Just as Kane feared they would get away, two large fishing boats came out of nowhere, cutting off Grahams’ escape. Kane noticed Heath at the helm of one vessel. Pride welled up in his chest. Heath cut a fine figure standing tall and proud by the wheel.
The two boats corralled Graham’s boat back to the dock, where Harvey, Kane, and a few police boarded the boat. Guns were trained on Graham and his accomplice, who was, in fact, Duvall.
“Don’t you know it's never wise to run from the police?” Harvey said with a scowl.
The two men kept silence.
“I have some questions for both of you, and I expect to have them answered.” The detective was in his element. “What cargo is on board this ship?”
He waited for either man to answer, but when they remained silent, Harvey narrowed his gaze at Graham.
“I can have your boat confiscated and make sure you never sail in these waters again.”
The captain’s eyes widened at the threat. “It was just to make some extra money, sir.”
“Shut up, you imbecile,” Duvall said from beside him.
“And what is your part in this?” Harvey directed the question to Duvall. “Rather late to be making a crossing, is it not?"
The Frenchman pursed his lips, refusing to speak. Kane couldn’t take much more. He wanted to grab Duvall by the lapels and shake him until he confessed.
“Perhaps a night or two in a cell will loosen your tongue.” The detective motioned for his men to take Graham and Duvall off the ship.
As Duvall passed Kane, his anger exploded. “Where are the girls?” Kane lurched towards Duvall, but Harvey grabbed him before he could do anything foolish.
“What are you talking about?” Duvall asked, clearly surprised by the outburst.
“The girls you kidnapped.”
“I have taken no children. The only thing in the cargo hold is goods to sell in France.” Duvall sighed deeply. “When the imports arrive from my company, I sell some goods at a higher price and pocket the difference.”
“What does that have to do with you and Graham sailing at night?” Kane asked.
“I use the profit to purchase goods from London to sell in France for a higher margin. Liquor, tea, even food supplies. I have a contact in France who sells it to certain establishments who pay good money. Graham gets a share for the use of his boat.”
A dead end. Kane cursed in frustration. By this time, Heath was waiting on the dock. He watched Harvey take the prisoners away. Even if they weren’t involved with taking the girls, they had broken the law, and Duvall’s employer would not be happy to know that he was being swindled.
When Kane met Heath, he gave him the story. They weren’t any closer to finding who took the girls. This had been their best lead. Now they had to pin their hopes on something turning up at The Painted Pony. But who knew how many girls might be taken before they could find the culprits?
“Let’s go home,” Heath put an arm around him.
They walked in silence for a while before Kane spoke.
“By the way, you looked magnificent on that boat.” He couldn’t help admitting.
Heath chuckled. “I told you, I knew what I was doing.”
“That was a wonderful idea. If it wasn’t for you, Graham and Duvall might have gotten away.”
“It was exhilarating, I will admit that. Just like the old days before...” Heath banged his cane on the wooden planks.
“But it didn’t matter that you had a bad leg, did it?” Kane cupped Heath’s cheek. “You could still do what you wanted. It didn’t stop you. Like I’ve always said, you are more than you give yourself credit for.”
CHAPTER15
Kane’s words made Heath want to thrust his chest out with pride. The sudden urge to kiss the man overtook him, but Heath kept his emotions in check. They rode home and went directly upstairs. It had been a long night.
“I suppose the police will continue to monitor The Painted Pony. That was the only other lead we had.” Kane was still preoccupied with the mission. Perhaps Heath could take his mind off things, at least for a short while. Besides, the adrenaline was still pumping through his veins.