The Threat in the West Indies (The Merriman Chronicles Book 4)

by Roger Burnage

  Chapter 26 - Things come to a head

  The next morning Merriman called Mr. Grahame and Lieutenants Laing and Andrews down to his cabin for a discussion. He started the ball rolling by saying, “I must tell you about the lucky escape I had. You may have seen Mrs Egerton and I go outside, well she tried to seduce me, but she failed, I declined her advances. I was most embarrassed and when we came back in I saw her give a small shake of her head to her husband. I think she hoped to find out more about our reason for being here. Did any of you find people asking you anything like that?”

  “No Sir, all the women were interested in was fashions and gossip and the men wanted to know about the political affairs in London.” The others said the same and they were no further forward when somebody knocked at the door. “Come” called Merriman, “Oh, it's you Mr. Shrigley, what do you want.” The midshipman stood nervously in front of them, cleared his throat and said, “Last night Sir you know Mr. Cuthbert and Lieutenant St James and I went ashore to find a hotel where we might get a different kind of meal. We found a nice, clean place and had a lovely meal but it was a bit too spicy for my taste Sir.” “Yes, yes, come to the point boy, why are you here?”

  “Sorry Sir. If you remember Sir, back when we were In the Irish Sea we were stopping small trading ships looking for anything suspicious. On one ship we stopped we saw two men, one fat and the other with a face wrinkled like a walnut, Mr. Andrews saw them too didn't you Sir? “Yes I remember and you said you thought they were up to no good Sir. Come on Mr. Shrigley what else?” “Well Sir, we were eating at a table in a sort of alcove when I saw those same two men come in for a meal.”

  Merriman glanced across at Andrews and said sharply “Are you certain of this Mr. Shrigley it could be very important? Come on, speak up.” “Ye-yes Sir, I'm sure Sir, they are very distinctive but the biggest man had lost a lot of weight. I don't think they saw me Sir.”

  “Thank you Mr. Shrigley, that will be all, you may go.” “Thank you Sir, but Mr. Salmon the gunner and Seaman Jackson are waiting to see you Sir. They have only just come aboard.” “Right then, send them in.” Salmon and Jackson came in cautiously, after all this was the Captain's cabin and they were faced by all the senior officers of the Aphrodite. “Yes what happened to you two last night?”

  Not very much Sir,” said Mr. Salmon, “we watched the Jew's place in Ship Street like you said but the only three people we saw were two men, late, knocking on the door. A man opened it holding a lantern and let 'em in. We caught only a quick glimpse of the face of the smallest man, all seamed and wrinkled he was Sir. Then there was a woman Sir, she arrived separately after the others but we couldn't see her face. She left very soon after. We waited all night and into the morning but we saw nobody else. I 'ope that 'elps Sir.”

  “I believe it might, I 'm sure it will. Thank you, you've both done well. My compliments to the officer of the watch and ask him to ensure that you have an extra tot of rum.” They both grinned, “Aye-aye Sir and thank you.”

  When they had gone Merriman gave a big sigh, smiled and said “Gentlemen, with what those two said and what Mr. Shrigley said, I have my suspicion that they are the men wanted in England for treason. If I am correct, they were involved with the French agent Moreau, passing messages between him and Irish rebels. One of them is a lawyer and the other was his clerk. Now then the question is, what do we do? We can ask the military to arrest them and anyone else they find there or wait until we can find proof of a connection they may have with the Egerton's. Think about it Gentlemen whilst Mr. Grahame and I must go to see the Admiral.”

  Chapter 27 - A Murder is planned

  Meanwhile Robinson and Beadle were in a panic. Beadle had seen Shrigley at an alcove table when they went for a meal but couldn't be certain that they had been recognised, but........................ The doubt persisted and they argued for most of the night, should they stay and hope they had not been recognised or should they run? Of course that led to the argument about where should they run to? They did not have enough money to pay for a passage out even if they could find a captain to take them and their last experiences showed them that they could not trust such a man. They could steal Meyberg's two horses and disappear inland somewhere but they didn't know the island and horrible tales of travelers being attacked, robbed and murdered by the Maroons – the escaped slaves - very quickly put them off that idea.

