Graham: Pirates of Britannia Connected World (Sons of Sagamore Book 2)

by Ruth A. Casie

  “I. Can’t. Treasure without measure.” Another giggle escaped her lips. With great difficulty, she took a deep breath.

  “Maurice brought many things back from the Holy Lands, a piece of a tooth he thought was from John the Baptist, cloth that may have come from the Last Supper table, and a leather strap that could have been part of the halter for the donkey Mary rode into Bethlehem. None can be confirmed. They were items the Crusaders carried with them from their homes, items they believed would bring them closer to god, protect them from harm. Maurice couldn’t bring their bodies home, but he could bring the items that were dear to them back to their family. That was his goal. It always was. But grand-mère. Ah. There was his treasure beyond measure.”

  The arm around her waist loosened a bit. The expression on Graham’s face remained unchanged.

  “Grand-mère took care of the wounds Maurice and his men suffered after they were struck down. The battle did not go well for the Crusaders. Living in Tunis, grand-mère worked with Maurice to find a way for them to return home in France. Her husband lost in battle, she had no reason to remain in Tunis, her price for helping them was passage home. When they arrived here, Maurice’s wife was seriously ill. Grand-mère cared for her and was her steady companion until she died many years later.”

  “Steady companion, like your Eldon. He didn’t tell me where the treasure was either.”

  Her stomach churned at the venom in his voice more than the words he spoke. By all that is holy, what did Eldon have to do with this?

  “You’d do anything to save your treasure,” Nolan said, his mouth near her ear. “I watched as the money dwindled and I gave you none. I waited for you to sell the treasure. I would have been generous to you. But you kept it for yourself. Now see where that gets you. Where is it? Give it to me now.”

  Graham drew her gaze. He communicated with her across the room with his eyes as clearly as if his message was spoken. A calmness swept over her. His eyes widened slightly. He would be ready.

  With every bit of strength she possessed, Isabella stomped on Nolan’s instep.

  Nolan nearly flung her from his arms. Graham already had his dirk in hand and approached.

  “You think your puny dagger can stand up to this sword?

  Graham didn’t respond. He kept pressing forward, staying close where the sword had little effect.

  With his open hand, Graham slapped him with all his strength across the face. It rocked Nolan hard enough for him to take several steps back until he was in the courtyard. He steadied himself, blinked his eyes, and stared at Graham, who came through the door right at him.

  A crowd of men led by Olivier and Louis came through the gate with grand-mère not far behind. Everyone stood still.

  Nolan waved the heavy sword, its tip scraped Graham’s arm. A thin red line appeared, but that didn’t stop Graham. If anything, it enraged him more.

  Graham swept the sword to the side with such force, Nolan lost his grip and the sword clattered across the courtyard, coming to rest near the wall. The warrior kept coming after him.

  Nolan stumbled over his own feet. Landing on his backside, he clawed away, trying to escape. He looked from one side to the other, fear etched on his face. Graham backed him into a corner. Desperate, Nolan got to his feet, threw dirt into Graham’s face, and grabbed the sword.

  Graham dropped his guard as he wiped the grit from his eyes. Nolan rushed up behind him.

  Isabella strained against her grand-mère’s grasp.

  “Bella,” her grand-mère whispered. “He is a warrior, like Maurice. Have faith.”

  All she could do was watch and wait.

  Nolan raised the sword high over his head, ready to deal the death blow.

  Graham stepped back with his left foot and, with his left hand, grabbed Nolan’s upraised sword arm. He plunged his dirk into Nolan’s chest.

  Graham’s dirk bore into Nolan’s flesh, the tip of the blade sank deep enough to make him scream. He twisted the blade in his hand, all the while sinking it deeper and deeper. Then, without warning, he jerked it all the way into Nolan’s back, until the metal disappeared, and the carved boxwood handle was all that showed.

  Nolan’s cry was a guttural choke mixed with an agonized roar. Graham pulled the blade out. Nolan sank to his knees, screaming, convulsing, and trembling.

