Unable to convey a message without the blasted man overhearing, she pulled off her gloves and handed them to the butler, then took a deep breath and went to greet her unwelcome guest. As much as she hated delaying her conversation with Murry and the waitthis would lead to for Adrian, there was no way around it.
She entered the room, intent on burying every hint of apprehension she felt over Kendrick being here. If he sensed her concern it would only bolster the notion that she might have something to hide – that she knew she’d withheld information from him.
Feigning ignorance was the only option. That and denial.
“I must say, I’m surprised to find you here.” She sent a quick glance over her shoulder, then nudged the door shut as though aiming to keep their conversation private. Lowering her voice to a whisper, she said, “I’ve told you not to come to the house. Do you have any idea what sort of risk you’re placing me in?”
“So you’ve said, which is why it ought to appease you a little to know that it’s not you I’m here to see but rather your husband.”
Samantha allowed that information to sink in while giving Kendrick her back as she strolled to the sideboard and picked up a glass. “A drink, Chief Constable?”
“Thank you, but I don’t imbibe while on duty.”
She shouldn’t drink either when she’d likely need all her wits about her. So she spun toward Kendrick, arms crossed, and caught him in the process of lighting a cheroot. Her nose twitched in response to the smoke he exhaled shortly after.
“He’s not home,” she said.
“That’s quite all right.” Kendrick lowered himself toan armchair. An overt sign of disrespect toward her since she remained standing. “I have time to wait.”
She glared at him, then offered the only reasonable explanation she could think of as to why Adrian wouldn’t be home any time soon, “He’s gone out of town and isn’t due back for several days.”
“Oh?”
“Maybe I can help you instead,” Samantha offered, deciding not to elaborate further. She was telling Kendrick enough lies as it was and knew full well that adding more would only make it harder for her to keep track of each one.
“I’m hoping to find out if he has discovered additional information pertaining to Lady Eleanor’s death.” Studious eyes searched her face.
“Are you not making headway on your own?” There was a strange sort of satisfaction in knowing the constable might be floundering. She almost chuckled.
“It’s in everyone’s interest that we find the killer.” Another drag from the cheroot caused the end of it to glow bright orange. A puff of smoke curled through the air as Kendrick exhaled. “There’s a chance we’ll do so sooner if we work together.”
“I was under the impression you already claim to have your man.” Samantha grabbed an ashtray and placed it on the table next to Kendrick. She gave him a pointed look. “Don’t make a mess.”
He rolled his lips, drawing out the moment, before slowly setting his cheroot aside in the small crystal dish. “I’m not too proud to admit when I’m wrong.Turns out Hutchins has a solid alibi for the night in question. Thanks to your husband, I was able to verify that.”
“And now you’re hoping he’ll give you additional tips?” It would be laughable if it weren’t so sad. “You want to ride his coattails and take the credit? Is that it?”
Kendrick’s eyes hardened to flint, his posture, so relaxed before, now utterly rigid. “I don’t give a damn about who gets the credit. My only concern is ensuring the safety of the people inhabiting London. That’s hard to do with a murderer on the loose.”
“And in order to do so you would collaborate with a man you’d like to see behind bars or, as you’ve suggested, hanging from a noose?” Sliding her irritation beneath a façade of curious interest, she tilted her head. “To be honest, I’m surprised you’ve not yet issued a warrant for his arrest after all the information I gave you.”
“There’s not enough there to ensure his permanent imprisonment or a trip to the gallows, which is why I was hoping to meet with him now.” He set the cheroot to his lips and took a long drag before snuffing it out in the ashtray. The smoke was exhaled toward the ceiling. “Lord knows it would have been nice to ask him about his findings before it’s too late, but maybe you know more about the case than I realize. Maybe something you’re able to share?”
Only some of Kendrick’s words registered with Samantha. She stared at him. “What do you mean, before it’s too late?”
He blinked as though the question surprised him. “My apologies. I’ve been told I have a bad habit of speaking out of context. I was referring to the order issued this morning when I informed my superiors that I don’t have the proof required to take down Croft. As I warned you would be the case if you failed, his removal will now be ensured by other means.”
“But—”
“You mustn’t worry. I made sure to praise your efforts in my report. Truth is, the mission was bound to fail from the very beginning. Assumptions were made, besides which you were faced with too many demands. I’m sorry for that. Truly.”
Wary of showing her shock and worse, her immediate fear, Samantha kept herself very still while Kendrick’s words dug their way into her brain. She’d known it would probably come to this, yet she wasn’t prepared. Not in the way she’d believed she would be.
“This can’t be legal,” she muttered. Her gaze caught Kendrick’s. “I want to know who’s behind this.”
He gave her a sharp look. “As I’m sure you realize, I’m not at liberty to disclose such details.”
She felt like she was floundering as she stood there, staring into his light blue eyes.Think. She’d have to find another angle.
