The Heart is Torn (10 page)

‘Lie down on your face, Traherne,’ Peake ordered, and Adam could not but obey. ‘Bind his hands and feet, Beth. You can be useful at last. Between the two of you, you’ve just about ruined my business, but I can save the situation by taking drastic action. I shall destroy the evidence here, and you two with it.’

Beth paused in knotting the rope she was binding around Adam’s wrists, and Peake laughed mirthlessly as he met her frightened gaze.

‘Finish tying him,’ he rasped. ‘I’m not a fool, Beth. I had no idea you were so in love with Traherne, but you’ve proved it this night. So I must cut my losses. I shall have to forgo the pleasure of your company during the remainder of my days. You know too much to be trusted.’

He moved to Beth’s side and bent to test the knots she had tied in the rope binding Adam. Satisfied, he pushed her aside and bound Adam’s legs securely.

‘Now it is your turn, Beth. Lie down.’

Peake thrust her on to the bales beside Adam and bound her hand and foot. Then he stepped back, smiling.

‘It’s such a waste,’ he mused, ‘but there is no help for it.’

Beth watched Peake as he crossed to the office. He collected the lantern there, and a devilish expression occupied his face as he fetched two other lanterns and lit them.

‘You may wonder what I am about, Beth,’ Peake said. ‘There’s only one way I can remove the evidence of my guilt in the short time I have left, and that is by fire. The storm will ensure a healthy blaze.’

‘Help me out of here, Peake,’ Cresse’s voice could be heard suddenly.

Beth looked at Cresse, lying close by, and saw that he had propped himself up on one elbow, his face ghastly pale in the lantern light. Blood was soaking his coat. He held out a hand pleadingly.

‘You’re finished, too, Cresse,’ Peake snarled. ‘You’ve been such a bungler I shall be well rid of you. You can die with these two!’

As he lapsed into silence, Peake took one of the lanterns, walked to a nearby stack of bales, and threw the lantern against the base of the stack. The glass smashed and oil splashed over the bales, igniting instantly and spreading fire quickly. Peake did the same with the other two lanterns, and fire began to spread, crackling furiously.

Peake paused as smoke began to fill the warehouse. He gazed down at Beth, who looked imploringly at him, then turned on his heel and departed, slamming the big door. Beth heard the key grating in the lock.

‘Adam,’ she gasped. ‘What can we do?’

‘Cresse,’ Adam called, ‘can you move? If you can, crawl over here and untie me. It’s our only chance. Those flames are spreading fast.’

Beth looked at Cresse, who was already inching towards them along the ground. He was groaning at each movement, his ashen face twisted in pain. Thankfully, he was very close to where they lay bound, and within a few moments he was leaning over Beth. He drew a knife from the sheath on his belt and paused to gaze at her, breathing shallowly and in much pain.

‘You wouldn’t heed my warnings,’ he said weakly. ‘I could have saved you much of this, Beth. Traherne, Peake has deserted me so I’ll set you free if you promise that he’ll pay for this.’

‘He’ll pay,’ Adam rapped. ‘You can count on that. Hurry, Cresse. The fire is taking hold.’

Once free, Adam ran to the door, tried it without success and turned to seize one of several barrels stacked nearby. He rained a series of blows against the big lock while Beth stood at his shoulder, gasping and coughing. In a few moments the lock yielded and the door swung open.

‘Outside, quickly, Beth.’

Adam turned and ran into the smoke to get Cresse as Beth staggered outside into the fresh air.

10

Adam came staggering out of the warehouse with Cresse across his shoulders. He cleared the building and laid his burden on the ground.

‘Cresse is dead, Beth,’ he said softly. Beth was shocked.

‘He saved our lives,’ she said shakily.

Adam turned and looked at the warehouse. Smoke was billowing out through the front door and there was the ominous red glow of a fire out of control. A man ran along the street to halt beside them.

‘You’d better raise the alarm,’ Adam said to him. ‘In this gale, that fire could burn down the whole town.’

The man stared at Adam, then, without a word, turned and ran back along the street, yelling at the top of his voice. ‘What happens now?’ Beth demanded.

‘You’re going to take yourself to a safe spot while I hunt for Peake,’ Adam said fiercely.

‘I won’t leave you. Where do you think Peake is now?’

‘I shall try his home first.’

She linked her arm through his, and they set off along the street. Several men ran past them towards the warehouse as they went on, and suddenly Adam turned and shouted loudly.

‘Father, hold up a moment.’

Beth gasped with relief when she recognised Jeremy Traherne. The men with Adam’s father stopped and crowded around them, and Jeremy caught hold of Beth’s shoulder.

‘I thought I told you to stay at home,’ he remonstrated.

‘Not now,’ Adam said. ‘Save the recriminations until later. I would still be lying in the fire if it were not for Beth’s efforts.’

He gave an account of what had happened, and some of the men turned and ran towards the warehouse, eager to save what they could of the evidence.

‘Here is a present for you, Father.’

Adam reached into his coat pocket and produced
Sea
Rover’s
log.