  Graham stood over the dying man with no regrets.

  “Bella, help me,” Nolan said. “I’ll do anything.”

  “Tell me about Eldon,” she said, her voice low and hoarse.

  Fear, stark and naked, flashed across Nolan’s pale face.

  “I will give you no comfort. May you burn in hell for eternity.” She turned her back and entered the house.

  Olivier went to him. “I regret that Graham won the fight. Although, you would die anyway in debtor’s prison paying five times the amount you stole. This is the death you deserve.

  “I didn’t steal anything. I took what was mine,” Nolan said.

  The others left the courtyard until Graham and Nolan were alone. Unable to sit up, Nolan laid on the ground. Graham knelt next to him.

  “You didn’t steal? From the men, you stole their livelihood. From the countess, you stole her money. From Eldon, you stole his life.”

  “Tell Bella I’m sorry. Ask her to forgive me.” Nolan’s voice was weak, the ground saturated with his blood.

  “Die knowing that in the eyes of many, you will never suffer enough. Isabella’s forgiveness? No one can absolve you for what you’ve done. Face your maker and fear his justice.”

  Graham walked away leaving Nolan to die without any comfort.

  Perhaps now Isabella understood Nolan’s character. It was clear for everyone to see. He didn’t want to make her uncomfortable and he didn’t want to discuss Nolan.

  Doubting his honesty was not as unforgiveable as her attack on Hugh. It was a wound that would be hard to forgive. No, he didn’t want to talk about that, either. Nor get angrier than he already was.

  Instead of going into the chateau, he left the courtyard, closed the gate behind him, and headed to the office.

  The problems at the winery and chateau were almost behind them. Perhaps it was time he returned to England. The rest of the work could be managed by Louis.

  Yes. If he set his mind to it, he could finish most of the work in a day or two. He chuckled. He’d be back in England before Donald.

  He entered the office, cleaned up the scratch on his arm and washed the rest of the dirt from his face, then he made himself comfortable. Tonight, he’d put together a plan and then he’d get better acquainted with the decanter of liquid courage. He got a goblet and set to work.

  Day Six at the Winery

  He blinked his eyes open and adjusted to the early morning light. He drew a deep breath. Sleeping at the desk was difficult, but he slept in worse places serving his king.

  His stomach growled, but he had no heart to go to the chateau. Before he finished the wine he came to the conclusion that Isabella’s outburst was not an emotional one, but intentional. It was meant to push him away. She knew the words to say that would close him off to her. She had to make the next move.

  He glanced out the window at Louis organizing the men and getting ready to finish the harvest. He was curious about the houses the winery provided to the workers. How badly did they need repairs? He’d make it his business to look at them today. He also wanted to speak to Monsieur Gershon. He needed to make arrangements to pay the loan while he was home. A knock on the door startled him.

  “Come.” He went back to the desk. “You’re up early,” he said to Olivier.

  “I stopped at the chateau. Jeanne Marie said you were here. She sent me with ale and fresh bread. I had her give you some honey as well.

  He wasn’t sure how Jeanne Marie knew he was here, but he was glad she sent food. He cut a slab of bread and spread it thick with honey. Olivier poured him his ale.

  “When you’re through breaking your fast I’d like you to come
with me.”

  Graham wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and took a sip of the watered ale. “Where are we going?”

  “To Nolan’s house. He lives on Eden property. As the countess’s agent, I would like you with me. There is a small estate house Nolan used and several other buildings where workers lived that needed repairs.”

  “I wanted to see these houses. Miles has proof he paid for the repairs.”

  Graham finished the last bite of bread and drained his tankard. In minutes they were both out the door.

  “Louis and several of his men are there now,” Olivier said.

  “What are we looking for?”

  “There are rumors that I want to either dispel or confirm. I think we’ll find the answer in that book he wrote in all the time. He used it more like a diary than a ledger.”

  They crossed the field to the area where six houses stood. Only one looked as if anyone lived there. The others were in various degrees of disrepair. Further down the rutted road, he made out the old abandoned barn.

