And if anyone but this man had said that, he would laugh.
“Let’s go.” Max held open the door to Spriggot and Brown Investigative Services and waved Ash inside.
“I will leave London if you and your family do not see reason,” Ash said, walking into a parlor that held a desk, two chairs, and a large cabinet.
“Now that would be a shame, seeing as you’ve just found your brother,” Max said. “We wish to speak with Mr. Spriggot, if he has the time. Please tell him Mr. Huntington is here to see him,” he told the clerk.
Max sat in one of the narrow chairs, and Ash paced around the small room.
“Mr. Huntington, I thought it would be you and not your brother.”
The man approaching was small and thin. His features were plain, his clothes brown except for the white shirt and necktie.
“I would like you to meet my cousin, Mr. Charlton,” Max introduced him.
The man bowed. Ash hadn’t been bowed to a lot in his life; it still gave him a start. Plus, Max had just introduced him as cousin; he hadn’t got used to that either.
“Ash has need of your services, Mr. Spriggot, if you have time?”
“Please, come this way. We are between clients. Mr. Brown has just stepped out and will be sorry to have missed you.”
The office was tidy and also lacked color. Any hopes he’d had that his cousin would leave were dashed as Max sat in one of the two chairs in front of Mr. Spriggot’s desk.
“How can I help you today, Mr. Charlton?” Mr. Spriggot took his seat.
“I’ve got this now, Max,” Ash tried again.
“Happy to wait with you. Go right ahead and tell your story.” The look in his eyes told Ash he knew exactly what he was doing. He may be one of the quieter members of the family but was equally as determined.
“I need to find a man. His name is Lionel Radcliff.”
Mr. Spriggot drew paper and pen closer and began to make notes. When Ash didn’t speak again, he looked at him.
“I will need to know more details, sir. How you are acquainted, why you wish this Mr. Radcliff to be found.”
Max folded his arms.
“My father was in business with Radcliff. Things did not go well as he is ruthless and cares little who is in his way if he wants something.”
“Not someone you should invest with then,” Max said.
“No.” Ash sighed. “Is there any way I can get you to leave?”
“None at all,” Max said.
He either talked or walked out of the office.
“Let’s hear it,” Max said.
Exhaling, Ash gave in and told them the whole nasty story.
“So you sent Baron to care for Gus?” Max asked when Ash finished speaking.
Max nodded.
“How did you escape from Radcliff?”
“All you need to know is I escaped.”
