An icy prickle of dread skittered down Annie’s spine. “Leopold?”
“Lord love us, no, pet, not him! I wouldn’t let that wretch set foot in the place. But it does concern him, I think, though the fellow wouldn’t give me any details. Says he wants to speak to you. Must be important, as well, since he’s come all this way.”
“Who is he?”
“I’d rather he told you himself. He’s waiting in the parlor.” Hattie looked Annie up and down. “Are your clothes wet? Do you need to change?”
“No, I had my umbrella.” Annie pressed a hand to her stomach.What news had this man brought? She suppressed a shiver. “But I’d like a hot tea, please, Hattie.”
“Of course.” Frowning, she glanced at Janet and then back at Annie. “Is everything all right? How was your visit?”
“It surpassed all my expectations,” Annie said, with a pointed look at Janet who, so far, had not uttered a word. “I have so much to tell you, Hattie, but it appears it’ll have to wait.”
“For now, yes,” Hattie replied, still frowning. “Then again, maybe Janet can fill me in while I’m making the tea.”
Annie chose not to reply to that. Instead, she headed for the parlor, pausing at the hallstand mirror to check her hair, smooth her skirts, and to take a slow, steadying breath. The parlor door creaked as she pushed it open, and a man, seated in an armchair by the fireplace, rose to his feet. Tall and trim, he was younger than Annie had expected. Smartly-dressed, handsome too, with finely-chiseled features and a wealth of dark blond curls. He held himself confidently, chin slightly raised, spine straight, and shoulders back.
“Good day to you, sir.” Annie approached, gazed into a pair of intelligent brown eyes, and inhaled the pungent smell of tobacco smoke. “I’m Annabelle Fairfax, and I’m told you wish to speak with me.”
The man’s right eyebrow lifted slightly as he nodded his acknowledgment. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Fairfax, and please forgive this intrusion. My name is Oliver Taggart. I’m an inspector with Scotland Yard and also Archibald Mason’s brother-in-law. I believe he mentioned me to you.”
“Yes, he did.” Annie’s hand went to the locket at her throat. “Has something happened? But of course, it must have, or you wouldn’t be here.”
“Well, first of all, Miss Fairfax, there’s no reason to upset yourself. I’m not here in an official capacity, although what I’m about to tell you does concern a police matter. Please be assured, however, that I do notbelieve there’s any need for alarm where you’re concerned. It’s simply a matter of caution. Having discussed it with Archibald, we decided I should take the time to visit you in person and relay the information verbally rather than by correspondence. He’s taking your privacy and safety very seriously.”
“Yes, I know he is, and I appreciate it.” Annie gestured to the armchair. “Please be seated, Inspector. I see you’ve already had some tea. Would you care for more before we continue?”
“No, but thank you,” he replied, as he retook his seat.
Annie took the chair opposite. “So, what information do you wish to relay, sir?”
Taggart cleared his throat and opened his mouth to answer, but hesitated as the sound of raised voices drifted in from the kitchen.
Annie heaved an exaggerated sigh. “Be good enough to ignore them, sir. It is simply two opinionated women having a friendly discussion. Please, go ahead with what you have to say.”
The hint of a smile came and went. “First of all, Miss Fairfax, I must ask if you have seen or heard from Leopold De Witte since you left London.”
“No, sir, I have not. He doesn’t know where I am.”
“That is my understanding, but I just wanted to be sure he hasn’t, somehow, become aware of your location.”
Annie tensed. “Is there a possibility he has?”
The man grimaced. “I suppose there is always a possibility of it, albeit highly unlikely. As previously stated, in my opinion there is no cause for alarm.”
The sound of raised voices in the kitchen subsided, much to Annie’s relief. “Then with respect, sir, why are you here?”
“Simply because you need to be made aware of that unlikely possibility, Miss Fairfax.” He cleared his throat. “Archibald Mason’s office was broken into several days ago. A few things were stolen, though nothing of great value. The filing cabinet, where Archibald keeps hiscustomer files under lock and key, including yours, does not appear to have been compromised. Nevertheless, I would ask you to remain vigilant.”
Annie absorbed the information. “Thank you, Inspector, I appreciate being kept informed, but while I have no desire to see Leopold again, I still maintain he would do me no physical harm.”
“Better safe than sorry, Miss Fairfax,” Taggart replied, his eyes narrowing slightly as he regarded her. “That said, I should inform you we are currently investigating another incident that may or may not be connected to Leopold De Witte.”
Annie frowned. “What kind of incident?”
“It concerns the whereabouts of Mr. Karl Hoffman, the fellow who interrupted your wedding ceremony. You remember him, of course.”
“Of course.”
