Diggory flipped open the lid and took out the postcards, inspecting each one and the message written on the back of them. He handed them to Jinx before closing the box. When he didn’t hand it back over, I panicked for a moment. All of my treasures were in that box, keepsakes from my mother.
“I will take this for evidence,” he said.
“Will I get it back? The trinkets aren’t worth much, but they hold sentimental value.” My voice came out reedy and unsure. All of this was suspect and I could hardly wait for this to be over so I could seek out Ash and talk to him about what happened.
“In due time.” Diggory looked down his nose at me. “We will check your story.”
“I understand.” I wanted to run, but I stood my ground. “Is that all you need from me?”
“For now.” Jinx shared a telling look with Diggory. “We need to investigate the allegations.”
Before they left, I needed to try one thing to see if I could trick them into confirming that it was Brown. “Can you give me your address? I will need to gain guidance from my pastor, Reverend Brown. Because of his kindness to me today, I have seen the error of my ways and quit my employment with Mr. Moran.”
Diggory’s brow shot up, a smirk forming on his thin lips. “He is a very persuasive man.”
“He is indeed.” I tried not to snort in disgust. “Is there anything else? It is getting cold outside and I must see to supper for my sisters.”
“Of course, we will need to talk with Brown to verify the truth of your statement.” Jinx tipped his hat, his interested stare locked on Eloise’s still bent head.
“Good afternoon constables.” I touched Eloise on the arm before going to the front door, pleased that my legs still knew how to work. She followed close behind, the soft click of the door a welcome relief. I put my fingers to my lips and motioned for us to go upstairs. With a nod, she indicated I precede her.
Once on our flat’s landing, I turned to look at her. Worry lined her eyes. Tears fell from my own. Eloise pulled me into her embrace. “What was that all about?” she asked.
“It is a long and complicated story, one I don’t have time to tell. You and our sisters need to leave.” I pulled myself from her embrace and wiped at my tears. Eloise and I had discussed Brown and the threat of his organization to Moran. “It isn’t safe for you. Brown is after me and he will use whatever means possible to seek retribution for me denying his attentions.”
Her eyes widened and I exhaled a shaky breath. “I know you want answers, but there isn’t time. Go pick up the girls and take them to a hotel. It will cut into our budget, but Moran is giving me six months’ worth of wages.”
“Why?” She continued to hold me back. “I know you are panicked, but you just can’t say cryptic things and expect me not to have questions.”
“I know it isn’t fair, but I am truly frightened for you all.” I clutched at her hands, unable to articulate my terror. If I could only turn to Moran, but he had spurned me. Ash hadn’t, however. If I sought him out, I would have to admit to an actual crime. I cringed merely thinking about it. “I would feel better if you were somewhere safe. If I can’t join you, seek out Inspector Ashton.”
“We can’t involve the police. Sally has a small flat nearby. I will take the girls there until you can meet us.” She rattled off the directions. Arms crossed, she rubbed at her sleeves.
“The police are involved whether we wish for them to be or not. We can trust Ash.” I had to get past her well-intentioned reluctance. Eloise was practical in most matters but she’d developed distrust of authority figures and with good reason. By the stubborn tilt of her chin, trying to convince her Ash was different might be an uphill battle, one I didn’t have time to fight. “The weather is turning bad and I don’t want you to be stranded in the snow. Just think about what I said. You can trust Ash.”
“I will consider it as a last resort.” Biting her bottom lip, she pulled me into a hug, her arms tight and full of fear. “Be careful, sister.”
“I will.” I watched her leave, her footsteps soft on the wooden floors. Once I heard the front door close, I went into the flat. The emptiness weighed heavily on me. Brown had been true to his threat and now I might be caught out. I strode to the decanter, unstopped it, and drank straight from the cheap crystal. Moran had offered to pay for a guard until the tension with Brown died down, but I think he underestimated Brown, as had I. I caught sight of myself in a small mirror over the fireplace, my face palein the scratched surface. I was a lady and because of my lineage, I had some protections but not much.
The constables wouldn't have approached me if I were a man like Moran. Of course, if I were a man, I would be the baron. Instead, I was unemployed, heartbroken, and about to be on the run from the law simply because I was born a woman.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Inspector Liam Ashton
