I knew Lucy quite well. She had once worked for the Times of London and now worked for the Agency. She had also assisted Brodie and me in an early inquiry case. I liked her very much, but far more important, I trusted her. I insisted they both join me.
We agreed for them to arrive at the town house at eight o’clock, and I informed Mrs. Ryan that they would joining me for supper.
“And Mr. Brodie as well?” she asked.
“Not this evening,” I told her with a frown and a vague excuse. “He is following up some matter in an inquiry case.”
I left it at that. She was quite used to his hours when on a case, and there was no need for details that might upset her. She was quite fond of him.
The truth was, I didn’t know anything beyond what Mr. Dooley had told me, and then the brief information Munro had provided about that unsolved murder case years before.
That, and the fact that I hadn’t a word from Brodie since the day before, and then only a vague explanation that he was following up some information in the counterfeit case.
Today, all had changed, and I needed to know everything Abberline had told Sir Avery.
We exchanged the usual pleasantries over supper.
Whatever Alex knew, he chose to keep to himself until after we had eaten and retired to the front parlor, where Mrs. Ryan served dessert with coffee and tea.
Alex and Lucy both commended her on a fine meal. I waited until she had closed the sliding doors behind her, then set aside my plate, my dessert untouched.
“I cannot imagine how you are so calm,” Lucy commented once we were alone.
“Have you heard from Brodie?” Alex asked.
“I was hoping that you had heard from him.”
“Not since yesterday,” he replied. “We received a note regarding the latest developments in the counterfeit case. There was nothing new in that regard, other than someone he was to see who had business dealings in the East End.
“He thought the man might know who had been passing the counterfeit notes, or at least know something that he could follow up on.”
I explained that I had intended to stop by the Agency earlier and saw Abberline as he arrived.
Alex exchanged a look with Lucy. Agency business was highly confidential and not to be shared beyond those imposing stone walls. However...
“He was looking for Brodie,” Alex explained, then paused, obviously hesitant. “He has a warrant for his arrest.”
I nodded. “I received word earlier at the office on the Strand.”
“Then you are aware of the charges against him?”
I inquired what Sir Avery’s response had been.
“He listened to what Abberline had to say, and then reminded him that he had no authority over the Agency. He also reminded him that he must send word ahead when he intends to call in the future.”
I could well imagine how that went over, for a man who considered himself to be the ultimate authority in all matters.
“You must know that I don’t believe the charges,” Alex added most vehemently.
I did appreciate that.
“What about Sir Avery?” I inquired. “What was his reaction?”
“He sent Abberline on his way. As you know, he is not one to share his thoughts on matters. He spoke at great length after Abberline left, saying that the Agency cannot afford to be associated with such a situation.”
I was not surprised.
“I have heard from one of the reporters at the newspaper,” Lucy added. “The Times will be carrying an article about the murder in the morning crime section, along with a statement from the witness who claims to have seen Mr. Brodie there.”
