“White phosphorus is used in making matches,” Charlie said alertly. “That explains why the First Flame wanted Brompton’s.”
“Perhaps Tony Quinton was shipping in carbon disulfide from France,” Maria postulated.
“According to Uncle Harry, a sufficient quantity of white phosphorus and carbon disulfide could create a fiery explosion,” Livy said. “One that would burn down a city block.”
The room grew hushed as everyone took in the enormity of the situation.
“We must warn the authorities,” Fiona declared.
“I will send word to my contact at the police,” Charlie said.
“The police are already on alert.” This came from the Earl of Hawksmoor. “Given the crowds here for the opening of the Great Exhibition, their resources are stretched thin just keeping the peace. They need more than a possible weapon and a shadowy anarchist group. They need to know when and where the attack will take place and who is behind it. It is my understanding that Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness Prince Albert have been advised on the situation but are refusing to change their plans for the opening day ceremony. The purpose of the exhibition is to demonstrate the power of progress, and they will not bow down to terror.”
“How is it that you know so much about these affairs, my lord?” Laurent asked shrewdly.
“The same way, I imagine, that you do, sir.” Hawksmoor’s countenance was bland. “I will add that several searches have been done of the Crystal Palace. No threats have been found.”
“The security forces are forewarned, but we need to give them more,” Charlie said with determined focus. “Which brings us to Wilmer Upholsteries.”
Livy drew her brows together. “Isupholsteriesa word?”
“It’s plural,” her husband said. “Forupholstery.”
For his helpfulness, the duke received an exasperated sigh from his duchess.
“What does an upholstery company have to do with anything?” Fi wanted to know.
Charlie turned to Maria. “For that, I shall give the floor to Miss Delaney.”
Maria, who’d been leaning against a wall, straightened to address the group.
“Granger and Laurent discovered that Wilmer Upholsteries purchased the match manufactory. Now we know why—to gain access to the white phosphorus. We also know that Emmett Brompton probably sold his inheritance to pay off his gambling debts.”
“If we interrogate Mr. Brompton,” Glory cut in, “maybe he can tell us who owns Wilmer Upholsteries.”
“We’d have to find him first,” Maria replied. “He hasn’t been home for days. Laurent and Calderone checked all his usual places, too.”
“No one has seen Brompton,” Calderone said. “We think he has gone for a swim in the Thames.”
At the euphemism for murder, the room went silent.
“That is no coincidence,” Charlie said quietly. “He knew too much, and they got rid of him.”
“Wilmer is key to all of this,” Maria agreed. “Granger was digging into the ownership and financials of the company yesterday, and we were supposed to meet up, but he didn’t show. Instead, I found that note threatening his life if we didn’t stand down.”
Charlie fought back the surge of anxiety. Told herself that Jack was a seasoned spymaster, a survivor, and could handle himself. Her job was to find the people who’d taken him?—
A sudden, obvious thought struck her.
“Is Wilmer’s presenting at the Great Exhibition?”
The words had barely left her when Glory visibly jolted, causing FF II to leap from her shoulders and seek refuge with Chen, who stood behind her chair.
“Do you know the answer, little tigress?” Chen said attentively.
“No, but I know where to find it.” Glory rummaged through the large satchel she’d brought with her, pulling out a red volume and waving it triumphantly. “I managed to get a copy of Routledge’s guide to the Great Exhibitionbefore it sold out. Not only does it have a map of the Crystal Palace, but it also has a list of all the exhibitors.”
Charlie and the other Angels gathered around her as she flipped through the pages.
