Munro stood beside her chair, dressed in his usual black trousers and short coat, arms folded behind his back. He looked very much the part of the dutiful servant. However, I knew better, as I glimpsed the faint outline of something tucked beneath his coat, the dutiful expression on his face failing to disguise that sharp blue gaze.
I smothered back a smile and replaced it with an expression of mock surprise as my aunt greeted me.
“Here you are, my dear,” my aunt exclaimed. “I do hope your appointment at the dressmaker’s was successful.” And then almost as an afterthought, “We have visitors.”
“Yes, quite successful,” I replied, keeping with her ruse as I crossed the parlor and kissed her cheek.
She gestured to the Chief Inspector and the constable that stood apart before the hearth in the fireplace.
“Do forgive me, I have forgotten your name. The afflictions of age, you see,” she made the excuse, efficiently putting the Chief Inspector in his place.
Age, my foot, I thought as I watched a performance that would have rivaled any that Templeton would have performed on the stage. Not that it was a total surprise.
This was a woman who had stared down a half-dozen suitors, a list of foreign diplomats, and a king or two over a lifetime with that cool smile and even cooler gaze.
“Chief Inspector Abberline, your ladyship,” he replied through tight lips.
“Oh, yes, of course,” my aunt replied with another dismissive wave of her hand. “He has questions about something or another…” she added in that same vague manner that she performed so well.
Abberline stood now and turned to me in acknowledgment. “Good evening, Miss Forsythe. I do have questions, in the matter of a recent inquiry case that you and Mr. Brodie have undertaken.”
I calmly met that beady, weasel-like gaze and half expected his nose to twitch. I was reminded that weasels are clever, persistent, and could be dangerous.
“It is of great importance to the Metropolitan Police,” he continued.
Did weasels chatter much like a squirrel, I thought? Definitely a squeaky, chirping sound…
“There has been a murder, and it would seem that Mr. Brodie may be involved,” he then explained. “In the matter of the death of a young woman.”
A young woman of little means who would not have mattered in the past, I thought. Not unlike Mrs. Ryan’s daughter, Mary, in that first inquiry case. But this was far more important, and there was only one reason—Brodie.
The Chief Inspector was determined to connect him to the murder, hence the warrant that now had Brodie in hiding. Ameans for having the revenge over that old case that had denied his advancement?
Weasel indeed. And he no doubt took me for some featherbrained fool who could be intimidated.
Not likely, I thought. When dealing with a weasel it was necessary to respond appropriately.
“Someone has died?” I replied with mock surprise. “How very dreadful. That would seem somewhat extreme over the matter.” I added with no small amount of sarcasm. “Although I suppose there are some who will go to all lengths to prevent being discovered.”
“You misunderstand,” he replied with a twitch of irritation at his cheek. “It is the murder we are investigating.”
I smiled again. “Sir Avery mentioned nothing about a murder,” I added.
“Sir Avery?” he frowned.
“You asked about the case we are investigating,” I reminded him. “The matter of a case that he has asked us to investigate.”
“You know very well what I am referring to, Miss Forsythe.”
Was he going to mention that I had been followed and then watched at the town house? Another smile, although I was rapidly running out of them.
“I am certain you understand that I am not at liberty to discuss the case. That information would have to be authorized by Sir Avery of the Special Services as it is of a serious issue for the Crown.”
“Miss Forsythe, I must insist you cooperate!”
I wasn’t certain if it was his threatening tone or the fact that the Chief Inspector took a step toward me. There was a sudden distinct growl from the entrance to the parlor. It seemed that the hound had returned.
“Sir?” the constable standing behind him cautioned.
