Pierce wanted to scream, but had to hold it in, lest he awaken the owners of the pub. Vainly, he rechecked the room and found the same thing as when they had first entered. Nothing, no sign of Lord Lodge.
Their entry into the building had been perfect. Sean had opened the back door within seconds, letting MacDuff and Pierce silently rush in and start up the stairs. They met no one on the flight up and had quickly reached the top floor suite. MacDuff had motioned for Pierce to open the door and he would go in first. Nodding he understood, Pierce gingerly turned the knob. When he had turned it fully he looked at MacDuff, took a deep breath, and then pushed it open as quietly as he could. This had proved unnecessary as the pair were confronted with an empty room. A quick search verified this.
“We’ve got to go,” whispered MacDuff, pulling Pierce back to the top floor landing.
The pair descended the stairs rejoining the others at the bottom. Both shook their heads, signalling that they had also found nothing.
Unable to accept this failure, Pierce began stalking around the ground floor, looking for anything that could provide a clue. At the entrance to the main pub, a floor board creaked as he stepped in. Looking down at his feet, he suddenly thought of the basement. It was a much more natural hiding place and must surely be where they moved Lodge to.
Pierce spun around and pointed down at the floor to his men, indicating that he believed this to be the next place to search. However Liam shook his head in response, having already searched it as the ground floor sentry. MacDuff looked at the others and pointed towards the door, signalling their need to exit and regroup outside. Pierce sullenly left the building, feeling defeated.
“You’re sure he was there lad?” voiced MacDuff, back in the relative safety of the alley across the street. Pierce responded with a black look. “Sorry, but I had to ask. What do we do next?”
“Nothing we can do. Return to the Manor and try and figure out what happened here.”
They extracted themselves from the village and returned to the Manor the way they had come. The trip proved uneventful, although they had to be particularly careful when they reached the Manor grounds. The bonfire alluded to by Schell had reached epic heights and had gathered a large crowd, judging by the shadows of revellers that they could see.
“What a bloody mess,” spat Pierce as they re-entered the Brown Hall.
“What happens now, to Lord Lodge I mean,” asked Liam.
“I have no idea. Maybe I got it wrong. Maybe he wasn’t in danger at all and they took him to some mountain retreat or seaside resort. But I doubt it.”
“I as well,” agreed MacDuff. “The carriage that almost ran you over on the lake road belongs to Cleaver and was filled with his Pack. I’d be willing to bet that it also contained Lord Lodge.”
“We probably missed them by minutes,” uttered Sean, rubbing his face wearily. They all sat in silence around the large table, refusing to continue. A knock at the door broke the stillness of the group and MacDuff motioned for Liam to get the door. He was followed back into the room by Melrose, although his training forbade any great signs of emotion, Pierce could tell he was as similarly disappointed as the rest.
“I watched your return from the second floor balcony,” offered Melrose.
“Do you think anyone saw us?” asked Pierce, not knowing what else to say.
“I believe not my Lord. You picked a good spot, as mine was the only perch that provided a clear view.”
“Well that’s something.”
“I took the liberty…” said Melrose, displaying two bottles from behind his back.
One was immediately opened and passed around without glasses. Unable to witness a second ill-mannered pass, Melrose went in search of glasses. He returned with five, allowing himself a drink, feeling like part of the team. No one objected when he poured out five glasses and handed them out.
“Anyone have a plan?” inquired Pierce, scanning the room.
“Get rip roaring drunk,” offered Sean lamely.
“Then regroup and formulate a new plan,” seconded Liam.
“That’s as good as anything I’ve thought of,” agreed Pierce. He got up and took the second bottle. “But you guys are on your own. I’ve been invited to the festivity of fire out there and they’re expecting me. So good night gents, and thanks for your efforts. This does not end tonight.”
He moved to the door after picking up the second bottle. Melrose followed him, grabbing his master’s forgotten dinner jacket. Pierce looked down at his odd attire and removed the hunting jacket, handing it to Melrose and then shrugging into his original formal wear.
“I won’t need you for some time Melrose,” Pierce instructed his valet. “Feel free to grab another bottle from my stock and share it with the Pack. They’ve earned it.”
“Very kind sir.”
“Kind nothing, I assume that’s where the first two bottles came from.”
“Indeed.”
“I’m heading to the party by the bonfire. Come get me if I don’t return by sunrise.”