Agent McTavish and his assistant stepped out of the shadows with handcuffs. “Sorry, old chap, but I’m afraid you’ll be coming with us.”
As Le Puma sized up the situation, he turned to escape down the stairs only to run into Mr. Mott and Charlie coming up the stairs with their guns drawn as well.
“We’ve been waiting for you, Le Puma,” Mona said. “We found your rifle days ago, and Mr. McTavish and his men have been hanging about to see if you would turn up for it.”
“It was bloody awful, hiding in this room and eating military rations,” complained McTavish. “But we were pretty sure you would make your move soon.”
“They have been here for three days, taking turns sleeping in the Duchess’ bedroom. No one knew they were here except for His Grace,” Mona said. “Before they take you away, I’ve got to ask—why did you kill that man in the woods? He was so young.”
Le Puma maintained a stoic silence.
McTavish asked, “Who was your accomplice? You couldn’t have done this on your own. Someone had to provide food while you were hiding here and inform you about Miss Moon’s movements.”
“I work alone,” Le Puma said in an unmistakable American accent. “No one helped me.”
The American accent threw Mona for a moment. “You’re from the United States?”
“I am.”
“Miss Moon, he might be a first generation German immigrant born in the United States with lots of family connections still in Germany. There is a lot of support for strong men in your country, Miss Moon,” McTavish spoke up.
“As in yours, McTavish,” Mona shot back.
Le Puma, ashamed at being caught and failing his assignment, boasted, “America has grown soft and decadent. I work to bring German values to the world.”
“The world is a pretty big place,” Mona replied.
“We will win. The United States and England are too weak to stop us. You’ll see. We’ll conquer the world! SIEG HEIL!”
Mona shot up from her seat. “Traitor!” she hissed.
“Steady on, Miss Moon,” McTavish suggested.
Composing herself, Mona said, “Keep him here until the tractor demonstration is over, then have your car brought to the front door. Most of the servants will be on the west lawn relaxing and having their tea. They won’t see him leave. I need to get back to my duties now.”
“Very well, Miss. We can’t have you being missed,” McTavish agreed.
“I’ll leave via the bedroom.” She turned to Le Puma. “I hope I never see you again.”
Le Puma narrowed his eyes. He radiated a hate that was almost palpable compelling Mona to retreat a step. “There will be others. It won’t stop with me.”
“‘It won’t stop with me either. Your people are not getting my copper.”
As Mona walked away, he screamed, “IT WON’T STOP WITH ME. OTHERS WILL COME. YOU ARE DEAD, MONA MOON. GIVE US THE COPPER OR YOU ARE DEAD!”