“I merely meant to keep you from falling.”
“Thank you.”She gave him a weak smile.
He felt like an ass.Instead of releasing her at once as he should have, he’d tightened his hold.His stupidity would probably leave a bruise.“I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine.”She added a firm nod then told him, “I know you’ve just returned but I think you need to head out again.”
The urgency with which she’d pursued him returned.He straightened his spine.“What’s happened?”
A few words were all it took before he was striding back toward the front entrance.Tripping along to keep pace, she accompanied him every step of the way, chatting as they went.
Pausing in the front office, he ordered several Runners to ready themselves for departure.He’d need them to cordon off any possible escape routes and help ensure the killer’s capture.
As for Miss Hastings…
He turned to her once they’d stepped out onto the pavement.“I think it’s best if you remain here.”
“Absolutely not.”She took up a stubborn stance.“This won’t be like last time, I promise.Besides, there’s more to tell you and doing so on the way would be more expedient, don’t you think?”
“Fine,” he agreed.“But once we get there, you’re staying in the carriage.”
“It w—”
“I need your word on that, Miss Hastings.”
She huffed a breath and crossed her arms.“Very well.”
Satisfied she would keep out of his way, Peter crossed to a parked Bow Street carriage and gave the driver directions.
28
The Lesters’ home was a narrow two-story house, constructed from red brick with white trim edging the windows.It sat on Millman Street, wedged between similar houses.
Seated inside the Croft carriage with Adrian and Murry, Samantha swept her gaze across the modest façade.“There’s a soft glow coming through the bottom right window.”
“Someone’s home,” Adrian said.He glanced at her and she met his gaze, saw the edge of his lips twitch.“At least we’ve not come in vain.”
“You and I both know we would have gained access to that house one way or the other.Being invited in makes it so much simpler.”
“We’ll knock on the door then?”Murry asked.
“I’d say so.”Samantha adjusted the blades strapped to her thighs.“Just make sure all your weapons are secure.”
Adrian and Murry did so while she checked the pistol she kept in her reticule.If only she’d thought to wear breeches when she’d left the house.The added pockets would have been useful.So would the improved ease of movement.Wearing voluminous skirts to a fight was never a good idea, but neither was setting tongues wagging as would likely happen if she openly paraded about in men’s clothes.
“Ready?”Adrian asked a few seconds later.He opened the carriage door as soon as she nodded and helped her alight.Murry followed them out.
Together they crossed the street, stepped onto the pavement, and climbed the front steps leading to Number 12.Hand fisted, Adrian paused for as long as it took to share a meaningful look with her before giving the door three loud raps.
He sent her another look when no one answered his third attempt.“It doesn’t look as though they’re planning to let us in.”
“Maybe the Lesters are still at work and Islington is the only one here,” Samantha suggested.There didn’t seem to be any servants or one would have come to the door.Further indication that things weren’t as they should be.At the very least, a maid-of-all-works would have been expected.“His being in hiding would prevent him from letting anyone in.”
“Makes sense,” Adrian murmured.He turned to Murry.“Go around the back and make sure whoever’s inside has no means of escape.Mrs.Croft and I will enter through here.”
“You’re sure you don’t need my support?”Murry asked.“Youareplanning to walk into a suspected killer’s home.Chances are they’ll have the upper hand.”
“There’s also a good chance they’ve no idea what we’re capable of,” Samantha said.
