Elks entered. The butler handed Adrian a sealed letter delivered by courier and took his leave. Adrian tore the letter open and read the short message penned upon the crisp paper by Lady Eleanor’s father. “I’m to meet Orendel at the morgue in an hour, after which I think I’ll stop by White’s. Don’t expect to be home until after dinner.”
If he were to figure out who Lady Eleanor’s killer was, he’d have to speak with people and start paying attention. As feared, the murder weapon had yielded no results thus far. He’d stopped by the manufacturer on his way home from Orendel House to ask about it, had provided the clerk with a thorough description of allthe markings. Apparently it had not been a special-order item but rather one of thirty crafted last year.
Which meant this would not be a quick case to solve. There was work to be done if he was to identify Lady Eleanor’s killer.
The trouble regarding his wife would have to wait until later.
5
Despite his superior ordering him to stop his investigation of Adrian Croft, Peter Kendrick gave the door at Number 5 Portman Square a hard knock. A smartly dressed middle-aged man with white hair opened the door – the butler, Peter assumed.
“I wish to speak with Mrs. Croft,” Peter said when the butler inquired about his business. He handed him his card. “The matter pertains to an ongoing investigation. I believe she may prove helpful.”
“Please come in.”
The butler stepped aside and Peter entered the foyer where the most exquisite crown moldings he’d ever seen adorned nearly every part of the ceiling. A chandelier hung from the central point and a couple of Roman columns, set against half-walls extending from both sides of the room, created a partition between the entry way and the rest of the house.
All was painted white save the walls, which were done in a soft grayish blue tone that encouraged the molding and pillars to pop.
No sooner had he made this observation than the door was pushed shut behind him, as though the butler feared what people might think if they saw the chief constable paying a visit.
“Please wait here while I find out if Mrs. Croft is accepting callers.”
The butler departed, climbing the marble staircase that swept toward the first-floor landing. It, too, was a work of art, its boldness a reflection of the Croft family’s power.
Though not for much longer, Peter mused, if he had anything to say about it.
He glanced around, his gaze roaming across what he perceived to be very strategically placed works of art. Landscapes, mostly, that seemed to convey a collector’s fondness for simple expression. There were two tall vases as well, white with blue floral patterns. Filled with understated bouquets of cream-colored flowers, they added to the overall elegance of the space, conveying more wealth and better taste than what he’d seen in most other upper-class homes.
Approaching steps sounded and he looked to the stairs where the butler was now descending. He made his way to where Peter stood. “I can take your hat and gloves before showing you to the parlor. Mrs. Croft will see you there shortly.”
Peter removed the items and handed them over,then followed the man into a room that was brightly lit by the afternoon sun streaming in through the windows. He thanked the butler and positioned himself near the fireplace. It didn’t take long before the woman who had the power to serve Croft to him appeared.
She closed the door without acknowledging him. Her gaze slid toward the fireplace poker that stood in its holder. She gave him a chilling glare, and there was no doubt in his mind she’d like nothing more than to skewer him at that very moment.
“Elks tells me you wish to discuss an investigation.” Her voice was sharp but even, like a lethal blade. She moved toward him with a predator’s pace, her eyes locked with his.
“I needed a reason to see you.”
Her gaze hardened. “I’m not sure how I’m able to help. You’ll have to elaborate further – provide me with details and such. What sort of case is it, exactly?”
She would not make this easy. Fine. He could be difficult too. “Coming to you directly was my only option since you decided to stop making use of the errand boy. It makes it harder for us to share information regarding your husband.”
Fire burned in her eyes. “You shouldn’t have come here.”
“As I’ve explained, I—”
“There’s nothing more to discuss.” Her hand went to the poker’s handle, curling around it.
Peter’s heart slowed. He knew what she was capable of, the sort of training she had received underHarlowe’s guidance. Perhaps coming here had been stupid. And yet, he could not stop from pursuing legal action against Croft. Allowing him to get away with his criminal dealings was wrong, regardless of what his superior thought.
“Despite what you may have heard, this isn’t over.” He clenched his jaw and narrowed his gaze, ignoring the frenzied beat of his pulse. “Keep digging. Get me the proof I need to destroy him, or I’ll have you arrested right along with him when the time comes. And it will come, Mrs. Croft. With or without your help. It’ll simply take a bit longer than what I’d hoped.”
She drew the poker with one fluid motion and held it between her hands. Every line on her face had tightened as though with carefully controlled rage. “Get out.”
That was all she said but it was enough, the venom with which she spoke a warning of what she might do to him in return. He swallowed, gave a quick nod, and went to collect his hat and gloves. Not until he’d left Portman Square behind did he dare breathe again.
Samantha remained exactly where Kendrick had left her for a good ten minutes after his departure. Her hands still trembled from the shock that had gripped her the moment Elks had informed her of the constable’s presence in her home.
