River Of Fire Read Free Page A

Warrior, I understand."
    Kenneth grimaced. "That was merely a nickname given to me after I hunted down a band of French deserters who had been terrorizing the Spanish peasants. I did what any officer would do."
    "Perhaps, but you did it with remarkable efficiency." Bowden's gaze became speculative. "After three years as an intelligence officer, you were captured by the French and held for several days. After you escaped, you returned to regular duty with your regiment. No one seemed to know why."
    Kenneth thought of Maria, and knew he would see Bowden in hell before he would explain why he had given up intelligence work. "If you need a personal spy, why not hire a Bow Street Runner? They are far more qualified to investigate a crime."
    "I did hire one, but he was unable to discover anything important. I need someone who can enter the villain's household and investigate from within. That is where you come in." Bowden studied Kenneth's craggy face and broad, muscular figure. "I admit you don't look the part, but I have it on good authority that you're a talented artist."
    "I'm no artist," Kenneth said stiffly. "I merely have a knack for drawing."
    Bowden's brows rose again. "As you wish. In any event, I'm told that you took advantage of your years on the Continent to study art and architecture whenever your military duties permitted. You have seen the treasures of Spain , France , and the Low Countries , viewed masterpieces that few Englishmen of the last generation have seen. That fact will help you get into the villain's household."
    The conversation was getting stranger by the second. "You need a brave, ruthless spy who knows art, and you're willing to spend a fortune to get one," Kenneth said without inflection. "Why?"
    "The man I wish to unmask is a painter. Anyone ignorant of art is unlikely to be able to get close enough to investigate him." Bowden gave a chilling smile. "You see why I consider you uniquely suited to the task."
    A painter? Kenneth said warily, "Who is your quarry?"
    Bowden hesitated. "Before I reveal that, you must give your word to speak of this to no one even if you decide to refuse my proposal. I want justice, Kimball, and I will not be denied."
    "You have my word."
    Bowden's eyes became slits. "The man is Anthony Seaton."
    "Sir Anthony Seaton!" Kenneth stared at his visitor. "Bloody hell, surely you're joking!"
    "I would not joke about such a thing," Bowden snapped. "Your reaction demonstrates why he is such a difficult man to bring down. No one wants to believe him a criminal."
    Kenneth shook his head in disbelief. Though known particularly for his portraits, Sir Anthony had produced vast, magnificent historical paintings as well. Kenneth had seen engravings of his work. The power of them had struck him to the heart. "He is one of Britain 's foremost painters."
    "So he is." Bowden flattened a wrinkle in his immaculate buckskin breeches. "He is also my younger brother."
     
    ----
Chapter 2

     
    After another stunned moment, Kenneth said, "I will not get involved in a family feud."
    "Not even to trap a murderer, and save your heritage in the process?" Bowden said softly. "This is no simple family feud. It is a matter of justice."
    Feeling a sudden, overpowering need for a drink, Kenneth rose and went to his father's lovingly stocked liquor cabinet. He poured two measures of brandy, gave a glass to his visitor, and took his seat again. After a deep swallow, he said, "You're going to have to tell me the whole story before I can decide on this insane proposition of yours."
    "I suppose I must," Bowden said reluctantly. He studied his brandy without drinking. "Twenty-eight years ago I was betrothed to a young lady named Helen Cosgrove. She had flaming hair and was… very lovely. The banns had been cried and we were within a week of the wedding when she eloped with my brother Anthony."
    Kenneth caught his breath. No wonder there was bad blood between the men. "Twenty-eight years is a long time to wait for