Page 26 of The Swan Syndicate #1

She wasn’t sure how to play this or why Lando was acting like he was until she caught Fitz walking by.

His back was to them, but she caught the quick side glance he’d given the trio before passing them.

She looked at the man next to her, who didn’t seem to notice Fitz since his gaze never seemed to have left her.

Thank heavens Beckworth wasn’t there. Would he be as congenial as Lando was being?

If Fitz was monitoring the situation, she shouldn’t mention smuggling.

She held back a snort. That would be like walking up to some shady-looking man in Baywood and asking them if they were a drug lord.

But this man must be someone important. Why else would Lando have dropped the swan?

Maybe he’s Cheval or his first mate. There hadn’t been any recognition in the man’s eyes when Lando showed up.

She gave the man a more studious appraisal, now curious what she might have stumbled into, and took a leap of faith.

Maybe the man would find it puzzling why she’d taken so long to answer him.

“We’re actually on a cargo run up the coast.” The words were barely out of her mouth when Lando gave her elbow a light squeeze.

Did that mean she said something wrong or something right?

Or had he meant for the man to see it as if Lando had wanted to keep their cargo a secret?

They really should have given her a playbook on what all the silent gestures meant.

“You have a ship?” MacDuff made it sound like he didn’t care one way or another.

She laughed, using one of her more sultry ones, and knew she hit a cord when his gaze darkened with interest. “I believe that’s the easiest way to transport cargo along the coast.”

He laughed with her. “You are a delight.”

When they reached the dock, she stopped Lando and gave the man her hand as she’d seen Dame Ellingsworth and Mary do at London parties.

“It was a pleasure speaking with you, but this is where we must part company.” She fluttered her lashes. “I think you heard my name mentioned, but I never got yours. May I be so bold as to ask?”

“Aye, my lady. The name is Thaddeus MacDuff, at your service.” He gave her a bow suitable for any London party while she took the moment to clamp down her accelerated heart rate.

“Perhaps we’ll meet again, Mister MacDuff.”

“As I have my own ship and also run cargo, we’ll let fate steer our course.” He kissed her hand, gave Lando a solemn nod, then strode away, whistling a song she didn’t know but assumed was some sea shanty.

Lando led her toward the Daphne , taking his time so they didn’t appear rushed. “That was perfect.”

Her heart was still racing, and her legs were shaky. “A little warning would have been nice.” Stella wanted to look back to see if MacDuff was watching them but didn’t dare.

“Sorry about that, lass. Jamie and Fitz had seen MacDuff come out of the inn down the street. When you ran into him, it was a bit of a last-minute decision.”

She tsked. “Not too last minute if you just happened to have one of my swans fall out of your pocket.” They were setting her up for something.

“It was Jamie’s idea.”

“Why was he even off the ship?”

“He couldn’t remember if he asked me to stop by the blacksmith.”

Jamie and Fitz waited for them at the gangplank.

“I think we’ve just found our way in.” Jamie’s grin filled his face, and Fitz actually rubbed his hands together.

Stella was pretty sure he was already calculating his odds in a betting pool. What they would be betting on, she’d prefer not to know. She gave all three men a steadied gaze then shook her head.

“I’m not saying it’s not a great idea. But have you spoken to Beckworth about it?”

“ A re you all mad?” Beckworth paced as he blew off steam after Jamie explained what happened with MacDuff. “You will not put Stella in the middle of this reckless plan. What even possessed you to do such a thing?”

Stella placed a hand on his arm as he passed by her, but the act that usually calmed him had no effect.

Instead, he gave her a hard glare and continued his pacing.

How could she think he’d approve of such a plan, but then he caught the pointed look she gave Jamie. Maybe this had been his idea all along.

“None of this was planned.” Jamie leaned back in his chair, and though his demeanor appeared calm, Beckworth wasn’t convinced. “As I clearly stated when I went through it the first time. Instead of making more of it than it is, take a seat so we can discuss our options.”

Beckworth stopped his pacing and leaned against a table. Jamie’s tone might be calm, but he’d be a fool not to sense the heat that clearly simmered beneath the words. He didn’t feel like sitting, but he stopped pacing and crossed his arms over his chest. “Go through it again.”

Fitz took over, always happy to spin a tale.

“I was coming back from the pub where we split up after searching for ships moored in the bay when I ran into Jamie. He’d been headed for the blacksmith, but on his way, he noticed MacDuff leave the inn and stroll by the shops without a care in the world.

We decided to follow, you know, at a discreet distance, and see what he was up to. He was dressed like the gentry.”

He took a swallow of ale and, after wiping his mouth, nodded toward Lando. “We ran into the big man, who stopped by the blacksmith while Stella was shopping.”

“And why was she alone in the first place?” Beckworth interrupted.

Stella rolled her eyes but let Lando explain.

“She agreed to stay at the apothecary or the mercantile next door.” Lando stated it with no apology in his tone.

“And you expected her to do that?” Beckworth asked.

