Chapter 4

The trial for Thomas was over in a flash. Conspiracy with brigands, plundering merchant barges, the evidence was irrefutable. He was sentenced to death, to be carried out after the autumn.

When Tracy heard the news, she collapsed on the spot. When she revived, she wept as though her heart would break, but no amount of raging could change anything.

George's verdict had already been signed off by the bigwigs up top; there was no way to overturn it.

It was like half the sky fell on the Hill family overnight. Thomas had always been the one keeping the business…