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“This is what happens when any fool is allowed to get on a horse,” Adrian said when they drove past the wagon on which the woman would be transported to one of the hospitals.

A group of men made sure the rider didn’t run off but that he remained where he was until law enforcement showed up.

“I hope he receives the punishment he deserves for his reckless behavior.”

“Let’s pray his victim will be all right,” Samantha murmured.

She blew out a breath full of so much agony, Adrian knew there was more on her mind than what they’d just witnessed. She’d been despondent since leaving the house.

He set his hand over hers, encasing her fingers with his own. “What did Melody say?”

Samantha turned to him as if startled by the question. “Hmm?”

“Something has you troubled after you spoke with her. I’d like to know what it is. If you’re willing to tell me.” He offered a soft smile. “Maybe I can help.”

“Thank you, but there’s nothing you can do about this, I’m afraid. She’s leaving for Italy in the morning and won’t return until sometime next year. Lady Heathbrooke’s decision it would seem, intended to separate Melody from Marsdale.”

“Ah.” Though Adrian knew this was best for Edward, he was aware that Samantha probably did not view it that way. Nothing in her expression or voice suggested as much. Quite the contrary, judging by what was starting to look more and more like simmering anger. “I’m—”

“Don’t.” She sent him a sharp look. “I know you approve of this decision, so there’s no need to tell me you’re sorry about it.”

“That’s not fair,” though he understood why she would feel as she did. He’d made his disapproval of a relationship between Miss Roberts and Edward clear. “I never hoped for this – for the two of you to be separated, I mean. I know how much she means to you.”

“She protected me from Mrs. Hasham while we were at the orphanage. Or tried to, at least. And even though I saw much less of her after she moved to Heathbrooke House, there was comfort in knowing she wasn’t far away.”

“Maybe there’s a positive side to this that you’re not taking into account.

” When she gave him a disbelieving look he said, “Italy isn’t the worst place in the world, Samantha.

Think of all she will see on her journey and all the experiences she will have during her stay.

It’s possible her life will be richer for it. Have you considered that?”

She stared at him for a long moment then slapped his shoulder with the back of her hand. “Curse you for being so reasonable about all of this. You’ve actually managed to make me envy her a little.”

“What is there to envy when you get to stay here with me?”

Her answering laugh was immediate and so infectious, he laughed as well, right before pulling her in for a heated kiss. Lord, how he loved kissing his wife. There was never a moment he could not spare in order to do precisely that.

She wound her arms around his neck, her eagerness tempting him with all manner of wicked ideas. Since they were married, there was really no limit to what they could do when confined to a small private space.

But then the carriage rolled to a halt, alerting them that they’d arrived. Samantha released her hold of him and proceeded to smooth her skirts and adjust her bonnet.

He sent her a wry look intended to let her know how delicious she was and that he hoped to resume this escapade later.

She smirked in response, then unlocked the door and let it swing open.

One of their footmen appeared, ready to set down the steps and help Samantha alight.

Adrian followed her onto the pavement where he offered his arm.

He gave the sign above Number 4 Bow Street a quick glance then escorted his wife inside the building where Kendrick worked.

This was the second time he had come here in the space of two days.

Kendrick had been right to question his wanting to set foot here ever again.

Not just once, but twice now since spending time in one of the cells.

Glancing past the Runners who manned the front office, he envisioned the back of the building and the door through which he’d departed when he’d been sent to the gallows. A tremor clasped his spine and Samantha turned to him, concern in her cornflower blue gaze.

“Maybe I should have come alone?”

He shook off his unpleasant response and straightened beside her. “And let this vermin-infested location get the best of me?”

She pursed her lips, the concern from seconds before overshadowed by an almost devilish kind of delight. Her chin rose in understanding and fierce determination. They would not cower for any reason. Neither of them.

Instead, they stepped up to the front desk together and faced the Runner who sat there. Recognition widened his eyes as Adrian leaned toward him. He was either stumped by Adrian’s showing up here once more, or utterly terrified. It was hard to tell which.

“Please tell Kendrick the Crofts are here to see him,” Adrian said. “We have some information that may be pertinent to the case he’s working on.”

