We cleaned up after supper was finished and had gone upstairs, Tess and I partaking of a bit of the roast and fresh string beans she’d prepared.
She’d braised the beans then dressed them with a bit of butter and parsley, with a snipping of chives to finish off. All her own idea, Tess said with a mixture of pride and apprehension. I praised her for keeping the dish simple yet delicious, and she flushed with pleasure.
I sent Tess to bed soon after that, as usual on my days out, as she’d carried the burden of the workday by herself.
Once the rest of the staff retired, I turned down the gas and lit my candle, opening my notebook to add to my lists.
My pencil stilled where it touched the page, however, refusing to write. The sound of the villain’s voice in my ear came to me as clearly as if he stood over me now, and I gasped, my stomach roiling.
I closed my eyes and drew a long breath, reminding myself what Mr.Grimes had said in the hansom.
You’re all right, Mrs.H. Remind yourself of that. You’re breathing air, with your feet on the ground.
I inhaled another long breath, trying to quell my rising hysteria. I’m certain I’d have given way to quivering sobs, had not a knock on the back door made my eyes pop open.
Did I freeze in terror, believing more villains had come tofind me? No, I knew exactly who’d come, and I flew across the kitchen and through to the scullery to open the door without hesitation.
Daniel pulled off his cap as he stepped inside, and I plunged straight into his arms.
26
“Kat.” Daniel’s whisper caressed my ear. He held me close, a pillar of warmth in the cool May night. ““Kat, my love.”
I did not have to explain to him what had happened. He knew. Mr.Grimes or one of his men would have told him.
I didn’t realize I was crying until Daniel cupped my face and brushed away my tears with his gloved thumbs.
“I am so sorry.” His words were hoarse. “I sent you off because I knew Grimes’s and Errol’s lads were following you. I never thought they’d grab you like that, in the middle of a crowd.”
“They didn’t care. These people have no interest in what happens to those who get in their way. I suppose that’s why they call them anarchists.” I tried to laugh at my little quip and ended up sobbing instead.
Daniel closed the door against the breeze and held me for a while, hands strong on my back.
“I told Monaghan tonight that I was finished with him.”
Daniel’s abrupt statement made my head pop up, my weeping fade. “What? You can’t, love. Not until this case is over. If you try to quit now, he’ll stop you and accuse you of all sorts.”
“He endangered you.” A grim light I’d never seen before entered Daniel’s eyes. “I don’t mind the assignments he sends me into, but he putyouin danger, and I can’t permit that. Not you, not James, not anyone you or I love.”
“Is James all right?” I asked in concern.
“He’s in Kensington, sleeping hard.” Daniel moved his touch to my shoulders, resting his hands lightly there.
“Thank heavens for that,” I said in relief. “I thought he’d try to be in the thick of things.”
“Why do you suppose I sent him to do all my deliveries?” A note of amusement entered Daniel’s voice. “I told him I couldn’t afford to give them up, because I’ll need that work afterward. I’m not sure he quite believed me, but at least he’s keeping safe.”
“Mr.Monaghan didn’t actually endanger me, you know,” I pointed out. “I did.”
Daniel bolted the door before he led me to the kitchen and my table. He fetched the kettle from the stove before I could protest and refilled the teapot I’d prepared, then unhooked a cup from the dresser for himself. I could only sit like a lump and watch him.
Daniel seated himself in his usual place across the corner of the table from me. I was so glad to see him there.
“You would not have inserted yourself into that house if Monaghan hadn’t sent me to it,” Daniel said. “He could have assigned me to the wilds of Scotland or the far reaches of Prussia, instead of a quarter hour’s stroll from where you live. Of course you would go in—and you were very clever to find that map. Inspector McGregor is most impressed with you.”
“Kind of him,” I said distractedly. “But listen to me, Daniel. You can’t walk away from Monaghan. He will not let you.”
“I’ll continue helping my colleagues prevent the bombings and catch the culprits behind them. I’ve made it clear I’m not doing it for Monaghan. He has shattered his last tie to me.”
