“He’s thick in the head,” Brown replied. “But good when there’s a need for muscle. Now tell me, what brings ye here, before any more of my people end up bloodied.”
Brodie explained about the attack and death of his friend.
Brown nodded. “I remember the man. He was always fair, even looked the other way in a couple of encounters in the past, and now you want to find the killer. Were there witnesses?”
“I would not be here if there were.”
Brown nodded with understanding. “I’ve always thought that you would make a fine addition to my ‘business.’ You know the streets and your way around them and the people in them, including the bloody peelers. And now you want my help.”
It was not the first time Brown had made the offer.
“Work? For ye?”
“It never hurts to ask. But I do understand with your arrangement with Lady Forsythe that you might be reluctant, and truth be known, I don’t blame ye. I might give all of this up for one such as her.”
Brodie nodded. “I need information, more eyes and ears on the street. It’s no secret that you have the largest number of ‘associates’ working for ye. And ye know as well that the murder of a constable is not something that remains secret.”
Brown agreed. “The truth of it is, that it’s like a medal some like to wear.” He sat back in his chair.
“I owe you for letting me know about Abberline’s secret campaign to make a sweep of known places where my people work, now that he’s returned. Out to make amends with the Home Secretary for certain, after that bit of disgrace that nearly got you killed. Are you certain you won’t join my band of merry thieves?”
“Certain. I would not want to offend the lady either.”
Brown threw back his head and roared with laughter. “She is a formidable woman, and deadly with a revolver from what I hear—gives as good as she gets.”
As Brodie knew only too well, nothing ever remained secret. Not even a previous case that had involved the royal family.
“Tell me who you’ve questioned, the reputable people of business, no doubt. I’ll put the word out tomypeople,” Brown replied. “That will square us then.”
Brodie smiled. “Until you need information from me.”
He remained for another round and told Brown whom he’d spoken with, including Maddy Martin, and also told him that Mr. Conner was making similar inquiries.
“And what of your partner in crime? Munro?”
He didn’t take offense. Munro’s endeavors from the past were known to those who needed to know, as were his own.
“Aye,” he acknowledged.
Brown nodded as Brodie stood to leave after placing several coins on the table.
“Just so that I dinna owe for the beer.”
“That’s what I like about you, Brodie. You always ‘leave the table square,’ not like others I know.”
The man’s meaning was not lost on him, a lesson he learned early on—leave the table squareso that he owed nothing to anyone. When dealing with people like Brown, it was a good way to stay alive.
“I’ll be on the street as well,” he told Brown so there would not be another encounter like this evening. “Leave word with Mr. Cavendish if ye learn something,” he added as he stood to leave.
Brown snorted. “That crippled old seadog?”
“That seadog works for me, and he can be trusted.”
He didn’t mention the hound. Let Brown’s people learn that lesson if they threatened Cavendish.
When he left the tavern, he was aware of the shadows that followed at a distance as he left Bethnal Green.
MIKAELA, #204 THE STRAND
