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intention of plotting the assassination of a high-ranking member of government, or even a member of the royal family. The most obvious targets would be Peel or Liverpool, or possibly the Regent. Others could be under threat too.”
    Will shook his head. “That’s not much to go on.”
    â€œAs usual,” Alec said sarcastically.
    â€œThe defense of one’s country never comes easily, Gilbride,” the duke huffed.
    Will hastily intervened before Alec could step into it further. “No, sir, it doesn’t. And Alasdair and I stand ready to do whatever is necessary. But surely there are agents with both a greater understanding of the Irish question and intimate knowledge of where in London such conspirators might be found.”
    â€œGenerally I would agree with you,” Dominic said. “And I will give you the support you need in those areas. But there is one particular reason why you, Will, are most suited for this mission.”
    Uncharacteristically, Dominic hesitated, and faint warning bells began to sound in Will’s head. “And that reason is?”
    Dominic tilted his head, and a calculating look Will had never seen before briefly crossed his face. The bells in his head clanged even louder.
    â€œBecause an old friend of yours could possibly be involved in this conspiracy,” Dominic said. “Her involvement is not necessarily by intention, but more likely by her association with certain persons.”
    â€œAnd who is this old friend?” Will slowly asked with a sense of impending doom.
    â€œMiss Evelyn Whitney, daughter of Lord and Lady Reese,” Dominic replied. “I believe you know her quite well.”

Chapter Two
    Will wondered if someone had knocked him on the back of his head since Dominic’s words resisted any attempt to make sense of them.
    â€œBloody hell,” Alec exclaimed. “Wasn’t expecting that, were you?”
    â€œEvie? Are you sure?” Will forced out.
    â€œOf course we’re sure,” barked his father. “Do you think we would make a joke about this?”
    â€œNo, sir, but since your Dublin source is so vague, how can we be sure this information is correct?” Will shook his head. “It completely beggars belief that Evie—Evelyn—would be involved in something like this.”
    It was absurd. Evie was the sweetest, most gentle person Will had ever known. She was also painfully shy and loathed any sort of conflict. No one who knew her could believe for a moment that she could be involved in any type of criminal activity, much less a murderous conspiracy.
    â€œUnfortunately, the facts do point to Miss Whitney’s involvement,” Dominic said calmly.
    Will shook his head. “I refuse to believe it.”
    â€œAre you accusing us of lying, William?” his father asked in a cold voice.
    â€œOf course not, sir, but—”
    The duke cut him off. “Then you must believe that I am somehow wanting in intellect. I suppose you know better than your commander-in-chief and Sir Dominic, do you?”
    â€œSir, that’s hardly fair,” Alec objected. “Wolf never suggested that.”
    Before Will’s father could unleash his ire on Alec, Dominic interrupted. “May I suggest some refreshment before we continue? Your Highness, allow me to fetch you a drink.”
    â€œNow that you mention it, I’m fairly parched,” grumbled the duke. “Why the devil didn’t you offer me one before?”
    Dominic simply smiled at the older man. Although of common origin, Dominic had been raised with the royal princes, and understood how to manage them better than anyone. He was particularly close to the Duke of York, sharing his commitment to England’s military and the well-being of its men.
    The spymaster splashed some brandy into two glasses, handing one to the duke and the other to Will. He pointedly ignored Alec, who muttered under his breath as he got