Beyond a Doubt

chapter Twenty-Two




Per Gustav’s instructions, Charles Dubois was released from prison. Not willing to leave anything to chance, Gustav tailed the man himself.

After a day and a half, Gustav felt as if he’d been led on a merry goose chase. Charles had crossed the city multiple times, yet never stayed in the same place more than once.

Each evening, Monsieur Dubois would attend a soiree that lasted all night. The following morning, he would leave in an enclosed carriage belonging to some young woman of substantial means. The vehicle would then transport the couple to her abode where Charles would stay for the daylight hours. In the evening he would bound down the stairs, adjust his clothing, and find another party to attend.

For a week, the routine never varied. Then one night, quite unexpectedly, the routine changed. The party ended and Charles came out alone. He wobbled in a drunken stupor. For two blocks the man seemed unaware, like a primitive animal. Then completely out of his current character, he called a hackney to his side. The carriage drove at a fast clipped pace and enacted multiple turns, as if navigating a maze. Finally the carriage drew to a halt outside the fancy hotel that contained the trunk.

Gustav grinned as he followed Charles into the hotel, keeping his distance until Charles entered his old room. Hidden outside in the hallway, he waited. The noises within consisted of banging, thumping, and a certain amount of cursing. Obviously Charles was having no better luck than Gustav had had in searching the trunk.

When Charles left, Gustav hesitated. The trunk rested within the confines of the room. Should he stay and search it once more or should he follow and see where the man led him?

****

All this work for nothing. Countless hours wooing beautiful women, courting nobles, and flattering the worthless. For what?

The alley was dark. The clicking sound of shoes echoed across the stones. How long had Charles waited for his contact? Regardless, he would wait only a few moments more. The cold, damp air wasn’t good for a person. Next time they should take better care to be on time.

“Did you get it?”

The unexpected voice from behind caused Charles to jerk and turn around. “Must you always sneak up on me?”

The newcomer shrugged, repeating, “Well, did you get it?”

“Nay.”

“What! The boss won’t be pleased.” He picked between yellowed teeth, a grin of delight flitting across his wrinkled face. “Nay, he will not be pleased. Especially after you tried to convince him you were the best. Said you’d never lost a one. Why, I was there when his eyebrow rose up to his hairline in doubt and you kept saying they were all wrong. You claimed superiority over all others. Charged a pretty price for your expertise, you did. And now we’ve discovered your miserable failure.”

“Who says I failed?” asked Charles, straightening his spine with false bravado.

“Well, it’s obvious. Otherwise you would have contacted us earlier.”

“I’m afraid earlier contact was quite impossible.”

The man’s head twisted fiercely. “You fool!”

Before Charles’ words of reassurance could be heard, the newcomer turned on his heel and fled, leaving Charles to gawk at his retreating form.

****

How could the man be so stupid as to lead someone to their meeting place? The rumors of Charles’ temporary imprisonment had been correct. French agents were no doubt on the trail even as they spoke.

Using his sleeve, he swabbed at the yellow covering his teeth. Removing his hat and shirt, he left them in the sewage which flowed along the city streets. A cane rested beside a set of stairs. Grabbing the instrument, his spine erect, he strode with purpose, confident his disguise would not be recognized as he headed back to the inn. As he walked, he mulled over the words he would share with his boss.

Success or failure would now depend on Charles Dubois alone. If they continued to associate with the fool, there was little doubt they would be implicated in the plot. Letting Charles believe he worked for the good of the Crown would be enough to drive the man. Besides, every now and then a monarch needed a sacrifice to perpetuate their reign.