Chapter ONE - Weebly

elaborate black cockades, and both carried canes
tipped with brass. The men were of medium height, the
father thicker in the middle and heavier of face. The son
was lean, the long gray hair of his wig framing a square
chin and high cheekbones. Ethan could see how a
young woman might be drawn to him.
Father and son spoke in low tones as they walked,
oblivious of all around them. When they were only a
few paces from where Ethan stood, he cleared his
throat loudly to draw their attention.
The older Derne halted immediately, a frown
clouding his face. The son slowed, but put himself
between Ethan and his father, firmly gripping his cane.
“Is there something I can do for you?” the younger
Derne asked in a strong, cold voice.
“I hope so,” Ethan said, smiling so that his lip and
cheek hurt. “I’m looking for Cyrus Derne.”
The younger man hesitated for only a moment,
although the knuckles on the hand holding his cane
whitened even more.
“You’ve found him.”
“Forgive me if I’ve alarmed you, Mister Derne. My