.

“Dubois said his family is in Wiltshire.”

“I don’t recognize the name,” replied Mr. Hayward, turning back to Cedric. He made no mention of the sudden change of topic.

“I didn’t either.”

“Do you think he lied?”

“No, he was too drunk to invent falsehoods.” Cedric’s forehead creased. “But he said something that didn’t make sense. He said Dubois was dead.”

“Perhaps he meant he was the last one surviving Dubois.”

“He’s admitted to a father and two brothers… and,” Cedric continued before Mr. Hayward could interject, “he refuses to reveal any more information because he wants to pay his debt through work and not burden his family.”

“That is his right.”

“‘Tis.” Cedric ground out the word.

“Why does that irritate you?” Mr. Hayward asked, taking the wheel from Cedric. “Put Dubois in the brig with the other two and be done with him. He can shovel coal until we reach Ceresus.”

“Not until I figure out what he’s hiding.”

Mr. Hayward shook his head but kept silent.

“If you don’t give my property back, I’ll shoot you right here!”

The threat whipped up from the main deck, and Cedric raced to the edge of the platform as Mr. Northcott raised his pistol and pointed the barrel at Mr. Wickes. Men gathered around them, forming a loose circle.

“Halt!” Cedric yelled, and the whole deck turned to look at him. “What’s the meaning of this?”

“He stole the bracelet I received in the last raid.” Mr. Northcott kept his pistol aimed at Mr. Wickes.

Anger crackled across the deck, with voices leading support both for and against Mr. Wickes’ innocence.

“Did you see him do this?” asked Cedric.

Annoyance flickered across Mr. Northcott’s face. “No.”

“Why do you suspect it is Wickes?”

“It couldn’t have been Carter. He can barely move.” Mr. Northcott’s statement was met with communal agreement.

“All you have proved is that Carter’s innocent.” Cedric gestured at Wickes. “Have you discovered your bracelet among his possessions?”

“He won’t let me search them,” Mr. Northcott growled.

Mr. Wickes stepped to Mr. Northcott and pressed his chest against the gun’s muzzle. “I ain’t letting that man touch my things.”

“Wickes,” Cedric raised his voice, interrupting the impending scuffle, “will you allow Mr. Hayward to search your belongings for Northcott’s bracelet?”

“Yes.” Mr. Wickes glowered at Mr. Northcott.

“If the bracelet is discovered in your possession, you will be subject to the crew’s whim for punishment,” Cedric added.