“As I’ve already said, I know nothing about that, nor Lady Edwina’s whereabouts.”Croft halted and turned toward Peter, his hand on Peter’s arm, staying his progress.“Finn O’Leary was there last night.”
Peter blinked, then spoke an inaudible curse because of what this implied.The hell that would likely ensue.“You’re certain?”
“You know I wouldn’t have mentioned it unless I am.”
The firm look that followed sent a cool sensation of unease sliding across Peter’s skin.No good would come of this.“Whyareyou mentioning it to me?”
A question he didn’t want answered, yet one he felt compelled to ask.
“Because I’m going after him, and I want your help.”
Peter recoiled, then glanced around, fearful someone might have overhead.Seeing no one else within earshot, he hissed, “I am an officer of the law.You cannot ask me to help you” – he dropped his voice to a whisper – “do away with someone.”
“What I’m requesting is manpower.Nothing else.”When Peter prepared to protest some more, Croft leaned in, his face set in stone.“You owe me, Kendrick.For Gabriella.”
Heat shot to the top of Peter’s skull.He gritted his teeth, the anger that flashed through his body obliterating any previous diffidence felt toward this man.“That was you repaying me for when I helped you cheat death.I thought we were square.”
“We will be once this is over.”
“Or what?”Peter glared at Croft while wishing he’d had the good sense to let him hang.
Instead of answering, Croft leaned back on his heals, released Peter’s arm, and flicked a piece of ‘something’ off Peter’s lapel.“Meet me tonight at the coffee shop on Gosfield Street.Eight o’clock.And bring your men.They’ll need to cordon off all the streets surrounding Hanson Street.No one gets in or out of that area after that hour without being stopped and searched.Clear?”
“I’ll not be party to murder,” Peter informed him.
Croft angled his head.“You’re awfully righteous for someone who was willing to plant evidence and change a few facts to protect the woman you love.”A soft chuckle accompanied a firm pat on the shoulder.“I expect you to be there tonight.If you’re not and O’Leary escapes, I’ll hold you personally responsible, Kendrick.And that’s not something you want.”
* * *
“Have you considered asking Croft to help us with the Albion case?”Gabriella asked Peter.He’d been in a rotten mood since she’d woken.Probably due to his lack of sleep.“Seems like the sort of thing he might know something about.”
Although she knew her husband’s relationship with the man was difficult, and while she herself had initially disliked him, there was no denying the way in which he’d come to her aid.She would without doubt have been sentenced to death for murder had it not been for him.
“No.”Peter spoke firmly.“I’ve marked that case as strictly confidential for now.”
“I wasn’t aware of that,” Gabriella confessed.He’d made no mention of it until this moment, and now…
Peter’s gaze snared hers.“Two men were killed, including Mr.Henshaw, who happened to be one of the wealthiest businessmen in London.That means other powerful men might be involved, so for now, the interviews we’ve conducted and other pertinent details remain between us.”
Gabriella’s pulse leapt.She swallowed while fidgeting with her skirt, aware of the admission she now had to make and the argument that might follow.
A wave of heat pricked the nape of her neck.“I, um… I may have mentioned our lack of progress regarding this case to my godfather when we—”
“What?”Peter stared at her as though she’d confessed to a crime.
“He often asks me about the work I’m doing.”
“And you thought you were at liberty to share information about open cases with him?”Disbelief thinned Peter’s voice.
“We’re speaking of a prominent member of the peerage.A trusted family friend who’s been concerned about my well-being after what happened with Sally Finch.Much like Papa, he just wants to make sure I’m staying safe.”
“Your father is the Chief Magistrate, Gabriella.”It sounded like Peter struggled to grasp her explanation.“You cannot compare others to him when it comes to Bow Street matters.”
“You’re right,” she whispered, guilt pouring through her.“I’m sorry.”
He answered with a brittle laugh.“As if I’m not already enough of a laughing stock.”
“That’s not true, Peter.You’re an excellent investigator.”
