Beyond a Doubt

chapter Nine




“Gustav?”

“Jean, I’m afraid the news is not good.”

“L.L. escaped.”

“Thank God.”

“But then disappeared,” said Gustav.

“What?” asked Jean.

“Agents found the trunk in a London slum. And before you ask, it was empty.”

“Unbelievable,” said Jean as he paced the room in an agitated manner. Stopping in mid-stride, he added, “This means we are at the beginning. And you are still telling me we have no idea whether the Admiral is in danger?”

“Sir, begging your pardon, but the Admiral is in danger by merely living. He is a Huguenot.”

“Hush! Never speak those words aloud.”

Gustav bowed.

“Now I say again, currently we do not know if the Admiral is in danger by attending this meeting.”

“I’m afraid so.”

“Am I correct in assuming you ripped the trunk apart inch by inch?” asked Jean.

“Aye.”

“Thank you. You are dismissed.”

“But—“

Jean interrupted, “Do you have more to share?”

“Nay. But will we wait for L.L. to arrive or cancel the event now?”

“We wait. But time is running out. The Admiral refuses to cancel the event even if it puts his life in danger. Our only hope is that L.L. arrives with the details before the event occurs.”

“I know.”

“Gustav, you must find L.L.. Otherwise the Admiral could die and our cause will be lost.”

Gustav nodded as he left the room. His feet slapped the floor as he rushed to his quarters within the large government house. The chest belonging to L.L. had been retrieved and disassembled. If any message had been placed in the trunk, it was now long gone.

Deep in thought, he paced. L.L. had always been his best agent. Messages received were accurate and reliable without fail. What could have happened this time to delay the information?

No matter, Gustav needed answers. The trunk had been found in the possession of a con artist named Charles Dubois. The London gaol held Charles and awaited Gustav’s orders.

He sighed. He would need to travel to London in order to question the man.

A boat ride across the English Channel. The mere thought made his stomach queasy. He threw a bag upon the bed. Haphazardly, Gustav tossed articles of clothing within its confines. With less than a few weeks left to find L.L. and return with the vital information, time was of the essence.

A hack waited outside. He climbed in and yelled to the driver. “To the docks.”

The ship's crew waited in anticipation of his arrival. Once he boarded the bobbing vessel, it cast off. The rocking immediately sent him to the side as he turned green. This was set to be a long trip.