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She did as he asked and saw that he wrestled with his assailant.

The man, caught in Adrian’s grasp, bent his arm and thrust his elbow at Adrian’s stomach.

Adrian muttered a curse and released the man in order to better punch him.

His fist connected with the man’s cheek.

He stumbled slightly and Adrian punched him again, knocking him off his feet.

A howl erupted as he hit the floor. Some of the foulest curses Samantha had ever heard followed. She glanced at Adrian. “Are you all right?”

“I’ll be fine once I know who that is and what he’s doing here.” He dropped to a crouch beside the man he’d just fought.

“Bloody bastard,” the man muttered. “You’ve wrecked my hand.”

“I’d say you played an equal part in that,” Adrian said. “Who are you?”

The man snorted. “The person who’s going to have you arrested.”

Adrian tilted his head. “If that’s what you think then you clearly don’t know who I am either.”

“Give us your name and tell us what you’re doing down here,” Samantha ordered.

“I’ve done nothing wrong,” the man said. “I’m just looking for answers.”

“Your name,” Samantha repeated, this time setting the tip of her blade to the man’s chest.

He glared at her as though she were a demon from hell. “Victor Melroy.”

“The surgeon?” Adrian sounded just as surprised as Samantha felt.

“And you are?” Melroy asked, his voice gruff with anger.

Adrian stared down at the surgeon. “Adrian Croft.”

Melroy snorted. “Then I can only assume that hellion must be your wife.”

“Careful,” Samantha murmured, adding a bit more pressure to her blade. Melroy sank back, his left forearm propping him up and helping him take weight off his right hand. “How did you know to come down here and ‘search for clues’ as you put it?”

“How did you?” Melroy asked.

“Until you have the advantage,” Adrian told him, “I suggest you answer our questions instead of posing your own.”

Even though Melroy’s gaze hardened, he said, “I saw the Runners searching Wentworth’s study.

This evening I learned that he’s been detained at Bow Street until further notice.

When I questioned Doctor Moore, St. George’s director, I was told of Wentworth’s suspected involvement in a series of unsanctioned experiments that resulted in numerous deaths.

Which is absolute nonsense. Wentworth is a close colleague of mine.

A highly respected physician with more integrity than anyone else I can think of. ”

“He spoke very highly of you as well,” Adrian said. “Did he ever tell you of the work he’s been doing on anesthesia?”

“Of course. We’ve exchanged thoughts on the matter numerous times over the years.”

“Interesting.” Adrian peered down at Melroy. “He told me that he hasn’t mentioned it to anyone.”

“Perhaps he forgot.”

“Or maybe he let something slip and you went in search of his notes. Those surgical hands of yours are accustomed to doing precise work. I’m sure getting into a locked desk drawer would prove no trouble at all.”

“Unlike you, Mr. Croft, I’m not a criminal.”

“A point that has yet to be proven.” Adrian leaned over Melroy. “Supposing I believe you, what made you think to come looking for answers down here?”

“I visited once when I was invited to join the Asclepius Society.”

“What?” Samantha stared at Melroy, not quite believing he had revealed that.

“I was blindfolded at the time, though not before being escorted through part of Westminster Abbey. I paid attention to every turn, sound, and smell, allowing me to locate the entrance to the tunnel I was led through.”

“And the people who brought you here?” Adrian prodded.

“They too wore masks, so I’ve no idea who they were, though I have my suspicions.

They shared their motto with me. Medicina progredi debet , which means medicine must be advanced, and spoke of all the good I’d be able to do with their help.

But something about it didn’t feel right.

I was sure there was more to the group than what they were saying.

I mean, doctors and surgeons should help each other regardless, without having to be a member of some secret organization.

I feared they meant to bend the law to their will in the name of progress, make sure their members got ahead through questionable means.

I wanted no part of that so I thanked them politely for their offer and declined it. ”

“They allowed you to do so without issue?” Samantha refused to believe such people would be as accommodating as Melroy suggested.

“I’m one of St. George’s top surgeons. My accomplishments have been groundbreaking. To threaten my position would go against their motto.”

“And if you simply returned to your work without sticking your nose in their business,” Adrian mused, “they probably thought they could co-exist with you without issue.”

“My thought exactly,” Melroy said.

“So then, you came here because…”

“I’m not sure what I expected to find. A secret ledger perhaps or an identifying piece of evidence one of the members dropped during a meeting. I realize now how stupid that sounds.”

“Hmm…” Adrian glanced toward Samantha, who’d kept her dagger on Melroy’s chest throughout the exchange. “Let’s get him on his feet and see about tending his hand.”

“Thank you, but I can manage without your assistance,” Melroy said when Adrian reached for his arm.

“And yet I insist,” Adrian said. “As you pointed out, I am to blame for your injury. I’m therefore obliged to help you as best I can – a task I’m sure my valet will be happy to assist with once we return home.”

“I’m not coming with you to your house.” Melroy tried to pull away from Adrian’s hold but Adrian stood immobile. To Samantha he said, “Please lead the way.”

Clasping the candle, she strode toward the tunnel through which Melroy had arrived. Returning this way would be easier than going back through St. George’s. Provided it did indeed lead to the spot Melroy described.