He hesitated before mumbling, “The Almonry.”
The Almonry?Perhaps the most dismal neighborhood in London. “I am personally acquainted with several of the cutthroats in your area. We should find you and your brothers a better address. In the meantime, meet me at the entrance to the abbey just before first light. Do not be late.”
The boy blinked and nodded slowly. Something of hislostdemeanor stabbed Steadman’s heart. Which was silly because everyone knew his heart was made of pure granite.
Sir Hugh clapped his hands. “Very well, then. I wish you two a swift and successful mission. Quick notice and sudden pursuit.”
Steadman repeated the Bow Street motto to Sir Hugh. “Quick notice and sudden pursuit, indeed.”
He left without a backward glance, already having second thoughts about agreeing to haul human cargo swamped by a threadbare suit all the way to Wiltshire and back. If the boy managed not to die and didn’t interfere with his deeper plans, Steadman would consider the trip a victory.
Chapter Two
“You are going where?”
Lucy’s folded arms pointedly communicated her thoughts on Steadman’s travel plans. As his former ward, she was perhaps the only person in the world who could so openly accuse him without fear of retribution. He rolled his eyes upward to study the ornate ceiling before reengaging with his judge and jury. Henry, Lucy’s new husband and Steadman’s fellow Bow Street investigator, appeared befuddled by his wife’s reaction. Her grandmother, the Duchess of Ramsbury, appeared prepared to stab Steadman through the heart if he put Lucy in too much distress. And he believed she would, without hesitation. He was in her house, after all. She could easily dispose of the body with no one the wiser.
“Broad Chalke, as I said. You know I hail from near there. Such information should not come as the astonishment you claim it to be.”
Lucy looked to her new husband, Henry, for support. He simply shrugged. “The man makes a valid point.”
“You are no help.” She turned to her grandmother. “Do you not think Steadman’s intention to visit Broad Chalke will result in personal disaster?”
The duchess sat bolt strait with an expression of stone. “Very likely. However, his life has proven a long run of flirting with one disaster after another, only to escape unscathed. Perhaps he will again.” She cut her eyes toward Steadman. “Or perhaps his clandestine maneuvers will at last bring him to ruin and break the heart of his adopted daughter. Should that happen, I would be displeased.Greatly displeased.”
Steadman picked at his cravat. He was not accustomed to being cowed by anyone, let alone an elderly woman. He held hispalms toward Lucy and leaned forward. “Dear Lucy, all will be well, I assure you.”
“But what of your family? And what ofhim? What are your intentions?”
Thehimof whom she spoke had a name, but Steadman had not allowed it to pass his lips in years. “The less said, the better. You should remain uninvolved in this.”
“Too late. I am already involved. You raised me from a child to womanhood. You taught me everything I know. You risked the noose for my reputation, for my happiness. If this plan of yours goes awry, I will, I will…”
She wiped away a tear from her eye, bringing Steadman to shame. “It will not go awry, Lucy. Besides, I will have a partner to keep an eye on me.”
She sniffled, but her face brightened. “A partner?”
“Mr. Brady.”
Henry frowned and his forehead creased. “The assistant editor of the magistrate’s newsletter?”
“The same.”
His eyes narrowed. “Does he have any, well, experience in these sorts of things? In field investigation?”
Steadman chuckled. Henry had gotten directly to the point. “Not a shred. But I am to educate him in the finer points of Bow Street’s operation.”
This seemed to mollify Lucy somewhat. She dipped her chin toward him. “Does this Mr. Brady appear capable of learning?”
Steadman pursed his lips. Good question. He recalled the lad’s initial discomfort when meeting him, andhisfirst lukewarm impression. However, the young man had risen to the challenge admirably, with a quick wit and a solid backbone. Again, not unlike Lucy in that way.
“Yes. He seems more than up to the task.”
“Then he is a fortunate man. There is no better tutor than you, Steadman.”
“Pardon?” Henry’s question rang with mock offense. “Did you not say the same of me?”
“Hush, Henry. You know my feelings for you.”