“Um…” The Runner swallowed. “I’m afraid the chief constable isn’t here at the moment.”

Adrian stared at him and he stared right back. When it became clear that the younger man would not say more without prompting, Adrian asked, “Any idea when he will return?”

“He didn’t say.”

Samantha cleared her throat and the Runner’s gaze shifted to her.

“What about Jackson?” she asked, bringing up Kendrick’s colleague. They’d met him recently, when Adrian and Samantha had been on the run. Kendrick and Jackson had tracked them down together, intent on ensuring their capture. Instead, they’d ended up helping the fugitives clear their names.

“He’s not here either.” Brow creasing, the Runner looked around as though searching for some other way in which to provide assistance. He suddenly snapped to attention. “Miss Hastings. Can you come here?”

A petite woman whom Adrian would describe as unremarkable due to her dull attire and somber expression popped up from behind a desk. The quizzical look in her eyes was sharp, however. Almost calculating. But then she smiled and it was as though a sun peeked out from behind a dark cloud.

This must be the new chief magistrate’s daughter Kendrick had told him about. Unmarried as she was, he could only imagine her turning one or two heads.

“What is it?” Samantha asked when he chuckled.

“Nothing. I merely wonder how Bow Street will fare with a woman in their employ.” Noting the way his wife frowned in response to this statement, Adrian clarified, “It’s no wonder they’re struggling with their cases. They’re clearly very distracted.”

She smirked at that. “I’m sure Miss Hastings’s arrival is recent or else the cases in question would have been solved without the need for our assistance.”

The lady in question reached them before Adrian had a chance to respond. Not that he would have. Sometimes it was best to say nothing.

“How can I help?” Miss Hastings asked, her attention straying between the Runner who’d called her over and Adrian and Samantha.

“Mr. and Mrs. Croft claim to have information that could be useful to one of Kendrick’s cases. They asked to speak with him but he’s not here. I thought you might help.”

Adrian presented his card to Miss Hastings. He gestured to Samantha. “My wife, Mrs.—”

“Samantha Croft,” Miss Hastings supplied. That smile from earlier returned as she faced Samantha. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

“Likewise.” There was no denying the wariness with which Samantha responded, as though she feared a trap would open before her at any second.

She glanced at Adrian briefly before informing Miss Hastings, “We’re here about the case involving Miss Griffin’s death.

Additional details that may prove useful have come to our attention. ”

Adrian wouldn’t have thought it possible for Miss Hastings’s smile to expand. He stood corrected and realized in the same instant that she took very good care of her teeth. All of which were on open display before she managed to school her features.

“As it happens, Kendrick and I are working on that very case together.”

Adrian’s brows dipped. “Really?” When both women turned to him with censorious gazes, he said, “I didn’t take Kendrick for the modern sort of fellow who would approve of women getting involved in such things.”

Miss Hastings seemed to consider that for a second before confessing, “He had no choice. My father ordered him to accept the idea.”

“Then I can only assume your father to be the new chief magistrate,” Samantha said.

When Miss Hastings confirmed this, Adrian said, “A man worthy of admiration since he knows the dangers this business can bring. To allow his daughter to participate in murder investigations is rather unusual. Progressive, but unusual nonetheless.”

Miss Hastings nodded and gestured for Adrian and Samantha to follow her past the front desk.

To the Runner she said, “I’ll make use of Kendrick’s office so there’s room for our guests to sit.

” To Adrian and Samantha she added while steering them down a hallway, “I’m Papa’s little mosquito.

The youngest of his five daughters. He knows I’ve a brain for making connections, but I think the real reason he’s backing my wish to work here is so I will stop pestering him.

To be fair, I’ve done little else since I heard of his new appointment. ”

Adrian suppressed a grin. It was all beginning to make sense. However, if she was indeed capable, then he would support her as well. And enjoy the irritation it would likely bring Kendrick. Oh, he could scarcely wait for the constable to return.

They reached his office and Miss Hastings showed them inside. “Please have a seat. I’ll find some paper so I can record your statements.”