  They argued for hours without making a decision until one of them voiced the idea that both of them had been thinking. Robinson was the first to say it, “I think we must kill the boy, if we aren't arrested in the morning maybe he didn't recognise us or at least he hasn't told anybody yet.” “Yes I think we must,” replied Beadle, “but how? We may not see him again but if he comes ashore tomorrow we may have the opportunity.” He opened a drawer and showed Robinson a pair of pistols. “These will do the job if we can get near enough, perhaps dressed roughly like men of the streets.” “Where did you get those things?” said Robinson. Beadle tapped his nose slyly, “I stole them from one of the plantation houses I was sent to with letters. A big place it was with pistols, muskets and swords all over the place inside so I took a chance. I shall have to go out and get some powder and shot early in the morning, if we aren't arrested,” he added as an afterthought.

  In the event nothing out of the ordinary happened, Beadle bought powder and shot for his pistols and came back and loaded them. “Now we shall have to wait near to where he might go to eat and try a shot tonight,” he said. “I'd better do it, couldn't trust you to aim straight, your hands shake too much even if you can pluck up the courage,” he said sneeringly. Of course, in time, their original status of lawyer and clerk had dissolved and increasingly it was Beadle who made the decisions for the pair of them. As the day wore on and nobody came to arrest them they began to hope but nevertheless decided to press ahead with the plan to kill the boy. In the course of one of his trips as a messenger Beadle bought some rough and ready second hand clothing which would serve their purpose and that night they set out with murder in mind.

  Chapter 28 - Merriman makes plans

  On arrival at the Admiral's offices Merriman and Grahame were joined by the two soldiers from the previous night's party and Governor Sir George Scarrow. The soldiers were introduced as Colonel Sir Henry Weatherby, a tall languid but keen eyed man, and Major Duncan James, a short, stocky man and obviously a Scot. Admiral Hawkesby was there too with his Flag Captain.

  The Governor opened the proceedings “Captain Merriman, I have taken the liberty of telling these Gentlemen all that we discussed yesterday in my place including what you know about Egerton; they are both in favour of arresting all of them, unless you have a good reason not to.”

  “I have Sir,” and Merriman related all that his men had discovered, the supposed recognition of the two traitors and their connection with Meyberg and his attempted seduction by Isabella Egerton. “I am certain that she was attempting to learn why we are here.” “The lovely Isabella, Captain?” said Major James, “You lucky dog, I wouldn't mind a session with her, eh, what.” “Nothing happened Sir and we came inside” said Merriman stiffly, “And if you are implying that I................” He was interrupted by the Colonel, “I don't believe The Major intended anything disrespectful Sir, but she is the talk of the town and has used her wiles before on many of us.” “That is right Captain, I hope you will accept my apology, I meant nothing personal?” said the Major.

  “Apology accepted Major, I have already forgotten the matter.” Merriman continued, “Both before and after Mrs Egerton and I went out I caught her and her husband exchange slight signals. I think she may be as involved as her husband but I know next to nothing about her.”

  “Well I do, she is supposed to be Spanish with a lot of French blood in her and it is entirely possible she could be working for our enemies although Spain is nominally our ally, at least for the moment.”

  “Quite possible Sir,” interjected the Admiral, “we have had trouble with
Spain before and I wouldn't be surprised if they joined France to benefit from Bonaparte's conquests. But continue Captain, have you any more ideas?”

  “Yes Sir I have. So far we have little more than hearsay and circumstantial evidence. I am not a lawyer but I suspect much of it would probably not stand up in court. If I may suggest Gentlemen, the supposed recognition of the traitors from England was made by my Midshipman. I don't doubt him but another witness would help. My Lieutenant Andrews was with him when we stopped a suspicious trading ship in the Irish Sea many months ago. They both mentioned at the time their misgivings about two of the passengers. I think that if both of them go for a meal at the same time and the same place as last night they may see them there. That and with what I know would certainly see them hanged. Sir George told me that the lawyer Meyberg is suspected of dealing in stolen goods and many other things, so if we wait until early tomorrow then we could raid the place and catch them all together and find out if there really is a connection with Egerton.”