‘I found that in a desk in Peake’s office, just one of many. We lost all hands when
Sea
Rover
was wrecked. So do what you can at the warehouse. I have something to do right now that’s most important.’

Adam put an arm around Beth’s shoulder.

‘Get what you can from the fire and guard it well,’ he said to his father.

‘Take a couple of our men with you,’ Jeremy said fiercely. ‘I’d come myself but I shan’t be able to keep up with you.’

‘I can handle this alone,’ Adam replied.

Jeremy turned and headed along the street towards the warehouse. Adam and Beth continued on their way. They soon reached the gates of Peake’s mansion and turned into the driveway. The house was in darkness, silent and still. Beth led the way to the house, and when they reached the front door Adam pushed her aside gently.

‘I don’t want you mixed up in this, Beth,’ he said firmly. ‘You might get hurt. Just leave this to me. I want to take Peake alive, if possible, and I don’t need you getting in the way.’

‘I’ll remain outside,’ she said quietly. ‘I won’t get in your way.’

He knocked at the door and the sounds echoed through the silence. Beth shivered. She was so tired she could hardly stand. She heard the sound of bolts being withdrawn on the inside of the door, and when it was opened a fraction the head of Mrs Fetters appeared.

‘What do you want at this hour?’ she demanded.

‘Is Jonah at home?’ Adam enquired. ‘I need to tell him that his warehouse is on fire and in danger of burning down.’

Mrs Fetters uttered a cry of shock as she fell back a step. Adam strode forward and entered the house with Beth close on his heels. Mrs Fetters clutched at Adam’s arm and tried to stop him but he shrugged her off.

‘Mr Peake is not at home,’ she cried. ‘He has not been here since this afternoon.’

‘I need to search the house for him,’ Adam retorted.

He picked up a lamp that was standing on a small table in the hall and went to the drawing-room, thrusting open the door. Beth was at his shoulder when he entered the room, where Matilda Peake sat by the fire.

‘What is the meaning of this intrusion?’ she gasped.

‘It is imperative that I see Jonah,’ Adam said. ‘Have you any idea where he might be?’

‘I have no knowledge of his business or movements. Please leave my house at once.’

Adam turned and began a search of the house, Beth remaining at his side throughout. They found no sign of Peake, and Adam faced Beth at the end of the search, shaking his head as he regarded her.

‘I shall have to go through the whole town looking for him,’ he said determinedly. ‘I can’t stop now, Beth.’

‘I wouldn’t want you to,’ she replied. ‘And I’ll go with you every step of the way.’

She broke off as the front door was thrust open and a man entered. Adam turned swiftly, and Beth saw her brother, Nick.

‘What are you two doing here?’ Nick demanded, slamming the door at his back and leaning against it.

‘I think you should answer that question.’

Adam went forward to confront Nick.

‘You fired a shot at us and Peake took us prisoner.’

‘But that shot didn’t hit you.’ Nick grinned. ‘I could have killed you if I had been loyal to Peake.’

‘Where is Peake now?’ Beth demanded. ‘You’ve got to make up your mind here and now just where you stand, Nick. Do you know that two men are at Sedge Manor with orders to kill Father if Peake sends the order?’

‘I don’t believe it.’

‘Peake told me that is the situation at Sedge Manor.’

Beth went to Nick’s side, grasped him by the shoulders and shook him.

‘Peake is finished. We have proof of his smuggling and wrecking. If you know what is good for you then go home, save Father from those men, and stay there until Peake has been captured.’

Nick shook his head doubtfully. Beth sighed impatiently and turned away from him.

‘What are you doing here, Nick?’ Adam demanded. ‘Are you still running errands for Peake?’

‘What if I am?’

‘Cresse did the same for years and now he’s dead. Is that what’s going to happen to you? Answer my question. What are you doing here?’

‘I’ve come to collect a bag from the library.’

Nick sighed heavily, his defiance ebbing slowly.

‘Where are you to see Peake with the bag?’

‘He’s at the Lobster Pot with Jaime Spencer. His coach is at the back of the barn there, and he’s off to Falmouth to supervise the taking of your ship,
Seagull
.
’

Nick’s face was purpling under Adam’s grip, and Adam suddenly released him. Nick fell helplessly to the floor, gasping for air.

‘You’d do well to follow Beth’s advice and return to Sedge Manor,’ Adam said sternly. ‘I’ll go along to the Lobster Pot and talk to Peake, and I’ll pick up a couple of my father’s men on the way.’

He looked into Beth’s eyes.

‘This time I’ll want no argument from you, Beth,’ he added. ‘It could prove to be too dangerous for your presence.’

‘I’ll get back to the manor,’ Nick said, straightening. ‘I’ll do what is right, Beth.’

He opened the door and hurried out into the gloom. Adam followed, with Beth in close attendance, and the door slammed behind them with great violence. Beth was surprised to see that dawn was breaking.

‘Where do I leave you in safety, Beth?’

