“He’s a good man, in an impossible situation. And now with two murders, one victim bein’ the daughter of a prominent barrister, the other the daughter of an equally prominent Judge of the Court.”
Mrs. Ryan provided breakfast, then we both dressed for the appointment. Brodie insisted that I attend the meeting as well, since the original inquiry case for Lily, if one could call it a case, was in the matter of Charlotte Mallory’s murder.
“And?” I prompted him. I could tell there was more to the thought behind the frown and that hooded dark gaze, as I pushed his hands aside and proceeded to tie his tie for him.
“I dinna know how ye figure the damned thing out,” he grumbled. “It makes me think how ye might have learned it.”
He does have a habit of grumbling when he’s deep in thought, particularly in the matter of an inquiry case.
“A bit jealous, are you?” I teased.
“That has nothin’ to do with it.”
Oh, really, I thought, as I wove the end of the silk tie—he did loathe them—under, over, and through, then smoothed the silk.
“It’s not proper for an unmarried lady to know such things. And ye were unmarried when ye first tied me own tie.”
“Then you are complaining that I knew how to tie one, and you didn’t,” I concluded.
“I have no use for the damned things!”
“I am well aware of that. Still, it does make you look…”
There was that frown again.
“Quite handsome, especially with the glare. As if you were some brigand who might carry me off and have his way with me.”
That stopped him. “Brigand?”
“A man of dubious reputation,” I translated.
The glare slowly melted. His hands closed around mine.
“I’d much rather carry ye off than meet with the ‘Interim’ Chief Inspector of the Metropolitan Police.”
“It won’t hurt to listen to what he has to say.”
“That he wants me to join their investigation—ye know my feelin’s in that regard.”
“Of course, dear,” I replied. That dark brow with the scar through it arched at my reply.
“Wot is yer meanin’?”
“Chief Inspector Graham sent Mr. Dooley with a request for you to meet with him. He knows you from past experience. He also obviously knows that you may very well have information regarding Charlotte Mallory’s murder.”
“Wot else?”
“I would imagine that he’s being watched very closely, with Mr. Abberline set aside for the time being.”
“Go on.”
“It seems to me that you are in a position to name your own rules and requirements, and still proceed as before. After all, you are no longer under the authority of the MET.”
“Has anyone ever told ye that ye have a curious mind for such things?”
“I believe that I may have heard that once or twice before.”
We arrived promptly for our meeting with Chief Inspector Graham. I saywe, as Brodie insisted that I was to be included.
