Under His Protection

Chapter 13

Chapter Thirteen

Val was sitting in bed with her hands on the journal Cat brought wondering why she was having such a problem opening the bloody book.

Was it because she really didn't want to read about a life she could no longer remember?

Or about the love and trust she so blindly gave her first husband?

About the false life she once had lived.

Or was it because she no longer was the person who took pen to this journal?

Cat retired early because of her condition. Myles and Oliver went on to play a game of billiards after dinner. The two men seemed to enjoy each other's company and she was happy about that. Poor Oliver had only her and the children for company to speak of since his men were busy guarding and patrolling the grounds. She knew the life he'd lived in London and working at his agency had changed drastically not only because of his father's and brother's deaths but also his marriage to her. He was tied down to a wife and children now. A wife who had someone trying to kill her, so many people's lives were now changed thanks to Bruce Bishop's actions.

Val looked down at the journal once more and told herself to quit being such a ninny and open the bloody book.

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"I know we discussed Val's parents earlier today, but I didn't ask what you or your men learned in their investigations about the pair so far," Myles asked him as Oliver prepared for a shot. They had retired to the billiards room soon after dinner and were now in the middle of their game.

"They are focusing now on the five lords that knew about your wife's Foreign Office work," he replied.

"Even Bishop's uncle?"

Yes. If it wasn't Plympton as you all thought we need to determine that. If it was Plympton then most likely the man had a partner or partners who are worried that my wife knows something or that Bishop left some sort of evidence behind to incriminate them."

"Cat often wondered if one of their assistants' was involved."

"I know, I've wondered the same myself even though it would add more men to our list that must be investigated after we see what evidence we might or might not turn up on the five original lords. After that then we will decide on how to expand our investigations. I only have so many men and I've been pushing them to their limits as it is. In the mean time Val and the children are safe here I've seen to that."

                                                                                    * * *

7, February, 1883

I have never kept a journal before and not sure I will be faithful with this one once we arrive in India but I want to be able to look back on this most exciting time of my life...hopefully when I am old and gray.

I have so many reasons to be excited about.

Reason One...About a month ago Bruce and his regiment received orders to travel to India to serve under the Viceroy of all people. We were both very excited with that news. Even though Richie is only a little over two years old we have taken with us his nanny who seemed as excited about the trip as we are. We had almost a month to acquire the items we will need there and probably will be unable to find according to other's who have lived in India. It was also gave us time to say goodbye to family and friends (mostly Bruce's family, mostly my friends).