Gabriel observed the shift, grim satisfaction curling in his chest.
The magistrate continued, detailing the poisoning plot, the instructions given for the carriage accident, which were details only Smite, himself, and Richard could possibly possess.
Charles sputtered, attempting to maintain his composure.
“Surely you can possibly believe this nonsense, this is preposterous!” he said, attempting to sound incredulous. “This is all Richard’s doing.”
The magistrate cut him off sharply.
“Smite’s testimony places you at the center of this conspiracy,” he said. “The entire undertaking was of your planning, your provision, and your direction.”
Charles faltered.
Gabriel watched, his fury razor-sharp, as the reality settled over his enemy.
“You are finished,” he said coldly.
Charles did not speak. A constable stepped forward.
“You are to be taken under charge,” He spoke with finality.
Chapter Twenty-five
The apprehension of Richard Harrington was swift and decisive. Acting on warrants facilitated by James’s connections and supported by the damning testimony of John Smite, the Bow Street Runners were quick to act. Richard was found in his aunt’s mansion, lounging with careless ease, completely unaware of the storm about to break upon him.
When the men entered, their presence carrying the weight of authority, Richard straightened, his brows lifting in faint amusement. He had always carried himself with the smug assurance of a man untouched by consequence.
“To what do I owe this intrusion?” he asked.
The lead Runner, a grizzled veteran of the force, unrolled the warrant and read it aloud, each word weighted with purpose.
“Richard Harrington,” he said. “You stand accused of conspiracy to commit murder, fraud, and incitement to violence.”
James observed Richard closely, watching for the inevitable reaction. It came swiftly.
The cad’s carefully cultivated facade cracked. His amused indifference faltered, giving way to stunned disbelief.
“Murder?” he asked, seeming incredulous. “This is madness.
The Runner remained unmoved.
“There is sworn testimony detailing your role in the poisoning of Victoria Harrington, as well as your involvement in the planned attack on the Countess of Mountwood,” he said.
James held Richard’s gaze.
“It is over,” he said, with no small amount of relief and pleasure.
Richard’s denial came with swift desperation.
“You cannot believe this,” he said, his eyes widening as his fate became clearer to him. “You cannot prove a thing.”
“Smite did,” James said, happy to correct the criminal.
Richard paled. The confirmation of his guilt was written clearly across his features. He tried to collect himself, but the damage had already been done.
“You are under arrest,” the Runner said.
Richard did not resist or deny the allegations any longer. James watched with cold satisfaction as the cad was escorted away. At long last, the true monsters of London would pay for their crimes.
