26
Having returned to Bow Street, Peter prepared to inform a few select Runners of what was required of them this evening. He liked the plan he and the other men had come up with together with Croft after he had come to his senses. What a nightmare that had been, forcing him to see reason.
Peter felt bad for Marsdale. The earl was a good friend though it might take a while for Croft to remember this.
With his wife in danger, he seemed to have forgotten how much Marsdale had already risked on his behalf when he’d helped facilitate Croft’s escape from prison. Had it not been for him, Croft would have ended up on the scaffold.
Peter swept the Bow Street front office with his gaze to remind himself of who was on duty and was relieved when he spotted Jackson. His help would be appreciated. There was also Lewis and Gordon. Three Runners and himself should be enough to cut off the alleyways they’d be in charge of.
His gaze shifted to Gabriella, who looked up from her desk as though she’d sensed his regard. Thanks to her diligent work last night, they’d figured out who the next victim might be. Proctor Kipling or Howard Finch. Both men had been reported as constant companions of Stewart Warren and Keith Orwell during their time of deployment. Peter had sent Runners to both men’s last recorded addresses in order to underscore the threat they might be facing, only to learn that Howard Finch was no longer alive, having taken his own life a few years prior.
This left Proctor Kipling, who’d moved out of his lodgings on Bedfordbury last month and would now have to be found.
Fortunately, his former landlord recalled him mentioning the Fleet Street area, so while the search might take a while, it didn’t feel hopeless. Peter had ordered a couple of Runners to go door to door and let him know when they found Mr. Kipling’s new location.
A soft smile curved Gabriella’s lips and Peter’s chest tightened with affection. Intent on remaining professional, however, he gave her a quick nod in greeting, then cleared his throat.
“Attention everyone,” he began, pausing for a second while all sound ceased. “Mrs. Croft’s location has been discovered, and a plan devised to get her back and ensure the capture of the man responsible. If all goes well, Finn O’Leary will have taken up residence in one of our cells two hours from now. Jackson, Lewis, and Gordon, you’re with me.
“Anderson and Adams, you’ll be required to work overtime since your presence is needed here. I’m leaving you in charge until I return. For the rest of you, it’s business as usual.”
He gestured for Jackson, Lewis and Gordon to follow him to his office. When he arrived there, he went straight to his bookcase and pulled out a map detailing the area where Seven Dials was located. The rookery was generally best avoided, even during the light of day. Under the cover of night, it became a deathtrap.
“The plan is as follows,” he said as he cleared a spot on his desk and placed the map upon it. When he glanced at his Runners who’d gathered around, he saw that they weren’t alone. He sighed. “May I help you with something, Miss Hastings?”
She shook her head. “No.”
When she peered down at the map without saying anything more, Peter straightened and crossed his arms. “You’re not coming with us.”
He needed to make that point absolutely clear.
“I didn’t intend to.” She nudged her spectacles back into place with her index finger. “Please. Go on.”
“I will once you leave.” The withering glare she sent him could not have been more disapproving. Nevertheless, he told her plainly, “This is a strategy meeting. Your presence is not required.”
Lips pressed together in a thin line, she leaned back, chin slightly raised. “Very well. I’ll wait for you outside.”
He nodded, waited until the door swung shut behind her, then told his Runners how to proceed. They’d cut off every escape route in order to trap O’Leary and his men so Croft could gain the upper hand.
“O’Leary’s men should be considered armed and dangerous. They probably won’t care who you are. They’ll only be looking out for themselves, so stay vigilant and be careful.”
“When should we be ready to leave?”
Peter checked his pocket watch. It was already seven-thirty. “Five minutes from now. You ought to go and prepare.”
They hurried from his office, leaving him to adjust his thoughts to what lay ahead. The plan was simple. He liked that. But he’d had this job long enough to know that any number of things could go wrong.
He prayed it wouldn’t and opened his desk drawer, was in the process of collecting a reserve pistol, when he heard the familiar tread of her feet.
Her voice came next. “I don’t like the idea of you venturing into that part of town. It’s too dangerous.”
He met Gabriella’s gaze and saw the concern that brightened her eyes. “I don’t relish it either, but that’s my job. Besides, I’m not going alone.”
“Can it not be avoided?”
“The Crofts will likely be killed without my help. Their servant too. So no, it cannot be avoided. At least not in a way where I’d be able to live with myself after.”
Hugging herself, she took a small step toward him while he finished collecting his weapons. “Promise me you’ll be careful. That you won’t take any unnecessary risks.”
