“He’ll let Mr.Croft know you’re spying on him.”
Breathing became a sudden chore.Teeth clamped together so hard it felt like her jaw might snap, she stared at the boy before her.“How the hell did Wycliffe discover this information?”
Isak swallowed hard and retreated a step.“It wasn’t from me.He never even asked me about it.I swear.”
“So then?”
“I’m guessing one of his other boys tracked our movements.”
She stood immobile for a second, allowed that detail to settle.Bloody hell, she’d been careless, and now she’d pay the price.
“Very well.”There was no way around it.“Tell him I’ll be there.”
* * *
With the brim of his hat pulled low so it shielded his face, Adrian kept an eye on Walker’s movements across the street.He’d been trailing him for the past half hour in an effort to gain some insight – some hint of the type of man he might be.
Walker didn’t strike him as a murderer so far, his stopping to help an old lady climb the steps to a shop not exactly on par with a cold-blooded killer.But looks could be deceiving.
A bakery drew Walker’s attention a few seconds later.He stopped to admire the goods in the window, then entered the shop.Despite the distance and the slightly impaired view caused by passing carriages and pedestrians, Adrian could tell his exchange with the woman behind the counter was amicable.
When he re-emerged with a parcel tucked under his arm, the smile on his face was warm and genuine.By all appearances, he lacked the demeanor one would expect from a monster.
Adrian mulled that over while matching Walker’s steps.Could it be he was once again chasing the wrong man?
Unsure, he continued to track his movements, interest rising inside him when he spotted Lundquist.The marquess was exiting The Gentlemen’s Emporium and didn’t seem to have noticed Walker until the other man called out to him.Another clue Walker wasn’t the killer?Or simply that he was incredibly skilled at deception?
Lundquist turned, the pain of loss evident in the bleakness of his gaze.Walker approached and Adrian moved a bit farther along the pavement to better gauge Walker’s expression as he and Lundquist spoke.Sympathy showed in the dip of his eyebrows and etchings upon his brow, which seemed like further proof that he wasn’t the killer.
Adrian frowned as concern slipped through him.For if it wasn’t Walker, then who the hell was it?
29
Confident Kendrick hadn’t been followed, Samantha emerged from the added darkness she’d found against the church wall and stepped into his path.Ignoring his jolt of surprise, she told him directly, “We shouldn’t be meeting like this.It isn’t safe.”
“Perhaps not,” he agreed, the flatness of his tone conveying annoyance, “but it seems to be necessary if I’m to get the answers I need.Your notes don’t exactly provide detailed updates.If anything, they suggest a lack of progress.”
His dissatisfaction with her only caused her own irritation to flare.“Your impatience could jeopardize everything.Especially since I suspect Mr.Croft of keeping his guard up.I’ve not yet earned his absolute trust.”
“And whose fault is that?”Kendrick hissed, the words too loud in the silence of night even though he kept his voice muffled.“You’re not the only one whose job depends on following orders.In case you’re unaware, you work for the Crown.As does Harlowe.”
“You need not remind me.”
“Don’t I?”Shadows spilled across his face as he took a step closer.“The project you’ve been a part of these past seventeen years was funded by taxpayer money.In other words, your residence at Clearview House and whatever comfort it entails is entirely dependent upon your ability to prove your worth.”
True apprehension formed in her stomach.She swallowed and quickly steeled herself against it, ever grateful for the darkness which helped her conceal her brief moment of weakness.
“Are you suggesting I’ll be cast out if I don’t live up to your expectations?”she scoffed, feigning defiance.“Harlowe will never allow that to happen.”
“He may fight the decision, but ultimately it won’t be up to him.”
Samantha stiffened her posture, refusing to let his words shake her.She didn’t believe Harlowe would willingly turn his back on her, but he might not have a choice if the order came from the Home Office or from the Prince Regent.
“I need more time,” she said, her voice tight.
“You have one week.Not a day more.”
“And if I fail you?”Given what she’d just learned, she had to ask.And remind Kendrick of the value she offered.“You won’t be any closer to getting the answers you seek or of bringing Mr.Croft down.”