Adam stopped in the shelter of a creaking tree by Peake’s big gate and drew her into his arms, placing his mouth close to her ear. The wind tore at them, and Beth shivered. Her exhaustion was such that she could barely think straight.

‘Let’s keep going together,’ she responded.

Adam opened the gate and they went on. They would have to pass Peake’s warehouse on their way to the Lobster Pot and Adam intended taking two of his father’s men with him. He held Beth close to his left side as they continued, and his keen gaze, accustomed to the vast stretches of the ocean, was adjusted to the close darkness about them. The moon enabled him to see ahead for several yards, and when he heard the sound of running feet coming towards them he pulled Beth into a doorway and they huddled in the shadows.

Moments later, several men went running by, and Adam was startled when he recognised one as Jonah Peake. Before he could react, the men had gone, but then a straggler came panting along and Adam stepped out of cover to confront him.

‘What’s causing all the excitement?’ Adam demanded.

The man paused thankfully and bent over, gasping for breath, his shoulders heaving. Adam shook him impatiently.

‘There’s word that
Seagull
is heading into the bay from Falmouth and one of Peake’s ships is waiting for her. There’s going to be a battle.’

The man straightened, peering closely into Adam’s face.

‘Hey, you’re Adam Traherne!’ he gasped.

Adam struck the man with a clenched fist, felling him to the ground. He grasped Beth and drew her out of the doorway.

‘Come on, Beth, we’ve got to see this.’

They went back along the street with renewed vigour, galvanised by the news. Passing Peake’s mansion, they continued to the end of the street where the cliff started, and the light of the moon gave them a perfect view of the bay. The storm had not abated and the violent sea was still rough. The roar of wind and waves was overwhelming.

Adam could see Peake and a knot of men standing, gazing out to sea. He drew Beth to one side and sheltered her with his body. Beth recognised Peake’s voice and peered at him, her face concealed by Adam’s arm.

‘Someone light a fire,’ Peake shouted, and two of his men moved swiftly to obey.

‘Look at the ship out there,’ Adam said in a low tone, and Beth lifted a hand to her eyes to cut off the wind and blinked as she looked at the black shape of the ship she had seen earlier. ‘That’s Peake’s ship,’ Adam continued, ‘and by the look of her I’d say she’s in trouble. There’s no sign of
Seagull
yet, if she is coming, and that ship is dragging her anchor. She’s been blown towards the rocks at Needle Point. If the crew doesn’t act in the next few minutes then nothing will be able to save her.’

Beth watched, filled with a terrible fascination. She could see the ship moving towards the shore, and there seemed to be no movement aboard. Peake was shouting loudly, as if he could be heard across that wild expanse of stormy sea. But the ship went on, helpless in the grip of wind and water.

Flames crackled nearby as a man started a fire, and Adam led Beth around the group surrounding Peake, until their vision was no longer impaired by the leaping flames.

‘Those fools aboard my ship are asleep,’ Peake raged.

‘There’s nothing they can do,’ Adam said to Beth. ‘They’re on a lee shore. They can’t get the wind to help them off, and the waves are against them. It’s only a matter of time.’

‘What about
Seagull
?
’
Beth asked. ‘Did you know she was coming from Falmouth?’

‘No. I expect the crew made temporary repairs and sailed to prevent a further attempt against her. Rufus Mull is a good man and wouldn’t risk the ship. I don’t expect
Seagull
to enter the bay in this storm. She’ll stay clear of the coast and ride out the bad weather.’

Beth was watching the doomed ship heading faster and faster towards inevitable destruction. The roaring of the sea was ceaseless, the howling of the wind sounding like a dirge screeching for the souls of those men trapped aboard the ship.

The end came quickly. Massive waves lifted and rolled the ship in a surging rush towards the black rocks. The ship was suddenly halted as if a giant hand had seized it, and such was the noise of the storm that those on the cliff did not hear the sound of the terrific impact. The ship remained upright for a split second then keeled over, inundated by crashing waves. Blinding spray flew over her, concealing her outline, and the next instant she was gone, her bottom torn out, the sea claiming her.

Beth turned away and pressed her face against Adam’s chest, trying to wipe the horror of the scene from her mind. She could hear Peake’s hated voice bewailing the loss of his ship, but not once did he mention the drowned crew. Adam put his arms around her slender shoulders, comforting her silently while the wind raged about them.

‘I need Peake to leave these men,’ Adam said in Beth’s ear. ‘I can’t tackle him while he has so much help at hand.’

Beth peered under Adam’s arm and looked at the group around Peake.

Adam turned her away.

‘Don’t look in that direction,’ he advised. ‘If we’re recognised it will be the end of us. I’m hoping some of my father’s men will have heard the news of the ships and come up here to see for themselves. If there is a fight, Beth, then get well clear of it. Do you promise?’

‘I promise,’ she repeated.

More men were arriving on the cliff and all joined the group around Peake. Beth was dispirited by the sight, fearing that the odds against Adam were too great for his success. Then she saw a man limping towards the group and realised with a shock that it was Jeremy Traherne.