“Hey!” Stella gave him a sour look, and he instantly regretted his words. “This isn’t my fault. I went to the tobacco shop next door and was just leaving it when I ran into a man. I had no idea who he was.”

Beckworth ran a hand over his face. He stood, ready to resume pacing but dropped into a chair instead. “Apologies. Go on.”

“The three of us were discussing options when I remembered the swan I’ve been carrying around.” Jamie fished in his pocket and pulled out another one. He grinned at Beckworth. “I got the idea from you, mate.”

“I can hardly wait to hear this,” Beckworth grumbled.

“Weren’t you the first one to leave a swan for Gemini’s men to find in the cargo hold of the Phoenix ? Then you left another one with the dead man who’d been snooping around Eleanor’s.”

Beckworth began to say something but thought better of it and grabbed a mug, filling it with ale. After a long drink, he slammed the mug down, sloshing some onto the table. He gave Jamie a side glance. “Go on.”

“We have no intention of putting Stella in the middle of anything. But have a think on this. What would MacDuff do if there was another smuggler out there? Someone with a ship and perhaps no loyalty to England.”

Beckworth considered Jamie’s reasoning. It was a decent question, but then another thought spoiled the moment. He stared Jamie down. “You thought of this possibility the first time Stella began sweet-talking you into a role in this mission.”

Jamie shrugged with no remorse. “How many women do you have working in your crew?”

“That’s different.” Beckworth wasn’t ready to back down, though he felt the noose tightening.

“Because you have a personal relationship with her?” Jamie remained calm and didn’t once look at Stella.

“Because she doesn’t have the training or experience of someone like Libby, if that’s where you’re going with this.”

“Fair enough. But you have to admit, she handled herself quite well during her ordeal with Gemini. She’s quick of wit, remains calm under tense situations, and has skills that set her apart from the rest of us.”

When Beckworth lifted an eye, Jamie laughed. “She knows how to manipulate a man.”

“Hey!” Stella sat up. “I’m sitting right here, you know.”

Jamie lifted a hand. “Only when required.”

She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest as she leaned back. Beckworth almost laughed. She wasn’t satisfied with Jamie’s response, but she couldn’t refute the statement.

“Enough of this. What’s done is done, and—” Stella gave Beckworth an irritated scowl. “Nothing happened and nothing more needs to be done if that’s what we decide—as a team.” She turned to Fitz. “You said you were looking for ships moored in the bay. Did you find any?”

She glanced at Beckworth, and though he was still upset, there wasn’t anything he could do at the moment. Their mission was to find MacDuff and advise Hensley of his direction, not chase him or trade with him. But he was grateful for the change in topic. He’d have words with Stella later.

Fitz, who’d been watching the exchange with amusement, straightened. “We thought we might find The Horseman out there since this has been a safe haven for smugglers—though we know how quickly that can change. Anyway, the ship is here, moored down by the spit.”

“There’s a second ship anchored near it, but we weren’t able to get close enough to see the name,” Beckworth offered. “But we’ll recognize her the next time we see her.”

“Do you think Cheval is working with MacDuff?” Jamie asked.

Fitz shrugged. “Hard to tell. It’s not the Tidewater that played decoy in the cove. In fact, we haven’t seen her at all. Not at the port and not moored in the bay.”

“Interesting,” Lando said.

“Did the blacksmith have anything to report?” Jamie asked.

Beckworth lifted a brow. Jamie had a spy in port. He must have several along the coast. Smart man.

“He hadn’t spotted MacDuff but confirmed smuggling activities had increased in the last few months,” Lando reported.

“If he hadn’t seen MacDuff, then he must have just arrived.” Stella sat up, her fingers fidgeting between gripping her mug and playing with the sleeves of her dress. She hadn’t thought to bring her paper.

Jamie nodded. “Chances are he’ll spend at least one night at port. We’ll use the same routine as the last port. Let’s see if we can find out more about MacDuff—name of his ship, his next port, if possible, and any other tidbits that might be helpful.”

“Maybe we’ll see him with Cheval,” Stella suggested.

“With any luck.”

“I’m still not happy about this.” Beckworth frowned as he studied his mug. “But at this point, I’m not sure it’s in our best interest for Stella to be seen with me. At least, not yet.”

“Aye.” Jamie rubbed his chin. “The fewer people he sees from the Daphne , the better. Let’s mix up the teams. Since he’s already seen Lando, it’s best he go with Stella to an inn.

There won’t be a question of her seeking dinner off the ship.

Lane can go with Fitz, and Michelson with Beckworth. I’ll remain on the ship.”

He glanced at Beckworth. “Is that safe enough for you?”

Beckworth glanced at Stella. He’d prefer she stayed on board until they left port, but he could already imagine the list she’d give him of why she should participate.

And other than being terrified by how far she could be dragged into this, going to the inn wasn’t an unreasonable request. His gaze shifted to Lando, who smiled.

“Don’t worry, little man. I’ll watch over her.”