“It’s my understanding that we have not been raided because we are not doing anything illegal. The last time that happened, it had more to do with the astonishing level of debt a certain magistrate had with Mr. Campion than illegalities. Our people were all released the next day.”
“You really think Morgan took the Surrey boy?”
“Yes. Or someone like Morgan.” Robert leaned back in the chair. “Truthfully, constable, I am less concerned with who took Lord Timothy than who wanted him and where he is now.”
“Do you have any ideas on that score?”
Robert nodded. “Unfortunately, yes. We are a legal establishment, but our enterprises abut up against some extremely sketchy territory. There are two groups I think might be possibilities, but they are ghosts. They move frequently. Down the street today and in Kent tomorrow. Invitation only.”
Lewis shifted in his chair and rolled his shoulders back as he cleared his throat again. “That’s the reason you’ve been—you’ve been seen with—my God, man, you’re trying to get an invitation!”
“Rumors, constable. Wildfires do not spread as quickly.”
“You could be wrong. He could be dead.”
Robert leaned back. “Rumors run both directions, sir. You thought you had him in one of your morgues. But you were wrong. At least that is what I heard.”
Lewis nodded. “Yeah, we thought it was him, but his sister said no.”
Robert absorbed the man’s words a moment, uncertain he had heard them correctly. Stunned if he had, and his voice revealed his outrage as he leaned over the desk. “Sir, are you saying you took Timothy Surrey’ssisterto a morgue?”
Lewis drew back in surprise at Robert vehemence. “I intended to take her father, but the man is not in the city. She insisted.”
Robert stood up abruptly, the chair scooting backwards. “I am sure she did.” He scrubbed his hand across his mouth, fighting the desire to throttle the man. “I cannot believe you let her convince you—”Oh, yes, I can.
“Lady Eloise is quite a determined woman.”
“How did she—”
“Quite well, considering. I fully expected her to faint, but she did not so much as cough. Her relief at finding it was not her brother made her weak, but she did not swoon, although I took hold a-her, in case she did.”
Robert stopped, staring at him, ire building in his gut, heat in his face. “You put your hands on her?”
Lewis hesitated, his eyes narrowing as he studied Robert. “I know it was improper, but I thought she might fall. Would swooning in a morgue be more appropriate? What is your concern here?”
Robert caught himself. Lewis might not be the sharpest man he had ever met, but he was not an idiot either. And he might be able to get into Newgate to talk to Morgan. He waved away the moment, reaching for a remnant of Robert the dandy. “My concern is for you, constable. From what I have heard, you may be lucky to remain alive. I have heard the lady is quite formidable when it comes to men.”
“So you know her?”
“Yes. She is the friend I referred to earlier. We met because she acts as a chaperone to my beloved, Lady Lydia Rowbotham. Are you familiar with her? Her father is the Duke of Makendon. Quite the powerful man, so I hear.”
Lewis gaped at him. “Uh, Timothy Surrey—”
“Yes, of course. If I hear anything more, I will notify you immediately.” Robert went to the door and opened it. “I do apologize, constable, but we have just reopened after Mr. Campion’s death. It will be a chaotic evening.”
Lewis stood slowly and crossed the room. Robert merely waited. As Lewis passed through the doorway, he turned and looked back at Robert, his face bleak. “Be careful, sir. I do not wish to have anyone identifyyourbody.”
“I appreciate that, Constable Lewis. Do have a good evening. Feel free to stay and gamble if you wish.”
Lewis touched the brim of the bowler, then turned and headed down the stairs. Robert closed the door and sagged against it.Eloise!All his instincts screamed for him to go to her. The very thought of her at a morgue filled him with a primal drive to protect and shield her. And the vision of that man’s hands on her made his blood stew. She should not have to go through one more minute of this.
They had to find Timothy.
No,hehad to find Timothy.
*
Tuesday, 19 July 1825
