“You may not have fully known the situation, sir,” I told him. “I was forced to turn to Mr. Brodie for assistance when it became obvious that I could not rely on the Metropolitan Police. The only reason she was found safe was through his efforts.”
“I wasn’t aware, Lady Forsythe. Nevertheless,” he turned back to Brodie. “We need your assistance in this…Ineed your assistance.”
The chief inspector came out of his chair and rounded the desk.
“You are no doubt aware of recenteventshere at the MET, regrettable events, and I do not blame you for your reluctance. The truth is my position in the office is temporary. I have noambitions for higher position as others do. I know of your recent experience here.”
I looked over at Brodie to see his reaction, but there was none, only that dark, steady gaze, while I felt anger all over again just at the memory of it.
“The truth of the matter, just between those present, is that if it is left in the hands of others… I have no confidence that the murderer will be found.
“It is sad to say that the MET is in disarray. Men perform their shifts with many looking the other way from things they see on the street while others—good men—are put in harm’s way. I want the person who has committed these horrible murders caught, and I will do whatever is necessary to see the matter done.”
I did not know the man, even though Brodie had spoken highly of him. He was in an unenviable position no doubt. However, I believed him.
He seemed, much like Brodie, one of those ‘good’ men, forced to beg in order to find the person who had murdered Charlotte Mallory and now Margaret Cameron, for it did appear that it might very well be the same person.
“There would be conditions for sharing the investigation,” Brodie said after much consideration.
“Very well. What are your conditions?”
“If we are to participate, we are to have access to all reports submitted to you, along with any in the past regarding the murders. We will provide a report as necessary.”
Mr. Graham nodded.
“Lady Forsythe is to be included in this.”
Once again there was a nod, which surprised me, considering the usual objections about a woman taking part in such things, even outright contempt.
“Most particularly, Inspector Dooley is to be part of this, and he will answer only to me.”
Mr. Graham slowly nodded once more.
“Is that all?” he asked.
It was not.
“Most important,” Brodie replied. “Lady Forsythe and I will make every effort to find the one responsible for the murders. But we answer to no one in this. Not even yerself. That is not negotiable.”
I fully expected the chief inspector to object, or in the very least to make his own conditions. I was surprised when he did not.
It may have spoken to the seriousness of the matter and expectations that the murders be resolved as quickly as possible. Or possibly something else between the two men.
If Brodie was surprised that there was no objection, he gave no indication.
“You drive a hard bargain,” Mr. Graham eventually replied.
“That is the only bargain I will accept,” Brodie replied.
“What you’re asking for violates several rules and regulations of conduct and procedures of the MET.”
Brodie’s response was in his expression. There would be no compromise.
“Very well,” the chief inspector finally said. “Agreed.” Then, in a slightly sarcastic tone. “I suppose that you want this in writing.”
I stood as Brodie rose from his own chair, the meeting very obviously at an end. He paused at the door to the chief inspector’s office.
“Ye are a Scot, Mr. Graham.”
