“One of the students from Andersen University. One of Dr. Cameron’s men.”
James frowned, his expression doubtful.
“I don’t think so, Grace. This isn’t the sort of neighborhood one of Dr. Cameron’s students would frequent.”
“It was him. I saw him.”
“Come.” He pulled lightly at her arm. “Let’s go out of the rain.”
Grace allowed him to escort her back to the carriage where the previously missing driver was, holding the door open. She hurried inside, followed by James as they sat and within moments, the vehicle was moving.
James removed his hat to shake off the rain.
“Now, who do you think you saw? A Mr. Roberts?”
“I don’t think I saw him; I did see him. Right outside that building, Rabbit House Boarding. There were two men, one was bald with a beard and the other was long in the face, with sunken in cheeks and both were dressed in dirty old suits, more rag-like than proper clothing. Mr. Roberts was handing them banknotes, or what appeared to be banknotes. He was mouthing numbers as he counted them into one of their hands.”
James shook his head.
“Why would one of Dr. Cameron’s students be in Gallowgate?”
“I’m not sure. He recognized me, however, and so I called out to him, but the moment I did, he turned and left. The other two men went straight into Rabbit House and closed the door. I tried knocking, but well, you saw. They didn’t answer.”
For a long moment, James’s face was scrunched up, as if trying to figure out a math problem. But after a while, he shook his head again.
“There must be some sort of mistake. I know the majority of Dr. Cameron’s students are from well to do families, and almost all of them are English. There wouldn’t be any reason for them to be in Gallowgate except for administering medicine, but without a license it would be unethical.”
“He wasn’t giving them medicine, though. He was paying them.”
“For what?”
Grace sat back, surprised that James couldn’t figure it out.
“Isn’t it obvious?”
“No, I’m afraid not.”
“I think that there’s a possibility that Mr. Roberts was paying them to, well,you know.”
He frowned.
“I’m afraid I don’t.”
“Do you not read the papers? This morning’s paper in particular?” He stared at her, obviously unaware, and she sighed. “There was a break in at the Glasgow Necropolis last night. Two graves have been dug up; the bodies removed.”
The realization dawned on him at the exact same time injustice shone in his eyes.
“Grave robbing?” he spoke, his tone harsh. “Have you lost your mind?”
Grace blinked, confused.
“Excuse me?”
“Do you have any idea the stigma that the medical community has had to deal with when it comes to such accusations? The absolute panic that would set in if it was said in public?”
“I don’t think it’s an accusation. I think it’s what’s happened.”
“What evidence do you have to accuse someone like that?” he asked, visibly annoyed. “That is a tremendous allegation.”
