Beyond a Doubt

chapter Thirty-Four




Reginald’s voice captivated not only her but everyone else in the room. A woman from the crowd fanned herself as she wobbled on her feet in a fake swoon. Her hand waving back and forth reminded Lucy of her mission.

Since she was standing at the back of the group, Lucy could move away unnoticed.

It took only a few minutes to locate the place she needed. She slipped a hand into her bag and grabbed the fan with great care. She glanced around to ensure she was alone.

A sound like thunder echoed inside the stone building. She released the fan into her bag as the ground moved beneath her feet. Rows of soldiers entered the residence, sending people scattering. Some of the soldiers entered the room where Lucy stood, and her stomach clenched with fear. She touched the object inside her pouch and changed her expression into a look of shock.

The owner of the manse stepped forward, indignation stirring him to speech. “I demand to know the meaning of your intrusion.”

One soldier stepped forward. He unfurled a scroll and read aloud for all in attendance. Lucy ignored the words and batted her lashes at the ridiculously long title for the Queen and King, but when the soldier said, “We’ve been sent to escort Sir Reginald Spalding from your residence,” she lifted her chin and listened with rapt attention.

After the pronouncement the soldier stepped back in line and clamped his mouth shut. Several ladies in the crowd fell against their companions. Lucy mimicked them, fanning herself with her hand and using the wall for support.

Reginald walked forward, his arms stretched out in a non-threatening way. “I’m here. Please don’t bother my host. I’m sure this is all a misunderstanding.”

The stony-faced guards grabbed his upper arms. The lines of his mouth tensed. Reginald’s gaze shifted as if looking for assistance. As Reginald was dragged from the room, an object swayed from his neck, catching the light and creating shadows on the wall.

Sweat beaded her brow as she moved amongst the crowd to get a closer look and suddenly covered her mouth in shock. A compass! It lay against Reginald’s chest, the metal rim catching the candlelight. She clutched her hands to her sides, her stomach twisting in knots.

Sneaking around the room, through a set of open doors, Lucy left the gasping crowd and followed the guards. Not willing to risk exposure, she stayed far behind.

Her breath came in short rasping gasps as she struggled to keep up without getting too close. The group slid into a narrow alley. Warning bells went off in her head.

“I believe there has been a mistake,” said Reginald Spalding.

“No mistake,” said the guard.

“But there must be. I’ve done nothing wrong. Now, if you will politely release me, I’ll return to my friends. And I’ll be sure to explain it to them. There will be no hard feelings.”

“I’m afraid that won’t be possible.”

“And why not?” said Reginald, his spine erect.

Lucy was surprised by the man’s haughtiness. Backed into an alley with ten armed guards pushing against him, Reginald still managed to maintain his composure.

The soldier’s eyes darkened, his lips pulled downward into a sneer, as words of anger coursed from his thin lips. “It’s people like you who bring us to shame.”

Reginald didn’t interrupt. His frown was the only indication something was amiss.

“Because of you Protestants trying to change the way of things, I have to leave my warm bed and supple wife and hunt you down. Then once I find your yellow hide, I have to do something about it. I personally can’t stand the smell of rotten flesh, so I’ve taken to disposing of traitors in a different manner.”

“Sir, you must have me confused w—“

“You are French?”

“I hail from France, yes,” answered Reginald, his finger running under his collar.

“And do you or do you not belong to the Huguenots? Hmm? Just in case you haven’t noticed, England has a Catholic monarchy at the moment.”

No more words were spoken as a knife plunged into Reginald’s heart. The hilt stuck out and he grabbed it as he fell to the ground. Lucy stifled a gasp and ran away. The last words the guard spoke echoed behind her. “Guess that takes care of Joshua.”