“See that it is done.” I heard the Foreign Secretary say in parting, as I glimpsed something on the edge of his coat sleeve.
Fifteen
BRODIE
“Wot is it?”He had caught the subtle signal from Alex Sinclair that told him the young man needed to speak with him.
“Steiner,” Alex repeated. “Mr. Conner sent word he’s been seen, according to the description that was provided. Near the carriage park on the green.”
“No doubt preparin’ to leave.” And then disappear?
That meant that whatever was to happen tonight had either already taken place or was about to.
He nodded sharply.
“Mr. Conner is waiting at the main entrance.”
“Aye,” Brodie replied. “Tell Sir Avery wot you just told me, then find Inspector Dooley. His people are coverin’ the Mall.”
He then asked. “Are ye armed?”
“Yes, sir. And I’ve earned my proficiency certificate from the men at the Yard.”
Brodie shook his head. Even though he had several years on the young man, he considered them as equals, and that was whathe liked about him. He didna put on airs about his work or the man he worked for.
But had he ever killed someone? He doubted it. Being proficient was one part of it, but the other part...takin’ a life, was something that stayed with ye. Some were able to handle that part. Others?
“Look for Mr. Dooley and stay with him,” he told Alex. “He’s had a great deal of experience in these things, and I trust him.”
Alex nodded then left.
Brodie glanced about the large reception room, saw Lady Antonia in conversation with James Warren and Mikaela’s sister. But was unable to find Mikaela.
He approached James on his way out of the Queen Anne Room, where the Prince of Wales was in an enthusiastic exchange with a guest, surrounded by men.
Brodie recognized several of the men from the MET, as well as a handful of others with the same demeanor, no doubt some of Sir Avery’s people sent as a precaution after what they’d learned about those meetings at St. John’s Wood.
When he reached Mikaela’s family, he pulled James Warren aside and in a quiet voice told him, “Find her.”
“Has something happened? What is it?”
James Warren was an intelligent man, suddenly intense. But he also was a studious man who spent his days behind a desk putting out Mikaela’s next novel, rather than facing down a dangerous confrontation.
“Take her and yer family over near the Prince of Wales. Stay there until I come for ye.”
“Something has happened,” James said then. “It’s not as if I don’t know what your business is, Mr. Brodie. I’ve read enough from Mikaela’s novels and the newspapers. If something has happened, I insist on helping.”
Brodie glanced over at Mikaela’s sister who stood a few feet away, watching them.
“You can best help by making certain they are safe. And the safest place at present is near His Royal Highness and his guards. But say nothing. With all these people about, I don’t want a panic. That is when people get hurt.”
James nodded. “I’ll find her.” And then as Brodie turned to find Mr. Conner, James told him, “Do be careful. I would not want to have to explain to Mikaela if you come to some harm.”
He turned then, walked over where his wife stood and gently but firmly took her by the arm.
“Has something happened?” Brodie heard her ask. “James?”
“You and Lady Montgomery will be more comfortable across the room,” he told them both. “There are chairs for the ladies, especially in your condition, my dear. I will find refreshment for you.”
