The hard line of Thomas’s jaw and the blackness of his eyes yelled of fury, but his demeanor continued restrained. “If only we could. Our supply is lessening that much is certain. But how? That’s another question entirely.”
Surveying the scene, Nathaniel spoke through clenched teeth. “Who is the devil behind this treachery?”
He walked to the forlorn-looking barrel in the far left corner and lifted its lid, peering inside. His stomach sunk to his knees. Completely empty. Gripping the wood, he leaned back and launched the lid into the far wall. His rage exploded as the lid splintered to pieces
and fell to the ground. Glancing behind him, the grim faces of the men testified of their similar sentiments.
No one spoke. The small windows of the magazine allowed for little light, but what bits of sun meandered through revealed nothing that might aid in discovery of the offender.
Nathaniel stepped back and tried to keep a tighter hold on the waxing madness. “Did anyone see anything? Anything at all?”
Joseph stepped forward, his height and breadth nearly consuming the corner in which he stood. His deep timbre sat heavy. “I checked the locks and hinges. Everything appears untouched.”
Nathaniel looked over his shoulder. “What about you Billy, did you notice anything amiss last time you were on watch? Or did you leave early again?” He hadn’t meant the accusation to spit so quickly from his lips, but he didn’t care.
“Nay.” Billy Curry shook his head, his youthful features turning pale. “Upon my word Doctor, I saw nothing and if I had I would have reported such immediately.”
The poor lad looked tortured at the accusation of negligence and Nathaniel flicked a quick look to Thomas, brushing his hand along the empty barrel as if he were dressing a wound. “I believe you, Billy.”
Then, obvious reality struck from behind and stabbed its ugly truth through Nathaniel’s soul.
Turning, he motioned to the door, barely able speak. “Everyone out.”
The four of them turned and stared, each with raised brows and tight lips.
Nathaniel gestured out the door, this time with less patience. “I thank you for your concern. I will inform you when I have determined how to proceed.”
None of them moved, their reluctance palpable. Finally, Thomas cleared his throat and stepped into the sun. “We shall call an urgent gathering tonight or tomorrow. Be assured we will get to the bottom of this.”
Roger ducked out the door, followed by Billy. He replaced his tricorn and nodded, the stern tone of his voice saying as much as his words. “I am at the ready.” Billy touched the front of his hat and bowed in assent before they both started back toward town.
Joseph stepped beside Nathaniel, watching as the other men continued down the road. He sighed and glanced quickly behind him. “Do what you must. I shall continue my watch.”
Nathaniel acknowledged his friend’s comment with a bob of his head when his mind whirred to life. “Joseph, I’ve a question for you.”
He turned, squinting against the afternoon sun. “Aye?”
Nathaniel neared. Placing his hands on his hips, he stared in the direction of the Cooper’s home, visible just beyond the pond on the other side. “Have you seen Andrew of late?” It wasn’t until that moment he’d realized he hadn’t seen Andrew in weeks, in fact he hadn’t seen him since that night at the Cooper’s home those many weeks ago.
Joseph looked away, his mouth twisting to the side as he thought. “I can’t recall. But as you know, he takes the watch every Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening. He’s quite busy with the shop. Doesn’t do much else these days, though I know he wishes to.”
Straining to keep his expression void of the emotion that crawled up his spine, Nathaniel raised both brows casually, while around him howled a startling probability. He hadn’t thought of such until this moment. “Three times a week? I only request one of each of you. There are enough of us to make sure no one need spend an excessive amount of time away from their families.”
Shrugging, Joseph slid his hands in his pockets and followed a cart with his vision as it passed on the road before meeting Nathaniel’s gaze. “Wouldn’t you spend that much time guarding if you could?”
Point taken. Nathaniel was so often called away by patients, he was gratified when he could serve on two watches a week. In truth, if his trade allowed, he would never leave the magazine until the villain was found and his neck stretched. The way Nathaniel’s blood spun in his chest, he could no longer remain still. He flicked his finger against his leg. Andrew had made it clear numerous times how much he despised the king. So perhaps it wasn’t so strange the man made it his duty to guard as much as he could. And yet...
Joseph continued. “Andrew wants this blackguard discovered as well as anyone.”
Nathaniel wiped his hands down his face and expelled a defeated sigh. He tried to answer with words, but could only nod.
“We can speak with him about it as soon as we meet.” Joseph cupped Nathaniel on the shoulder and gave a strong tap before he walked back toward the magazine.
Nathaniel snatched his medical bag and started toward Shawme Pond with Thomas right behind him. Once a good distance from any ears, he allowed his frustrations to crest. “The truth is vile enough to make me ill.”
Thomas stepped beside him, but kept his vision forward. “I suspect I know your thoughts.”
The birds chirped once again, but this time Nathaniel wanted to scold them for their irritating cheeriness. “’Tis a contemptible thought indeed, but I fear ‘tis the only plausible explanation.”