Page 65

“That’s an option,” James said. “But my guess is that would be a long, expensive road to go down. I think a few of the other tenants in Gabby’s house have come up with some alternative strategies, so I am hoping to have a quick word with them about that tonight when I drop her off.”

“You didn’t want her to have to walk in the dark while she’s hurt,” Dominique said.

James gave a nod.

The others insisted on walking out with them, and they said their goodbyes next to James’s car.

“A keeper,” Dominique whispered in her ear as she gave her friend a hug goodbye.

The boys seemed completely won over, as well, which was good, because she wanted her friends to like her boyfriend.

“Thank you,” she said as James pulled away. “This is very thoughtful.”

He glanced over at her. “I worry. A lot.”

She sighed. “I’m quite worried, myself.”

“This can’t go on. If I have to hand it to the local nick to investigate, I will, but this Sutcliffe character can’t run roughshod over his tenants like this.” James clenched his hands on the steering wheel.

“He’s obviously done it before and gotten away with it,” Gabriella pointed out. “He chooses to rent to communities that are far more vulnerable to being ignored by the law, knowing they either can’t or won’t ask for help.”

“It’s infuriating that that’s true,” James said.

They sat in silence for the rest of the way home, and when they drew up, James seemed to shake off his mood at the sight of Solomon’s new car parked outside the house.

“Good,” he murmured as he held her door open for her.

She turned in her seat, and then eyed the pavement with trepidation.

“I might need a hand,” she said.

James leaned in, put his hands beneath her armpits, and lifted her out easily.

“Thanks.”

“Mr. Detective.” Solomon called out as he came down the front steps. “Gabriella.”

“Hi, Solomon.” Gabriella looked behind him at the front door, and clapped her hands together. “It’s working again?”

“I have a carpenter friend. He came and fixed it this evening.” Solomon half turned to look at it. “I’m thinking it’s better than before.” He looked at the way they were standing together and clicked his fingers. “Jerome told me you were hurt. You don’t look too good, Gabs.”

She made a face at him. “Thanks. I’m stiff, but nothing’s broken.”

“We need to talk,” James said. “I mentioned it to Jerome after I heard about the thugs waiting to beat you up, but now it’s escalated, there is definitely something that needs to be done.”

“You think it was Sutcliffe who’s responsible for what happened to Gabby?” Solomon went still.

“I just don’t know.” Gabriella bit her bottom lip. “A few of the witnesses described a man who looked a bit like someone James and I saw hanging around the house on Monday. I don’t know if it was him, and even if it was, if he’s Sutcliffe’s man.”

“No, but odds are,” Solomon said.

“My feelings exactly,” James agreed. “What do you know about Sutcliffe?”

“I know he’s got offices in South Kensington, and his main enforcer is Ambrose Ashe, who also runs one of Sutcliffe’s clubs, a jazz and blues place in Chelsea.” Solomon glanced at her, as if he was wondering if he should be talking in front of her.

She raised her brows, and he grinned at her.

“I’d like to pay him a visit,” James said. “Maybe we can coordinate.”