Evander’s shoulders knotted. There was little chance in Hell Fairbridge hadn’t already investigated the background of every member who would form part of the investigation team. This was a subtle warning, one of likely many to come he feared.
“Nightshadehas been instrumental in helping the Met track down Renwick and Musgrave,” Viggo said coldly before Evander could come up with a suitable riposte. “I believe that more than justifies my presence here.” His voice carried a subtle challenge that had Solomon tensing and Ginny narrowing her eyes faintly.
“Shame you didn’t capture them alive,” Fairbridge said levelly.
Viggo lowered his brows.
Evander pinned Fairbridge with a cold stare.
“Right then,” Ginny said brightly in the fraught hush. “Shall we board? I believe our train is about to depart.”
The call for final passengers came from up the platform. Fairbridge fell into step beside Evander as they began moving towards their private carriage.
“You’re displeased with my presence,” he said quietly.
The statement surprised Evander as much as the frankness of the man’s tone.
“An astute observation.”
Fairbridge’s lips quirked in a brief smile at his reluctant admission. “I can’t say I blame you. I wouldn’t want a Ministry observer breathing down my neck either.” His voice dropped further. “But I’m not your enemy, your Grace. Whatever you may believe.”
Evander looked at him sharply. “What do you mean?”
“Consider me someone doing his job.” Fairbridge’s expression remained unreadable. “Which, at present, involves ensuring this investigation succeeds. We may have different masters, but our goal is the same—stop whatever conspiracy is brewing in Europe before more people die.”
Before Evander could respond, a porter opened the door to their private carriage.
CHAPTER 10
The interior was comfortable,with more than a touch of luxury—plush seats covered in velvet upholstery arranged facing each other, polished wood panelling, brass fittings, and small windows that would provide views of the countryside as they travelled south.
Shaw claimed a window seat and stared excitedly through the glass. Rufus settled across from her with a resigned expression and pulled out his ever-present notebook. Ginny took the seat beside Shaw whilst Solomon positioned himself near the internal door with the instinctive awareness of someone already planning an exit.
Viggo tensed a little as he climbed aboard. Trains made him uncomfortable, mostly since charging through the countryside in a metal box was as unnatural a mode of transportation as he could think of, but also because he had had several unpleasant experiences involving locomotives, including one in this very station.
Fairbridge entered last and closed the door behind him with a soft click. He chose the seat opposite Solomon—not quite isolated, but enough that it established clear boundaries.
The train lurched into motion with a blast of steam and a squeal of wheels on rails that made Viggo’s pulse quicken where he stood next to the window.
Shaw let out a delighted gasp. “We’re moving!”
“That is generally what trains do,” Ginny said drily.
Viggo studied Fairbridge as London fell away behind them. The man sat with perfect stillness, his hands folded in his lap and his gaze fixed on some middle distance. His expression revealed nothing—no excitement, no apprehension, no emotion at all.
Coldness settled in Viggo’s gut. He could tell the man was dangerous.
For the next few weeks, Fairbridge would be watching Evander’s every move, cataloguing his every decision, noting his every interaction, and likely highlighting his every mistake in his report to the Ministry.
That thought rattled the Brute more than he would care to admit.
“Right then,” Evander said briskly from the seat diagonally across from Fairbridge. “Since we’ll be working together for the foreseeable future, perhaps we should establish some ground rules.”
Fairbridge’s dark eyes shifted to him. “I’m listening.”
“First, whilst I appreciate the Ministry’s desire for oversight, operational decisions rest with me. Second, any intelligence you wish to share with the War Office goes through me first. And third—“ steel edged Evander’s voice, “—you will not interfere with how I manage my team.”
Silence stretched between them.