  There was silence for a few minutes as they all considered what Merriman had said. The Admiral was the first to break the silence, “Gentlemen, I agree with Captain Merriman, we should not be too hasty, another day might give us that extra evidence and then we have two traitors mixed up with the rogue Meyberg and who knows what we might find out.” All of them nodded in agreement and the Colonel said “I quite agree and I would like to congratulate the Captain on his discoveries so far, it is a pleasure to know you Sir. If I may invite you to dinner in my officer's mess I would consider it an honour Sir if you would accept, and of course Mr. Grahame as well.”

  “Thank you Sir, we would be delighted to accept but I would like to wait until tomorrow after the events planned have finished.” “Very good Captain, tomorrow it is. Meanwhile I will arrange for some of my men to hold themselves ready for the morning. Major, would you arrange that? In the utmost secrecy, don't tell the men anything yet.”

  With nothing further of merit to discuss the meeting then broke up and Merriman and Grahame returned to Aphrodite.

  Chapter 29 - The Plans work and a Traitor is killed

  Back on board Merriman wasted no time in calling Andrews and Shrigley to his cabin, reminding Andrews about Shrigley's report and what had been decided. “So I want both of you to go ashore again tonight, with Mr. Gorman, and go to the hotel for a meal at the same time as last night. And go armed this time. I will have Mr. St James with some of his marines nearby in case you have difficulties, and some soldiers will be available as well to surround Meyberg's place in the morning. I don't doubt your report Mr. Shrigley, but the law demands two definite witnesses. If they saw and recognised you last night they might even try to kill you. We don't know what will happen tonight but be prepared for anything and be alert. Any questions?”

  So, the three of them walked slowly to the hotel that evening with Shrigley loudly proclaiming the merits of the food they would get there. They passed a group of fifteen marines hidden just out of sight in an alley and only a little further on they saw Lieutenant St James and two other marines hidden in a dark doorway only a few paces from the hotel entrance. None of the three stopped as they heard the Marine Lieutenant whisper “We've been here for half an hour and seen nothing, good luck.”

  As they reached the door and into the light of the lantern overhead, Andrews suddenly shouted “Down, down” and as they bent low and scattered, a pistol shot rang out and the ball struck the stone door post just above Shrigley's head, far too close for comfort. Andrews and Gorman each had a pistol ready and fired into the area they thought the shot had come from. They saw nothing but heard a squeal from somebody either scared by a near miss or even wounded. St James and his men ran past them and the Lieutenant shouted “I saw where the shot came from, we'll catch him,” The two marines with fixed bayonets followed close behind him into the darkness. They heard some confused shouting and another pistol shot then the remaining marines arrived too and closed around the three officers with their weapons at the ready.

  A marine Sergeant disappeared into the hotel and emerged a few moments later carrying a big lantern. “Good man,” shouted Andrews “Let's follow them.” They rounded the corner and the light revealed St James bending over a huddled body lying in the gutter. “We found this one but we didn't shoot him, his companion must have shot him. Bring that lantern closer Sergeant let's have a good look at him. Yes I thought so, one of you Gentlemen hit him, here in the leg and he couldn't keep up with the other man so he was shot again, in the belly. I'll turn him over.”

  Andrews and Shrigley bent over the man, saw that he was still breathing and nodded to each other, “Yes, we know him, he is one of the men we saw back home and he is wanted for treason and murder” said Andrews. “He is still alive, but not for long I think. Here, you marines, carry him round to the front where there is more light.” They laid him on the rough cobbles near to the hotel door where he lay moaning and clutching the wound in his belly. “Nothing we can do for him now” said Andrews, bending over him. “Who are you, what is your name and who shot you?” The man moaned, opened his eyes and murmured “Name is Jeremiah Robinson. I was a lawyer----------- an—and a g'good one. Got involved with Irish----men and a French agent named Moreau. They bl'..bl'...blackmailed me into helping them.” The man rallied a bit and said “That bastard of a clerk of mine, Beadle, shot me, couldn't k'.k'. keep up with 'im after you shot me...................” his voice faded, he clutched himself tighter, and then with a soft moan escaping his lips it was all over.