  Graham asked Louis and his men to look at the abandoned buildings while he and Olivier entered the old estate house.

  The small house was two floors and had seven rooms. A quick look around showed that Nolan only used two rooms. The kitchen, and the solar next to it. The other rooms were closed. Sheets covered the furniture. Thick dust covered the floor. Cobwebs and critters were at home in the fireplaces, and any other place they wanted to be.

  The house was sturdy and worth repairing.

  They stood in the solar. Overall, the room was neat. A bed was against one wall. A table and bench stood in the middle of the floor. The kitchen was equipped with a working hearth and variety of cooking utensils and pots.

  Nothing was out of place. Clothes were in neat piles on shelves. The hearth was cold. The bed, while not made, held no surprises.

  “There’s nothing here,” Olivier said. “Where’s his satchel?”

  “I don’t see it anywhere. I checked under the bed and on the shelves. I even looked behind his clothes hanging on the pegs. It’s not there either.” Graham was at a loss where it could be. Nolan didn’t have it with him yesterday when he broke into the chateau.

  “Graham.” Louis stood at the door. “You both should come and see this.”

  They walked past the vacant buildings.

  “I looked at each of the houses. It looks like there is roof damage to two and chimney damage to one. The men are still looking at the other two. From what we found the repairs shouldn’t be difficult.”

  “Good work. How soon can you get all the information together?”

  “We can have a list of repairs in three days and depending on the weather get them finished before the cold weather sets in.”

  They came to the old hay barn, with stables in the front and an open area in back. Louis took them inside to an old stall.

  Nolan’s clothes were draped over the half wall. In the middle of the stall was a makeshift table, chair, and lantern. Nolan’s satchel stood against its leg. The only thing that interested Olivier and Graham was Nolan’s book on the table.

  “There’s something else. This way.” Louis led them to the last stall in the rear of the building. “There was a mound of new hay. We wanted to see what was underneath.”

  They came to the entrance. There on the ground lay a human skeleton.

  “Who is it?” Graham asked.

  Louis walked to the remains and pointed to a rotting piece of leather around the wrist.

  Graham moved closer and knelt to see if there were any markings. ED IG. He glanced at Olivier.

  “Eldon Daniels. Isabella Girard.” Louis cut the leather from Eldon’s wrist. “Everyone thought—”

  “He left Châlons. What other surprises does Nolan have for us?” Olivier asked. “Graham, I need some time to go through his journal. Meet me at the winery office tomorrow at noon.”

  Graham made his way back to the vineyard. For a moment he thought to go to the chateau, speak to Isabella, but what would he accomplish? Now, after finding Eldon’s body, he had no idea what to expect. She would hurt and need consoling, but she had to come to him. Jeanne Marie will take care of her.

  There were still things that needed doing. He passed the winery and went into Châlons. He was on his way to see Monsieur Gershon.

  “Graham. I heard Labatrelle is having a good harvest,” Gershon said.

  “Thanks to you and Monsieur Olivier. I’m returning to England in a few days and want to make arrangements to settle my account.”

  “I didn’t know you were leaving us so soon. What did you have in mind?”

  “We planned on five days in the field and were able to do the work in three. I would like to show the pickers I appreciate their efforts.”

  “Other growers have had the same idea. They give the workers extra money. Come inside. I have some other items I want to go over with you.”

  “I have a favor to ask,” Graham said. He handed Gershon a message. “Please share this with Monsieur Olivier.”

  Gershon nodded and ushered him into his office.

  A few hours later, Graham left Gershon satisfied with the results. His workers would find a surprise when they got paid and there was still money to make the house repairs. If all goes well the renovations will begin next week.

  The last item on his list was Charlotte’s money to Jeanne Marie and Isabella. Gershon showed him his preliminary results. He had one more task to do, and that problem would be solved as well.

  Graham headed back to the old estate after picking up some tools from the winery. He anticipated a long night, but it would be well worth it in the end.

