Never Wager Against Love by Maureen Driscoll Page A

the Larsen broadsword.  We are here to take possession of it until the
threat has passed.  It will, of course, be returned to you afterward.”
    Sergeant Flagstone opened and shut his mouth several times
in rapid succession.  “Someone wants to steal the Larsen?  I can’t imagine
anyone trying to take the broadsword, what with all the guards we have.  Quite
frankly, Miss Gans, that’s the craziest thing I have heard since….well, since I
heard the Home Office has lady agents.  No offense, miss.”
    “Of course, sergeant,” said Vanessa as she almost took a sip
of her tea to be polite, then decided it would be better to be rude than to be
sickened by whatever was in her cup.
    “Have you seen the Larsen broadsword recently?” asked
Arthur.  “While I’m sure only the most foolhardy villains would try to steal
it, I can assure you that we’re dealing with two ruthless individuals.  I
wouldn’t put it past them to at least try.”
    Sergeant Flagstone considered the possibility.  “They must
be two bully boys and daft ones at that, if they expect to get through here.”
    Vanessa smiled at the man.  “Actually, one of the two is a
woman.”
    That news, unsurprisingly, astounded Sergeant Flagstone.  “A
woman!  What is the world coming to if a woman tries to steal the Larsen?  If
you ask me, it’s all because of that nonsense in Lunnon.  The sister of some
dook says females should get involved in politics, if you can believe that. 
Did you hear about it?”
    “I believe I heard something to that effect,” said Arthur.
    “Can we count on your assistance?” asked Vanessa. 
    “I see no reason to refuse your request, seeing as it’s the
Crown.  I will, however, have to inform the prison guv’nor.  He’ll have to give
his permission.  I’ll go explain the situation to him while my adjutant fetches
the Larsen.  You should be underway in no time at all.”
    As Sergeant Flagstone left the office, shaking his head and
muttering about females, Arthur opened the window and emptied the contents of
his and Vanessa’s cups.  “I actually believe the tea will sully the disgusting
moat.  Once we have the Larsen broadsword – if it is still here – what would
you like to do?  It may be days yet before Dumbarton deciphers the next code.”
    Vanessa considered his request.  “I think you should take
the sword to London while I await word from Dumbarton.”
    “And I think that’s a terrible idea.  We’re in this
together, love, and I won’t leave you alone.”
    “Why is it so important that you accompany me?  Are you
bored with your life and wish for some excitement?  I might be more amenable to
your accompanying me if I better understood your reasons.”
    Arthur was saved from replying by the adjutant entering the
room.  He was dragging a four-foot long, moldering leather case.  With a great
deal of effort, he placed it on Flagstone’s desk, then pulled out an old key
and unlocked the case.  Whatever Arthur was expecting, it wasn’t what they
looked upon inside. 
    The sword, like everything else in the castle, was in a
state of decay.  The blade was corroded and dull.  By some miracle, the hilt still
retained its jewels, perhaps because they currently looked like nothing more
than dirty rocks.  But after a few moments of rubbing with Arthur’s
handkerchief, they could begin to see the glitter of gold. 
    “I’m surprised any jewels remain on it,” said Vanessa. 
“Especially in a place like this.”
    “If you’ll excuse me ma’am, it’s because it’s in a place
like this that the jewels are still there,” said the adjutant.  “While everyone
knows about the sword, not many know where we keep it.  And even if they was to
find it, them jewels is attached good and strong.  Those dirty Vikings knew how
to make a sword.  And it’s not like you could take something like this out of
here with no one the wiser.” 
    “Liam would love this,” said Arthur.  “He is a