The Enemy Within

The Enemy Within A Historical Romance Stein Willard @ 2023 © Stein Willard 2023 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without the express permission of the author or publisher. Please note that piracy of copyrighted materials is illegal and violates the rights of the author. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. Editor: DEPE Editor/Proofing: Wendy Neale Cover Design: DEPE BACK OF THE BOOK With their goal of receiving official pardons from the Crown finally in sight, Hirsh and her band of pirate sisters are actively planning for the future. Vows are made and new friendships are formed as the family continues to grow. DEDICATION For my readers. I’m immensely grateful to you for your feedback and for not allowing me to prematurely end the story at Book 5, as was originally intended. You rock! In the book, mention is made of a Livingstone Settlement, a fictitious encampment. It shouldn’t be confused with Livingstone, the Zambian town named after the famous missionary and explorer, Dr. David Livingstone in 1905. SW Chapter 1 London, 1825 It was late, almost midnight when Oliver arrived at his destination. He estimated that he was about twenty kilometres outside London and without the streetlights and the bustle of the city, the house before him appeared deserted. To add to its bleak appearance was the fact that there were no lights on inside or around the house. He took the steps two at a time and knocked on the door. As he waited for his knock to be answered, he looked around while wondering if he shouldn’t have accepted Geon’s offer to accompany him. She wasn’t happy when he turned her down, saying that the invitation stated clearly that he come alone. If not for Lord Morris, who had issued the invite, he wouldn’t have considered braving the unknown, and the possibility of running into highway bandits, to come here. The door opened and a woman with a dour disposition and a lantern in her hand, invited him inside then led him through the dark house towards the back. They arrived at a door and he could see a sliver of light coming from under the door. “They are expecting you, sir.” “Thank you.” He entered and found Lord Morris standing at the fireplace. With him was the reason Oliver now knew why he was asked to come alone. He closed the door behind him and walked over to greet the men. “Lord Morris. Lord Jenkins.” The prime minister had recovered well from his ordeal, but after two weeks still seemed to favour his knee as he moved to take a seat on the couch. “Welcome, Mr. Potts. Please have a seat.” Oliver joined the man while Lord Morris went to pour him a brandy. He took in the room. The room as well as the rest of the house were surprisingly well-decorated for its desolate exterior. “It is my hideout when life in the city becomes too suffocating,” Lord Jenkins said with a grimaced. “Which, unfortunately, has happened a lot over the past few weeks. I can’t think what would’ve happened had your friends not come to my rescue.” “That is what they do, milord. I’m glad that they could be of service.” Lord Morris handed him his drink and made himself comfortable. “Shall we begin, gentlemen? My wife and daughters get restless when I stay out too late.” Lord Jenkins leaned back in his chair. “I need to know who your friends are, Mr. Potts.” Oliver took a sip of his drink, studying the man over the rim of his glass. He had no intention of divulging that information. “I’m afraid I can’t do that, milord. Not unless I have the guarantee from the Crown that it is safe for their identities to be known.” He could see that the man wasn’t happy with his answer, but Oliver didn’t care. He was falling deeper in love with Geon every day and he wasn’t going to jeopardise that by putting her and her friends in danger. Nor would he want them to be exploited in any way. “You do realise that it is within my power to make you tell me.” Oliver saw the sharp look that Lord Morris gave the man. It was good to know that his friend wasn’t condoning this intimidation approach. He stood and, straightening his jacket, bowed. “Thank you, gentleman, but I believe my services are no longer needed.” He turned and without a backward glance walked to the door. “Wait a minute, Mr. Potts.” He stopped but didn’t turn around. “I apologise for my discourtesy. Your friends saved my life and threatening you to disclose their identities is no way to show my gratitude.” Oliver turned back to the man. “They are more than friends to me, Lord Jenkins. I accept your apology, but please take note that should you try to threaten me again or in any other way or form try to get me to reveal who they are, I am willing to take that information to the grave with me.” He saw a flash of admiration in the man’s eyes before he nodded. “Duly noted, Mr. Potts. Please, can we continue with our meeting?” With a look at Lord Morris, who nodded, Oliver walked over to join them. *** Coventry Jeremiah held up his hand and Abigail pulled the glass away to dab at his lips. He lay back but didn’t take his eyes off her as she moved away. He was stronger now, but not according to Abigail. She watched him like a hawk and pampered him. She did everything for him, except the one thing he truly wanted. Being his wife. On numerous occasions he had woken during the night to find her sitting up,