  Day at Seven at the Winery at noon

  Isabella and Jeanne Marie entered the winery office for their meeting.

  For two days Isabella waited for Graham to come to her. Everyone at the winery chattered about seeing him at the old estate, with Olivier and even with Gershon. She got glimpses of him, but he never came to the chateau. His bed wasn’t slept in.

  She owed him an explanation, but not an apology. He may have been right about Nolan, but his brother…

  Stop. Stop lying to yourself. The way he worked with everyone before the fog and during the harvest. What had he said about his brothers? She dug deep in her mind to bring it back. Yes. Destiny made them brothers; fate made them friends. The closeness he had with his brothers was clear. They would never abandon or betray each other. Such closeness was enviable. She couldn’t risk being abandoned or betrayed again. The pain would be too great. Instead, in a fit of anger and self doubt, she abandoned him. Her back straightened startled by the thought that flashed through her head. Coward. She’d have to be happy seeing him from a distance. Eventually, they would exchange pleasantries and maybe even talk to each other. Better to put some distance between them. If she was honest, at least with herself, she was ashamed of herself. Isabella looked at the door. And waited.

  “Now we can begin,” Olivier said.

  “Graham isn’t here.” He had to come to the meeting. He wouldn’t miss it.

  Olivier looked at her with sad eyes. “He won’t be coming.”

  She turned to her grand-mère. Something was going on.

  “Where is he?” she whispered.

  “Pay attention. Monsieur Olivier is speaking.”

  “Nolan was excellent at entering everything he did in his ledger, as well as what he took in and gave out. Graham told me about Nolan’s entries with letters in place of numbers. I sat with Monsieur Gershon last night. He was familiar with this type of exchange to keep amounts secret. We were able to change the letters back to numbers.

  “Isabella, here are the payments you received from Charlotte.” Olivier handed her a parchment with a list of dates and amounts. “Nolan brought each note to Monsieur Gershon in exchange for money. He kept every note and their amount in a list. You’ll see that Charlotte never missed a payment and the amounts did not decrease, but rather, increased over the last several m
onths.”

  “That’s not possible.” She looked at her grand-mère, then took a closer look at the entries he passed to her. “I never got all these payments or all this money.”

  “Nolan’s coded list had two columns, one for the amount of deniers Charlotte sent to you and the other was the number of deniers he gave you. He never gave you more than half of what was sent. Recently, he gave you even less.”

  Isabella was speechless. Graham was right. She closed her eyes. Had she known all along and denied it? Was that the reason behind her outburst? What had she done?

  “Isabella?” Olivier asked.

  “Graham saw more in one week than I did in three years,” she mumbled.

  “Isabella, Monsieur Olivier is speaking to you,” her grand-mère said.

  Startled, she focused on the meeting. “Yes?”

  “How do you get money from Charlotte?”

  “A courier delivers dispatches from England to the winery every month. Nolan gave me Charlotte’s messages. The messages included a note to Monsieur Gershon. Nolan took Charlotte’s note to him and brought me money.”

  “Yes, that’s what I thought. Nolan knew he wasn’t legally a partner here,” Olivier said. “His uncle had forty percent of the profits. He did not hold any portion of the land or buildings. He was on a mission to discredit the winery to bring down its selling price. With the money he stole, he planned to buy it for himself.”

  “How can you be sure?” Isabella asked.

  “It’s all here in his journal.” He patted the book.

  Rage. It surged through her like a fast moving fire, ready to destroy anything she came in contact with. You foolish foolish girl.

  “How I worried that he and his men didn’t have enough. When he gave me money, I gave half to him.”

  “There’s more. This is difficult.” Olivier put the rotting leather strip on the table.

  She recognized it right away and gasped, her hands at her throat.

  “There is a ledger entry about Eldon. Nolan tried to recruit him to steal from you. But he refused. Eldon threatened to tell you. Nolan couldn’t let him do that. He planned to scare him at the old barn. Nolan had Eldon met him at the barn and picked a fight knowing he would win.”