  Andrews stood up and ordered Mr. St James, “Bring all your men, except two, they can bring the body after us. The rest of you come with me and bring that lantern.” He led off at a run, following the directions given by Salmon and Jackson earlier. They brought him to the premises of the infamous Meyberg, easily identified by the newly painted sign. “Mr. St James, if you would take some of your men round the back, try to stop anyone leaving.” Andrews gave them a few minutes and Salmon and Jackson appeared out of the darkness, nearly skewered on a nervous marine's bayonet. “Mr. Andrews Sir, We saw the little wizened face man come only a minute ago but nobody let him in so he ran off up the street Sir.” Andrews pounded on the door with the butt of his pistol, shouting “Open up, open up in the name of the King I demand you open up.” He shouted again but with no result then beckoned the two biggest marines and ordered them to break down the door. They put their shoulders to the door but with no result then backed off further and tried again. This time the door gave way with a sound of splintering wood and a pistol shot sounded from inside and one of the marines fell back clutching his shoulder.

  Immediately Andrews shouted “Come out whoever you are or I will order my marines to shoot. No reply so he shouted “Marines, fire into the doorway.” They did so, there was the sound of the shot hitting wood but no sound of a man. Andrews drew his sword and shouted “Marines, follow me.” They crashed inside with the sergeant carrying the lantern following but found nobody. More lanterns were found, lit, and all was revealed.

  They discovered a locked door to the side, a stairway leading above and a passage to a back door and a partly open door ahead of them. The Sergeant sent three marines upstairs and then Andrews approached the door. “Keep to the side you men,” he said and he reached out from the side of the door and gently pushed it open with his sword revealing the body of a big fat man slumped over a desk in the middle of the room with a pistol in his hand, but he was quite dead with a pool of blood spreading out onto the desk top. Andrews pushed him to the floor, sheathing his sword with a sigh of relief just as a pounding was heard on the back door and St James shouting “We're coming in Mr. Andrews, don't shoot.” “It's alright, you can come in,” shouted Andrews just as one of the marines sent upstairs came down and reported that they found nobody and two doors locked. “Plenty of papers and books up there Sir, but I can't read them. “Right then stay up there until I come. Ah, Edward, the party's over, did you find or see anything out there?” No
David, but just as we got here a man on a horse burst out of the yard at the back and disappeared before we could shoot. There is another horse there in a stable and some dirty sheds but without lights I don't know what is in them.”

  “Right, I suggest two of your men take a lantern and go and see what they can find. As you can see there are a lot of books and papers here and more of the same upstairs. If we can find some bags and sacks we should take everything back to the Governor's office. There is a locked room near the front door, have it and others upstairs opened and we'll see what we can find. Mr. Gorman can go with you.” “Aye-aye Sir,” said St James. He motioned to three marines standing by and they all disappeared into the passage.

  Andrews borrowed a marine's bayonet and tried to open the locked drawers without success. “Here Sir let me, I've opened plenty before I joined the Jollies.” and the man easily broke into the desk, leaving the drawers open. The event showed what an eclectic mix of men could be found in the navy, their past forgotten. “Good man, what's your name?” “Jones Two Sir,” said the man standing stiffly to attention. “Well done Jones Two, now go and help where you can, I want sacks or boxes or sheets to carry all these papers.” The man disappeared with a quick “Aye-aye Sir” just as St James came in with a big smile on his face.” There are two rooms stuffed full of rolls of silk, satin and boxes of leather goods, some jewelry and crates of rum and brandy. I've put the Sergeant in charge upstairs and a reliable corporal on guard downstairs. No normal place would have such a mixture and I think it may all be stolen.”

  Eventually all was done, all the papers and documents were bundled into sacks and boxes but Andrews put all the contents of the desk in a separate bag and kept it with him. They all left, leaving the Sergeant, the corporal and six marines to guard the place. The two bodies were left in the back yard.