Adrian’s lips parted.He seemed to need a moment for that information to settle.When his gaze refocused on Samantha, he said, “I met her when I stopped by St.George’s to speak with Wentworth.She was stationed at the front desk and tried denying me access.I wonder now if that was intentional.If she knew of my involvement in the investigation, she might have striven to hinder my efforts.”
“It would make sense for her to protect both her husband and brother from possible prosecution.In Wolf’s opinion, Islington would have sought her aid.If he hasn’t fled the City, there’s a chance he’s hiding out in her house.”
“And since her husband’s name hasn’t been officially linked to the deaths, he might still be referring patients to the surgeon.”
“Unless Doctor Lesteristhe surgeon,” Samantha said.“Let’s not forget, we’re not dealing with a rational person but rather with someone intent on making a name for himself, even if people have to die for that to happen.Just because he lacks the training or an official degree doesn’t mean he’s not choosing to act as though he has both.”
“A compelling theory in light of what we have learned.It’s certainly worth looking into.”
Samantha glanced at the clock on the fireplace mantle.“It’s only five minutes past four.If we head out now, we could be at Lester’s home by half past and back home again before supper.”
“True, but I’m thinking we should gather more information first.”Forearms braced on his thighs, Adrian dropped his gaze to the carpet for a moment before once again meeting her gaze.“While I’ll agree there’s a good chance the Lesters may be part of all this, we cannot afford to make a mistake by basing our suspicions solely on statements made by others.What if the men I spoke with are simply trying to cast blame on someone else?”
“There’s also the information Wolf provided on Mrs.Lester.”
“I doubt she’s involved.”When Samantha gave him a questioning look, he said, “She works for Murdoch.Besides, Wolf told you nothing concrete, merely that she is Islington’s sister.He might seek her help.But that’s information others might know and use to push us toward the wrong trail.By mentioning Lester – the only physician associated with this thus far who’s not employed by St.George’s – they may have intended for us to make that exact connection.Either way, the concrete facts we’ve acquired are not enough to accuse either of the Lesters of wrongdoing.”
“If we speak with them, there’s a chance they’ll reveal the truth.Especially with Mrs.Lester being one of Murdoch’s people.”
“There’s also the chance they’ll tell us nothing we don’t already know.In which case, if they are involved, we’ll just have warned them that they’re under investigation.”
Following his line of thought she said, “They’ll be given the chance to hide whatever proof there might be of their involvement, and we’ll have lost our upper hand.”
“Plus, we cannot afford to get this wrong.”A shadow fell across Adrian’s face.His eyebrows drew together.“I’ve made mistakes in the past.Looking back, it’s a miracle Lundquist didn’t insist on seeking satisfaction after I publicly accused him of killing my sister.It was an unforgivable error on my part and one I’d like to avoid repeating, besides which I risk having my pardon revoked if there’s so much as a whisper of me circumventing the law in any way.”
Valid points, all.“Then what would you suggest.”
“We visit Bow Street first.I’d like to question Melroy and Wentworth.See if they have anything to add about the Lesters.”
“And then?”
“And then we see.If what they tell us adds credence to the Lesters’ direct involvement, I’m confident Kendrick will guarantee their arrest.”
* * *
“There’s also this,” Adrian said after ordering the carriage readied.He showed Samantha the letter Murdoch’s informant had pilfered from Wrengate.“Let’s compare it with the anonymous note while we wait.”
They moved to his study and placed both pieces of paper upon his desk, side by side.Adrian leaned forward, his palm flat against the polished wood as he scanned the two scripts.“They’re very similar.”
“The slant looks the same,” Samantha agreed.“Even the curve of this particular ‘g’ is indistinguishable from that one, but there are slight differences too.”
Adrian’s heart shrank as his body grew heavy.“It’s inconclusive.We’re no closer to learning if Wrengate wrote this or not.Damn.”
“I’m sorry,” Samantha muttered, her hand settling over his just before a knock sounded.
Adrian glanced toward the door where Elks stood.“The carriage is ready, sir.”
Adrian thanked his butler and prepared for departure.He hoped Bow Street would prove more useful than the handwriting sample provided by Murdoch.
Dismissing the disappointment that wrapped his ribs tightly around his lungs, he followed Samantha out of the house.Her desire to finish with Bow Street quickly was understandable.He too felt an urgent need to rush off and confront the Lesters.However, he genuinely believed this situation was better handled with careful deliberation instead of heightened emotion.
Despite his low opinion of Kendrick, he had to admit that the chief constable had proven himself more capable lately.He’d managed to track down the missing children and bring them back to London safely.Much to Adrian’s surprise, he’d even turned on his superiors in order to see justice served on Adrian’s behalf.
Both accomplishments were marks in Kendrick’s favor.Adrian owed him his life.The least he could do in return was help him catch the villain he hunted.Such a success would restore everyone’s faith in the man and advance his career.
Accompanied by Murry, whom Adrian had asked to join him and Samantha for added security, they asked Jennings to take them to Bow Street.The carriage wove its way through the congested traffic on Berkley Street before gathering speed on Piccadilly.All in all, it took about twenty minutes to reach the Bow Street Magistrate’s Court, only to learn Kendrick was out.
“When will he return?”Adrian asked Lewis, the young Runner who’d come to greet him.
