At Wrexford’s confirming nod, he added, “Cordelia and I wish to go with you.”
“Very well. But we ought not forget about the other possible suspects. Let’s us wait and see what Tyler and the Weasels discover tonight.” He explained about the plan that he and his valet had made for learning more about the French radicals. “And then we shall consider how to confront Mrs. Guppy.”
A fraught silence settled over the room.
“How did your meeting go with Lord Fenway, Kit?” asked Charlotte, hoping to lighten the mood by moving on to a more positive topic.
“Quite well,” answered Cordelia, beaming with pride. “Lord Fenway was clearly impressed with his knowledge on transportation and invited Kit to join the commission right away, saying there was no need to wait for the parliamentary elections.”
“By Jove, that’s great news. Congratulations,” said the earl. “He made a wise choice.”
Sheffield smiled. “Cordelia is exaggerating Fenway’s reaction. However, it’s true that he did offer me the position. I look forward to getting involved in the planning.” His expression turned more serious. “And as I said before, perhaps in the process I can learn some facts about Milton and his fellow society members that may aid us in solving the present investigation.”
“Deo volente,” whispered Charlotte.God willing.
Wrexford looked to the mullioned windows, where the late afternoon light was deepening to dusk. “Let us also hope that tonight’s foray will bring us a step closer to solving the crime.”
CHAPTER 15
“So, what’s the plan?” whispered Raven, once Tyler had squeezed into the filthy alleyway near their destination in Seven Dials and crouched down beside the three boys.
Tyler held his nose. “Hell’s teeth, what does Mac use to perfume your clothes with such a stench?”
“It’s disgusting, isn’t it?” grinned Peregrine.
“Truly awful, but enough of that for now,” responded the valet. To Raven he said, “The meeting will last a half hour, or maybe three quarters. After that, I shall exit the building accompanied by another man. Stay alert and shadow us. We will part ways where the seven roads converge at the sundial. You are to follow the man—and whatever you do, don’t lose him!”
Raven made a rude sound.
“Yes, I know you imps of Satan are devilishly good at this, but it’s vitally important that we learn where he is lodging, and whether he’s connected with any members of the French scientific society.”
“You want for us to worm our way into the building and eavesdrop?” asked Hawk.
Tyler hesitated.
From somewhere close by came the scrabbling of a feral cat.
“If we’re spotted,” pointed out Raven, “he and anyone else in the place will simply think we’re thieving guttersnipes.”
“Use your judgment,” replied the valet. “But whatever you do,don’tget caught.”
Another rude sound. “Trust me,” replied Raven. “We won’t get caught.”
The valet edged to the alleyway opening and looked around. A moment later, he slipped away.
Hawk crawled forward to a position by the corner of the wall. “I’ll take first watch.”
The three of them settled in for the wait without further words. Surveillance required silence as well as patience. The minutes passed, punctuated by the creaks and groans of the surrounding dilapidated buildings and the furtive sounds of creatures small and large going about their private business under the cloak of darkness.
“Pssst, Mr. Tyler has come out.” Peregrine, who was serving as sentry, alerted the others.
Raven took a quick peek, watching as the valet and his companion turned down one of the crooked walkways. “I’ll lead the way. Keep alert.”
The three of them slithered out into the darkness, moving with wraithlike stealth over the uneven ground.
Tyler kept up a patter of conversation with the Frenchman until, as he had warned, the two them parted ways at the landmark sundial.
The valet headed west while the Frenchman chose a route winding to the east. Head down, the fellow quickened his steps, oblivious to the three flitting shadows trailing in his wake. The wretched slums soon gave way to a slightly more respectable neighborhood.
