“An accident… or do you think she was pushed?” Marianne said, her brows knitting.
“There’s no way of knowing for certain at this point,” Ambrose replied.
“But the fact that she ended up in the bookshelves is highly suspicious, don’t you think?” Em’s brown eyes were pensive. “If she hit her head on the mantel, how did she wind up halfway across the room? And don’t forget the dust on her gown. It looked as if she’d swept the floor with her skirts. She was clearly dragged into the shelves.”
Gadzooks.The image of Monique’s limp body being hauled through the library released an icy trickle down Vi’s spine. Her hands grew clammy in her lap, her lips trembling.
She felt a brief touch on her shoulder. Carlisle—somehow he’d sensed her disquiet. The warmth of his hand lingered, and his gaze was steady, reassuring.
“The windows to the library were locked,” Strathaven was saying, “and there were no signs of forced entry. If the victim was attacked, whoever did it was already inside.”
Ambrose gave a decisive nod. “We’ll convey all this information to the magistrate who takes on the case.”
“No.” Billings spoke up for the first time. “I don’t want the magistrate involved.”
Ambrose frowned. “We’re likely talking about a murder, sir. You don’t have a choice.”
“Like hell I don’t,” Billings said. “I know Jones, the local magistrate, and he’s a damned zealot. If I give him free rein, he’ll run roughshod over the place and inconvenience my guests.”
“Tiresome business, murder,” Strathaven said with irony.
Emma’s forehead furrowed. “I’m sure your guests will understand, Mr. Billings.”
“Not my business associates. They areimportantpeople, do you understand? They’re used to making their own rules, and they have no liking for authorities. If the magistrate comes in with guns blazing, I’ll have a revolt on my hands—and my reputation will beruined.” Sweat beaded on the banker’s upper lip. “Under no circumstances will I allow that to happen. My guests were promised a party, and they must not be disappointed. So name your fee, Kent.”
“My fee… for what?”
“Your services,” the banker said impatiently. “You’re an investigator, aren’t you? The best in London and I know that first-hand. Thus, I am retaining you to clear this matter up as quickly and discreetly as possible before Magistrate Jones takes over.”
Ambrose’s brows slammed together. “I have no authority over the magistrate—”
“No, but your excellent reputation has sway, and it goes all the way back to when you were with the Thames River Police.” Billings’ eyes glittered with determination. “You leave Jones to me. I’ll tell him I have a man on the case, one of the best, and you’ll keep him apprised of everything. Of course, you and I will know the truth: that you’re working for me to resolve this business with all due haste.”
“A woman has died, sir, and she deserves justice.” Ambrose’s tone had a steely edge. “Her death is not a fact that can be swept under the carpet nor should it be.”
That’s my brother,Violet thought with pride.
“That’s not what I’m suggesting. Do what you must,”—Billings waved impatiently—“but do it with discretion. That’s all I ask. Can you do that?”
“Until I pursue the matter further, I don’t know yet if the victim’s death was the result of an accident or foul play. Given the circumstances, I suspect the latter. Which means I’ll have to interview potential suspects—including your guests.”
Billings gave a terse nod. “Conduct your interviews with tact, and keep me informed. The investigation mustn’t interfere with the party or diminish its pleasure in any way.”
Vi couldn’t refrain from speaking up. “Don’t you think the fact that a woman was found dead in the library will dampen the party spirit?”
“Leave it to me. Handled properly, the guests will have nothing to concern themselves over.” The banker smiled humorlessly. “To be frank, half of the guests see death every day and will think nothing of it. The other half see Madame Monique as naught more than a glorified servant—and thus will think nothing of it.”
Disbelief and indignation made Vi speechless.
“So we have a deal, Kent?” Billings said. “I’ll double your usual fee.”
Ambrose growled, “You can take your money and—”
“If you won’t do it for the money, do it for Gabriella. My daughter claims you are her staunchest allies, her… friends.” The banker spoke the last word as if it were in a language foreign to him. “We all know that she is a wallflower, and her reputation is riding on the party’s success. It’s her last chance to gain a foothold in Society. So will you help her—or let her fall?”
Although Billings’ assessment was uttered without emotion, to Violet it had the ring of truth. Gabby did need the Kents’ support. But even more important was gaining justice for Monique. If anyone could discover what had happened to the acrobat, it would be Ambrose. And by finding the true killer, he’d ultimately be clearing Wick of any wrongdoing as well.
“Please take the case, Ambrose,” Vi blurted. “For Monique and Gabby.”And for Wick.
