Read Online Masque of Betrayal by Andrea Kane - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Andrea Kane
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expression grew dark.
“It would appear that way. Should the British get their hands on these documents, they would know our tactics before Jay even begins to negotiate. They would be prepared to counter each of our terms, and Jay would be unable to extract any concessions from them. His entire mission would be a failure.” Hamilton banged the drawer shut in agitation. “As I said, I thought I’d placed the notes in my desk on Friday and, truthfully, I haven’t looked for them since.” The word theft hung between them, but was not spoken. As was his way, Hamilton refused to speculate before the obvious answers had been thoroughly explored.
Quickly, Dane scanned the office. It was sparsely furnished, with little in the way of hiding places. If the papers were still here, there were only a few spots where they could be located.
Beginning with the obvious, Dane checked the open compartments in the hutch above Hamilton’s desk and the exposed writing area on its surface. From there he moved to the drawers of the low tables and then to the cushions of the chairs. No papers were found.
By this time, his concern was escalating. It was not like Alexander to misplace things.
Intending to conduct one final search, Dane headed across the room and was about to join Hamilton in a thorough inspection of the desk, when his friend made a triumphant sound and rose. “Here they are.”
Dane relaxed. “Thank goodness. Where did you find them?”
“They were caught between some other documents. Apparently, I placed them in the middle drawer and not the upper one as I had originally believed.” With a deep sigh, Hamilton shook his head. “I am becoming forgetful in my old age.”
Dane snorted derisively. “You are far from old and anything but forgetful. What you are, is exhausted. You are merely a man, Alexander, not a god. You expect too damned much of yourself.”
“And of you?” Hamilton’s eyes twinkled, his good humor restored now that the missing papers had been found.
Dane sank into a chair. “Ah, we arrive at the real reason you asked to see me. The identity of the ever-annoying Jack Laffey.”
“Which you do not know.”
“No, I don’t have the vaguest idea.”
“Nor do I.” Hamilton leaned back against the disheveled desk. “Did you learn anything of significance at the party”—he gave a meaningful pause—“other than the accomplishments of George Holt’s daughter, that is.”
Dane shot Hamilton a look. “Nothing escapes you, does it?”
“One could hardly miss your obvious fascination for the lady.” Hamilton lightly baited his friend. “So much for my attempts to keep you from the clutches of one woman throughout the evening. As it turns out, you would have preferred the drawing of lots.” He studied Dane’s closed expression. “She is quite beautiful.”
“I noticed.”
Hamilton hid his smile. “So did every other man in the room. Not that you gave them much opportunity to pursue her.”
“Nor do I intend to,” Dane returned, scowling.
Hamilton chuckled. “So that’s the way of things, is it? Shall I inquire as to your success with the very spirited Miss Holt?”
“Merely a modicum better than my success with Laffey.”
Hamilton’s smile faded. “The contents of the General Advertiser refutes our original conclusion that he was not in attendance on Friday night.”
“Obviously.”
Hamilton slammed his fist on the desk. “Then which guest was Laffey? Which of my supposed friends pens that damned column?” He made a sound of anger and frustration. “Without knowing Laffey’s identity, we cannot begin to think of a way to still his pen.”
“The matter of stilling his pen needn’t concern you. I’ve already devised a plan to secure Laffey’s ruin.”
“You have?” Hamilton swooped down on Dane’s announcement. “Why didn’t you tell me this?”
“What would have been the point? My plan cannot be implemented until we know Laffey’s
“It would appear that way. Should the British get their hands on these documents, they would know our tactics before Jay even begins to negotiate. They would be prepared to counter each of our terms, and Jay would be unable to extract any concessions from them. His entire mission would be a failure.” Hamilton banged the drawer shut in agitation. “As I said, I thought I’d placed the notes in my desk on Friday and, truthfully, I haven’t looked for them since.” The word theft hung between them, but was not spoken. As was his way, Hamilton refused to speculate before the obvious answers had been thoroughly explored.
Quickly, Dane scanned the office. It was sparsely furnished, with little in the way of hiding places. If the papers were still here, there were only a few spots where they could be located.
Beginning with the obvious, Dane checked the open compartments in the hutch above Hamilton’s desk and the exposed writing area on its surface. From there he moved to the drawers of the low tables and then to the cushions of the chairs. No papers were found.
By this time, his concern was escalating. It was not like Alexander to misplace things.
Intending to conduct one final search, Dane headed across the room and was about to join Hamilton in a thorough inspection of the desk, when his friend made a triumphant sound and rose. “Here they are.”
Dane relaxed. “Thank goodness. Where did you find them?”
“They were caught between some other documents. Apparently, I placed them in the middle drawer and not the upper one as I had originally believed.” With a deep sigh, Hamilton shook his head. “I am becoming forgetful in my old age.”
Dane snorted derisively. “You are far from old and anything but forgetful. What you are, is exhausted. You are merely a man, Alexander, not a god. You expect too damned much of yourself.”
“And of you?” Hamilton’s eyes twinkled, his good humor restored now that the missing papers had been found.
Dane sank into a chair. “Ah, we arrive at the real reason you asked to see me. The identity of the ever-annoying Jack Laffey.”
“Which you do not know.”
“No, I don’t have the vaguest idea.”
“Nor do I.” Hamilton leaned back against the disheveled desk. “Did you learn anything of significance at the party”—he gave a meaningful pause—“other than the accomplishments of George Holt’s daughter, that is.”
Dane shot Hamilton a look. “Nothing escapes you, does it?”
“One could hardly miss your obvious fascination for the lady.” Hamilton lightly baited his friend. “So much for my attempts to keep you from the clutches of one woman throughout the evening. As it turns out, you would have preferred the drawing of lots.” He studied Dane’s closed expression. “She is quite beautiful.”
“I noticed.”
Hamilton hid his smile. “So did every other man in the room. Not that you gave them much opportunity to pursue her.”
“Nor do I intend to,” Dane returned, scowling.
Hamilton chuckled. “So that’s the way of things, is it? Shall I inquire as to your success with the very spirited Miss Holt?”
“Merely a modicum better than my success with Laffey.”
Hamilton’s smile faded. “The contents of the General Advertiser refutes our original conclusion that he was not in attendance on Friday night.”
“Obviously.”
Hamilton slammed his fist on the desk. “Then which guest was Laffey? Which of my supposed friends pens that damned column?” He made a sound of anger and frustration. “Without knowing Laffey’s identity, we cannot begin to think of a way to still his pen.”
“The matter of stilling his pen needn’t concern you. I’ve already devised a plan to secure Laffey’s ruin.”
“You have?” Hamilton swooped down on Dane’s announcement. “Why didn’t you tell me this?”
“What would have been the point? My plan cannot be implemented until we know Laffey’s
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