"Ah... Mr. Ward enjoys an immunity from both yourself and Constable Crane. I see," said Malachi, sounding awfully disappointed.

He hadn't a clue who this Benjamin Ward actually was, nor did he know why Elijah might have ignored his alleged crimes, but the girl had mentioned it and he wasn't about to waste the opportunity. As for Noah Longbottom -- where had he heard that name before? In fact, he'd heard the name 'James' along with it. Why was it so fami--

...These were the actual children of the woman that'd called him 'son,' weren't they. That made sense.

"You did not ask me for names," he reminded, but let Ruth handle the rest. Malachi continued walking then, easily pushing the cart before him.