Swaying slightly on unsteady feet, they glanced at the knives in Adrian’s hands.For one absurd moment it looked like they might be stupid enough to ask if he’d give them back.But then Chubbycheeks gave an unhappy snort, swinging around and presenting his back as he staggered out of the alley.
Scarface followed without further comment.
Adrian shoved both knives into his coat pocket and went to fetch his hat.After returning it to his head he retrieved a handkerchief which he used to wipe his face.As expected, it came away bloody.
Eager to return home so he could tend to his wounds and freshen up, he set his course for Portman Square.Lundquist House would have to wait for another day.Turning up like this, like some sort of madman, would hardly be conducive.
Instead, he needed to clean up and gather his thoughts before he continued his investigation.The soles of his shoes clicked along the wet pavement, splashing water from occasional puddles.
Today’s altercation revealed he had yet another foe to contend with.
A coincidence?
He couldn’t be sure.
Perhaps he was looking at separate cases.There was no doubt in his mind that nearly every man of consequence in the country would feel threatened by all the information contained in those files.Information that could be used against them for all sorts of gain.
Maybe the real question was how many of them knew the files existed?
He burst through the front door of Croft House ten minutes later.“Murry!”
His valet arrived at a run, eyes widening when he saw Adrian’s bruised face.“What’s happened?”
“I’ll explain later,” Adrian said.“First, I need you to help me move the files so they’re harder to find.Summon the rest of the staff after that.I want the house on high alert until further notice.”
“Of course.”Murry’s face tightened with concern, but he gave a brisk nod.“Right away.”
Adrian’s mind raced as he and Murry transferred the files to a secret storage room located behind the book case in the upstairs drawing room.His father had been the last one to use them as leverage and he’d been dead for six months.So why the sudden interest?
When the question continued to plague him, he put it to Murry.The valet closed the book case and regarded Adrian with steady consideration.
“Does anyone know of your effort to hunt down your sister’s killer?”
Adrian stared at him.He’d not been discreet.Anyone who bothered paying attention to what went on would know he was trying to do so.“You think the murderer fears the files could aid in his capture?Because of the information they contain?”
“It’s just a guess.”
“A correct one, perhaps.”
“Or perhaps not.”Murry shrugged.“Those files have been used against a lot of people over the years.It’s possible one of them simply decided now was the time to try and grab them.”
“If that’s the case, I hope the individual has learned I’m not to be trifled with.”
But if the other possibility were true and it was the killer, Adrian prayed he’d make another attempt so he could catch him once and for all.
23
Samantha arrived at the Midhurst musicale together with Melody and Lady Heathbrooke, with whom she’d enjoyed a lovely dinner prior to the engagement.Harlowe, who’d had a business meeting to attend to, would meet them there.
She swept the room with her gaze, searching for him until she realized he’d yet to put in an appearance.Instead she spotted the Earl of Marsdale, who stood in conversation with the odious Duke of Wrengate.The Ottersburgs and Glendales were also present, along with several other peers, including the Duke of Eldridge and Viscount Birchwood.
A cluster of younger men, from whom she recognized only the Newton brothers, were having what looked like some sort of debate, judging from their vigorous gestures.
The debutantes were gathered in a separate corner, whispering and tittering in a manner Samantha found highly annoying.All while sending coy smiles toward the young men.
“Thank goodness we’re not like them,” Samantha told Melody under her breath.
“What’s that?”asked Lady Heathbrooke.
