“I hate to interrupt this sermon,” Jackson cut in, “but I really should be getting on to the station. Wouldn’t want to be late.”
“Hmph,” her father blustered, his gaze drifting to hers. “But indeed, why did you wish to meet with meandyour husband? And outside, no less?”
Kit cut her hand through the air. “I didn’t intend on meeting on the street, but since Jackson is in a rush and we’re already here…” She inhaled deeply, suddenly nervous. If either of them didn’t like her brilliant new idea, she didn’t have a backup plan. “I have a few things to say, though I very much apologize I didn’t clear one of them with you first, Father, as we are business partners. I intended to, but Jackson and I have been up to our ears with managing a herd of children.”
“And I’ve got the scars to prove it,” Jackson snorted.
Her father eyed her. “Let’s have it, then.”
Though she’d thought on this a good long while now, doubt reared like a cobra about to strike. But no. She needed to trust these men, believe they had her—and Bella’s—best interests at heart…which was still a scary thing to do after having relied on herself alone for most of her life. Yet these were the men God had given her. She would trust them—and Him—or die in the trying.
Which was kind of how she felt at the moment.
Nevertheless, she lifted her chin and forged ahead. “I have made a decision about my role here at the Blackfriars Lane Enquiry Agency. If it is agreeable to you both, I propose that Bella accompany me every day to work.”
“You cannot be serious.” Her father wagged his head, and Bella grabbed for his beard.
“Absolutely not!” Jackson glowered. “By all that’s holy, Kit, what are you thinking? I will not have my little girl dragged about the streets while you pursue dangerous criminals.”
Her hands fisted, and she popped them onto her hips. This was exactly the response she’d feared. “Allow me to finish, gentlemen, before knotting your drawers.”
“Mind your tongue, Daughter.” Her father scowled as fiercely as Jackson.
“Oh dear.” She sighed. “I am making a muddle of this. Let me start again.”
She paced a few steps, gathering her thoughts, then whirled back, ready to give it another go. “I love being a mother, and I would do nothing to endanger Bella.” She skewered Jackson with a look. “But I also love being an investigator and righting wrongs that have been committed. My proposal is that I continue working here at the agency but only behind the curtain, so to speak.”
She advanced towards her father. “And I really think it can be done. Have I not recently employed contacts to help instead of doing everything myself? Did I not supply you with knowledge of street life? And don’t forget I helped you with your crime diagram. All these things I did without any endangerment to me or Bella. So, if you’re agreeable, you would do all the legwork a case may require. We’ll confer together on details, plan a course of action, and then you shall carry it out while I remain at the agency. That way I can keep Bella with me all day while pursuing justice safely. Do you think that’s feasible? Please say it is.”
He stroked his beard with one big hand, Bella now busy playing with his hat, yet he said nothing as he exchanged a glance with Jackson.
Kit held her breath. It would do no good to say any more, and in fact might harm the case altogether.
“I must have your word Bella would be in no danger. Ever.” Though Jackson rarely used such a grave tone, it never failed to send a shiver down her spine. “I mean it, Kit.”
She nodded slowly, holding his gaze. “I solemnly vow it.”
“Then…” He blew a long breath. “How can I say no, for such a situation would keep you off the streets as well—which I very much like. So, it appears the ball is in your hands, Henry. Nay or yea?”
She whirled, facing her father. “Well?”
He picked away the dolly Bella had shoved in his face, then tickled her, speaking to Kit but with eyes for no one but the girl. “I cannot object to seeing my little Bella so often. Isn’t that right, girl? Would you like to see your grandpa every day?”
“Ga-pa!” she shrieked.
Kit grinned. “I am pleased to hear it! And I can only assume you wouldn’t also mind an additional younger partner joining us as well.”
“Wait a minute.” Her father’s eyes widened on her. “What are you saying?”
“Are you…?” Jackson looked as if he might swoon.
“Oh my.” Kit laughed long and hard. “Your faces.” She swiped at a few happy tears. “Reminds me of when I brought that tiger cub home and everyone thought I was with child.”
Jackson gasped. “So, you’re not—?”
“Heavens no. Not that I know of, anyway. I am referring to young Frankie, Martha’s boy. With Bellow’s Glassworks going under, he is in need of employ, and he’s quite handy to boot. Do you not think he would be a fine addition, Husband?”
“He is a clever lad.” Jackson retucked his newspaper, the edges of it rippling in the morning breeze. “Sometimes too much so.”
