“Or from a previous one,” Kendrick said, annoyance showing in his tone.“We’ve only just gotten started on this.We’ll need time to figure it out.”
Adrian knew he was right.He also worried Samantha might have a point.If the cases were connected, as he suspected they might be, that meant the killer was sure to strike again.Unless someone stopped him.
Choosing not to voice this thought, Adrian privately considered what he would have to do next.
10
The surgeon took great care adding the exact amount of wolfsbane into the vial.A little less than what he’d given Miss Griffin, but hopefully enough to ensure Mr.Booker would be rendered unconscious for the next hour.
As with the previous patients, the young man had sought medical help.Since he matched the necessary criteria for the most important medical study in history, he’d been referred here.To the only surgeon willing to do what had to be done for the sake of medical advancement.
Finished preparing the sedative, he added a few notes to the journal used for documentation.The available tools were considered next.Newly polished, they lay on display, gleaming in response to the light from the four oil lamps placed in each corner of the room.
There would hopefully be an opportunity to use them this time.
Miss Griffin had unfortunately perished before there had been a chance to open her up.The same had been true of Miss Jones, the first patient who’d been a part of this study last year.Of the six others since, besides Mr.Booker, just one survived the surgery itself, only to die later that night.
Having come so close to success, the surgeon had grown obsessed with fine-tuning the procedure.But finding the right sort of patient took time.It had to be someone in need of medical help, who could also go missing without it leading to a thorough investigation, and who trusted physicians enough to take their advice.
This explained why Mr.Booker had willingly walked into this room without coercion.Why he’d undressed and climbed onto the operating table.Why he’d allowed his ankles and wrists to be bound.Because he trusted the medical practitioner who promised to help.
Of course, such assurances meant nothing unless the surgeon in question was skilled.Many only entered this profession out of need, not because they loved their studies or because they were willing to dedicate themselves completely to their field.To such people, practicing medicine was merely something to do – an education forced upon them by a parent.
For years he had felt as though no one else shared the belief that advancement required risk and dedication.That in order to succeed, one had to make sacrifices.
Fortunately, this opinion had since been amended.He’d found a small group of people with similar views and had formed an inner circle consisting of very select members.
He took a deep breath and a sense of calm flowed through him.Steady fingers closed around the vial.“Are you ready to begin, Mr.Booker?”
Mr.Booker nodded as best he could.“The rope is chafing my wrists.I wonder if you can loosen the knots a little bit first.”
“It’s best if I don’t.Considering what we’re about to do, it’s imperative that you remain completely immobile.Understand?”
“Yes, but—”
“Good.”He provided a reassuring smile.“In a moment, whatever discomfort you feel will be forgotten.This tincture I’ve prepared will ensure a deep sleep.When you wake, the cause of your pain will have been removed.”
He pressed the vial to Mr.Booker’s lips so he could drink and silently prayed the concoction would not kill him.
* * *
“Please tell me we’re going to speak with Preordian,” Samantha whispered to Adrian as they left the Bow Street Magistrate’s Court arm in arm.She sent him a meaningful glance as they stepped down onto the pavement.Experience told her she’d be a fool to depend on the conclusion Kendrick had made about the physician.
“Of course,” Adrian said.They crossed to their carriage where he opened the door and handed her up.Directions were given to the driver before he climbed in beside her.“I’ve been anxious to learn more about him ever since Kendrick mentioned the name.”
“It is possible Preordian told the truth about Miss Griffin not showing up,” Samantha said.
“Agreed.”Adrian took her hand and laced his fingers with hers.“Kendrick’s point that Miss Griffin could have run into trouble anywhere between Ottersburg House and Floral Street is not misguided.He’s even correct to suggest that the three missing servants could be unconnected.I just…”
“Have a feeling?”Samantha said.When he met her gaze, a baffled look in his dark brown eyes, she closed the distance and pressed her lips to his, then murmured, “So do I.”
His arm swept around her to draw her closer, the next kiss he gave her singeing her all the way down to her toes.This man, with his powerful body encased in superfine wool and that earthy scent that clung to his skin, could make her insides shiver with merely a glance.
And when he’d shaved several hours ago and his jawline was slightly abrasive?
He was her greatest temptation and weakness.
“How long do we have?”The breathless question proved how desperate he made her.
