‘He didn’t say anything, didn’t shout anything, nothing to explain his motives?’
‘No. And neither of his victims had a chance to speak. Do you think the government searched the house for thecomte’s report?’
‘I’m sure of it. He was their man– at least, they thought he was. They would’ve sent discreet people to the house to clear out anything embarrassing for government officials. His last report would’ve been noted in the file Thornbury consulted.’
‘Then, if it is missing, it doesn’t sound as if Lorenzo had a chance to destroy it.’
‘That goes to my theory. What if someone staged the accident to search me for it, or at least information as to where it might be?’
‘How would you have got hold of it?’
‘If they are following us, they would know we saw Henry Austen and that I had talked to Thornbury. They might have been after my notes or any papers I was carrying.’
‘Then they don’t know we write things in our case book in the office and don’t generally travel with information like that on our person.’ Dora grimaced. ‘I hope they weren’t watching Miss Austen going about with me today because she did nothing but write things down.’
‘We should warn everyone at the agency that we might be targeted for a break-in, as well as the Austens.’ He rubbed his jaw. ‘And Thornbury.’
Dora saw a chance to get rid of her shadow. ‘We should suggest Miss Austen stays out of harm’s way.’
‘Indeed. Though I think neither of us should go about alone while the threat lasts. We both need someone to watch our backs.’
Hopefully they could investigate together, rather than in separate teams, if he felt well enough to get out of bed tomorrow. She would then be able to keep an eye on him. ‘So, to return to your thinking, your first theory is that it is this missing report of thecomte’s that has got someone interested in us?’
‘Interest is a mild way of putting “want to kill”.’ He gave her a sardonic look.
‘And the second theory?’
‘I’m not sure I want to say anything.’
‘Jacob!’
‘I know, I know.’ He held up his hands in surrender. ‘Look, something else happened today.’
What else could possibly have happened? ‘Go on.’
‘That unpleasant scene with Ruby in Gunter’s made it into the society column. My intent to marry you is public knowledge and it has not been met with universal approval.’
She snorted at that understatement, then realisation dawned. ‘Your brother must be furious.’
‘Oh, he is, believe me, but not as angry as I am with him for his presumption that he can rule my life.’
Where was Jacob going with this? ‘Jacob, he might be angry, but he would never push you in front of a carriage!’
He laughed then held a hand to his ribs. ‘No, even I don’t think that of Arthur.’
‘Then what would be the connection?’
‘One of my peers on the way to their club might have decided to take me down a peg or two.’
‘So angry that they pushed you into the gutter– with me?’
He winced. ‘Well, yes. The assailant might not have cared if I got badly hurt or not. It was the impulse of a bully. Having my pockets picked was the action of an opportune thief.’
‘Hmm. I’m not sure which theory I prefer: dangerous secrets or prejudiced bully?’
‘Whichever it is, neither of us is safe until this is resolved. But you know what this means?’ His eyes twinkled with some of his usual humour.
‘No?’ she asked suspiciously.
