“I suppose I’m technically off duty now so I’d appreciate that.Thank you.”He dropped his gaze toward the vacant chair next to Samantha’s and sent her a hesitant glance.“May I?”
Still unwilling to trust the chief constable after the part he’d played in trying to ruin Adrian’s life, she maintained a hostile expression while crossing her arms, even as she said, “By all means.”
“Would you like a brandy as well?”Adrian asked her as he went to pour the drinks.
“Yes, please.”Leaving Adrian to the task, she asked Kendrick, “Were you able to gain a confession from Wentworth?”
“No.He claims he’s innocent.”
“Of course he does,” Samantha muttered.“He’d be a fool not to, but you found the proof of his involvement right?”
“You’re referring to the notebook?”Samantha’s silence in response to the question was telling.It conveyed the lack of respect she had for him.
Taking pity on the man since he had come here of his own volition, Adrian said, “It was fairly damning, wouldn’t you say?”
“I would,” Kendrick agreed, “which is why Wentworth is currently being held in one of the Bow Street cells.”
“You don’t say.”Adrian handed Kendrick one of the glasses he’d prepared, then offered the next to Samantha before taking the last for himself.
“However, there are a few points that require further investigation before we make official charges against him.Especially since the search of his house this afternoon provided no additional leads.”
Adrian returned to his seat and Kendrick proceeded to brief him and Samantha on what he’d learned, paying particular attention to the elements in Wentworth’s favor.Most glaring was the issue regarding the disposal of the bodies, which Adrian agreed would have been impossible for Wentworth to manage alone.
There was also his character to consider.
“Were it not for the fact that I found those notes in his locked drawer,” Adrian said, “I would never have thought him capable.”
Kendrick sent him a firm look.“You and I both know there are those who can conceal their true nature with ease.Whatever your opinion of him may be, you’d best ignore it.”
“I’ve already done so,” Adrian reminded him.“As evidenced by the fact I searched his office.”
“I’ll grant you that,” Kendrick said, earning a look of disdain from Samantha.
She sipped her brandy, then asked, “What’s your plan moving forward?”
“To dig deeper.”Kendrick’s steady gaze held hers briefly before he shifted his full attention to Adrian.“Whoever killed these patients required not only the means but also a sound-proof location.Given what we know— the fact that Mr.Booker died after arriving at St.George’s, the possibility he was deliberately silenced, and Wentworth being a St.George’s physician—it seems that particular hospital could be the answer.”
“It does appear to be at the heart of this case,” Adrian mused.“I trust you’re planning to search it?”
“Tomorrow morning,” Kendrick confirmed.
“I’d like to join you.”A pointed look from Samantha had him adding, “We both would.”
“I thought you might say that.”Kendrick drank some brandy, holding the liquid in his mouth for a moment before swallowing.“However, I don’t think it’s a good idea for either of you to be present.”
“You wouldn’t even have known about Wentworth’s notebook were it not for me,” Adrian said, his voice low and measured.
“You’re right and I’m grateful to you for the information you have provided,” Kendrick told him.“When I agreed to let you collaborate with me, I did so due to your proven success at revealing criminals.It’s a notable skill that can serve London well.That said, we mustn’t forget your own criminal past.It would be irresponsible of me to let you participate in a broader capacity.Not only because there’s a chance you’ll do away with the killer, thus putting yourself at risk of another arrest and all the unpleasantries that will follow, but also because it wouldn’t be good for Bow Street if people found out we’ve been working with you.”
Adrian placed a hand over his heart.“I’m touched by how much you care for my wellbeing, Kendrick.”
Samantha snorted and Kendrick sent his gaze skyward, then downed the remainder of his drink and set his glass on the desk.“I’ll keep you apprised of any developments moving forward.”
“Are you asking me to remain on the sidelines?”
“I’m telling you to fall back and let me do my job.”Kendrick stood and prepared to depart.“Should you happen to hear anything pertinent, however, I trust you’ll pass it along.”
Adrian leaned back in his chair and raised his glass in salute.“Of course.”
