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“Ah,” said his host. “Refreshment?”

“Ale, if you have it,” Harry said.

Lynley rang and gestured Harry to a seat. Harry took a chair where he could look out the tall windows at the wandering peacocks on the lawn.

“And you think I can help you with your search?” Lynley asked.

“Situated as you are not far from the Aylesbury road, you may hear something,” Harry suggested.

A footman brought a jug and two ale cups.

“Who are these two, it is two? That you are looking for? Relations of yours?” his host asked, pouring from the jug.

Harry recognized a cool-headed opponent. He had no idea what story Miranda and Nate had told their captor, but he could not claim that they were family. “They are unmistakable, I think. She’s quite a beauty, and he’s got ears and a set of white teeth that must draw the notice of anyone who sees him. They were to meet me at the Tooth and Nail at the end of their journey.”

There was a slight pause in Lynley’s ale pouring. “You’re not still in the army, are you, Captain?” He handed Harry a cup and returned to his lounging.

“Old army habits persist. One doesn’t like to leave comrades behind on a mission.”

The giant’s brows shot up. “An intrigue, Captain?”

Harry tried the ale. “An old soldier from the Thirteenth Light happened to be a passenger with my friends on the Rocket the other night. His account of the incident leads me to believe that they were in more danger from Radcliffe’s guard and coachman than from the highwayman who held up the coach.”

“Troubling, I imagine,” said Lynley.

“It is.” Harry set down his ale. “The third holdup of the Rocket in as many weeks, the second shooting of a guard. Talk of a gypsy gang operating.”

“There is a habit of blaming the Romany, but I know of no gang in the neighborhood. The magistrates would act swiftly if there were.”

“So, I must continue my search,” said Harry.

“Are the authorities no help to you?” Lynley asked.

“Have they come to you?” Harry asked in return.

Lynley shook his head.

Harry stood. “They will, but in the meantime if you hear of my friends, or can help them return to the Tooth and Nail in St. Botolph’s, I’d be grateful,” Harry said.

“You should not worry so much, Captain,” Lynley said. “Most likely someone in the neighborhood has offered shelter and a sawbone’s attentions to your lost friends, and they will get word to you as soon as they are able to travel.”

Lynley’s cool face gave nothing away, but Harry understood. The cordial baronet saw Harry to his horse.

* * * *

Nate did not know how long he’d been in the soft lavender bed, but he knew he needed to get out of it. A few times he’d wakened to look at the ceiling like a frosted cake and doze again. Or he’d wakened to Miranda’s urging that he swallow some broth. He was useless. He hadn’t got them free of the giant or back to Captain Clare.

He opened his eyes to find Miranda with her face pressed to his free hand, weeping.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

She lifted her head. “You’re awake.”

He nodded and tried to push himself up. He really needed to get out of the bed.

“How’s your shoulder?” With the back of her hand she wiped the moisture away from her eyes.

“Aches some,” he said. Not his most pressing concern. “Can you help me get up?”