“It’s a brothel on John Adam Street, just south of The Strand,” James informed him.“I’ve visited it a number of times.”
Croft met his gaze.“Decent enough place then, I take it?”
James nodded.“It’s run by one of the bawds Taylor sponsors.The entire street is filled with eateries, gaming hells, taverns, and play houses.”
“Anything else you’re able to share?”Croft asked Old Larry.“Like your reason for not bringing any of this to Bow Street’s attention.”
Old Larry grimaced.“I’ve tried givin’ them tips in the past, but was always turned away.Don’t reckon they trust a blind man, so making the trip there ain’t worth the bother.”
“Fair enough.”Croft reached inside his pocket and pulled out some coins, which he placed on the table.“I appreciate your help.If you learn of other nefarious deeds in the future, please come see me at once.I’m at Number 5 Portman Square.”
Croft stood, then he and James went to share a few additional words with Keats.
“I’d like to open a tab,” Croft informed him.“Should Old Larry require anything else — a bed to sleep in or additional meals – I’m happy to pay the expense.”
Keats nodded.“His meals are on the house, but I’ll let him know about the bed.I’m sure he’ll appreciate that.”
Croft and James left The Fox’s Burrow and returned to their carriage, where Croft directed Jennings toward John Adam Street before telling James, “We’ll go straight to The Gilded Lady and see if we can pick up a trace of Lady Edwina there.”
“Or the man who took her,” James said, his hands balling into tight fists.“Once we catch the bastard, he’ll be coughing up blood and howling in pain.”
“Agreed,” Croft murmured, assuring James that there would be no forgiving this kind of behavior.Once they were on their way, Croft added, “I plan to stop by Bow Street later and let Kendrick know what we’ve learned.Despite Wrengate’s opinion, the chief constable deserves to be apprised.Especially when considering the agreement I’ve made with him.Anything less would be a breach of my word, which is something I cannot accept.”
“Understood.”James stared straight ahead as the carriage rolled onward.He hated the fact that a young woman could not go out for a walk unescorted without being preyed upon.
“You’re angrier than usual about this case,” Croft observed.
James took a slow breath.“I feel like a new threat rises as soon as we’re done putting one to rest.The fact that a duke’s sister, who ought to be protected, could so easily disappear…”
“One might say the same about Evelyne.”The sadness in Croft’s voice made James wish he could erase his last comment from existence.“Short of locking her in her room, however, there was no stopping her from leaving the house alone when that was what she was determined to do.I’m sure the same is true of Lady Edwina.”
“Forgive me.I spoke without thinking.”
“You said what you did because you’re worried.I am too.Especially because of what happened to my sister, but also because of the other atrocities we’ve dealt with since.I fear for Lady Edwina’s life, but what more can we do?We are trying to save her, and as long as that’s true, there’s a chance we’ll find her.”
“I suppose it could be worse,” James said even as a chill swept the length of his spine.“We might not have met Old Larry or learned of where to look next.”
At least now there was some hope of getting results.
8
It took another ten minutes or so before the carriage arrived at the corner of John Adam Street.James and Croft alighted, then made their way toward The Gilded Lady, which stood a little farther along, between a tobacconist’s shop and a florist.
Most of the other establishments lining the street were closed at this hour, but the demimondaines lingering near the brothel’s front door suggested it remained open at all times of day.A fact James could have confirmed had anyone asked.He knew the model Taylor employed when running these places.A rotation schedule was put in place, allowing the whores to work in shifts so they got the rest they needed.Meanwhile, the buildings he rented kept earning a steady income.
Besides, he’d told James more than once that sex wasn’t something confined to one particular part of the day.Men sought the activity when they were able, and Taylor was happy to take their coin whenever that happened to be.
“Welcome back, sir,” one of the women told James when he stepped toward the front door.She appeared to be in her early twenties, blonde and passably pretty, if one didn’t study her features too closely.A saucy smile lifted the corners of her mouth.“Feels like an age since you were here last.But I suppose I can forgive you, seein’ as you’ve brought quite the gorgeous friend.”
“We’re not here for bed sport,” James told her firmly.
The woman was no longer looking at him but rather at Croft, her eyes sharp and assessing.She licked her bright red lips and moved toward him.“What say you and I go to my room and make the bed squeak?I’ll cater to your every desire.We can even ask one of my friends to join us if that’s what you want.”
“As tempting as that sounds, I’ve more pressing matters to consider,” Croft said, his voice so flat there was no mistaking his lack of interest.
The woman scoffed ever so slightly, but took a step back, closer to where her colleagues stood.“Suit yourself then.”
Ignoring her, James pulled the door to The Gilded Lady open and waited for Croft to enter the building, then followed him into the dim interior.Strategically placed oil lamps illuminated the silk damask wall-hangings.Three velvet-clad sofas offered seating for guests or a spot for the whores to lounge while they showed off their wares.
