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Darkness had settled over London hours ago, but that did not deter Peter Kendrick from his purpose. He would not wait until morning to search Mr. Benjamin Lawrence’s home. Not when Mr. Hastings had just handed him the permission he needed.

Peter had been waiting at Bow Street when the new chief magistrate arrived, anxious for news of how things would now play out. As soon as he’d spotted the man, he’d approached him and asked for a meeting.

Hastings, who appeared to be roughly the same age as Peter, wore a serious demeanor that brooked no nonsense. His gaze was sharp and assessing, his manner welcoming in a way that instantly gave Peter hope.

“Liverpool mentioned you when he offered me this assignment,” Hastings told Peter when Peter introduced himself to him. “Maybe you can show me to my office.”

Peter fell into step beside Hastings and led him to the room where he’d been sacked by Sir Nigel. He followed Hastings inside, watched as he took stock of his new surroundings before giving all his attention to Peter.

“Give me one good reason to re-instate you,” Hastings told him.

Peter stepped forward with endless determination. “I was dismissed because I refused to back down with regard to Benjamin Lawrence. His father wanted to stop me from seeking the truth and Sir Nigel caved to his pressure. Had it not been for them, I believe I’d have found evidence of Benjamin Lawrence’s heinous crime against Lady Eleanore before Croft went to trial. Evidence that would no doubt have swayed the conviction since it would have been irrefutable.

“I’d like the opportunity to recover that evidence now.”

Hastings studied him for a moment and eventually nodded. “I’ll grant you your wish, Kendrick. Provided you’re willing to resume your position as chief constable.”

“What about Jackson?” When Hastings raised an eyebrow Peter told him, “Sir Nigel gave him my job after he dismissed me.”

“I don’t know who Jackson is. If you think him capable, then by all means, let him keep his promotion. In which case you will have to serve as his subordinate.”

Peter took no issue with that as long as progress was made. He nodded and Hastings wrote a quick note which he signed – a warrant, for the search of Benjamin Lawrence’s home.

Half an hour later, he and Jackson arrived at the townhouse together with Lewis and Andrews. A maid admitted them, and Jackson requested she show them to Lawrence’s study. The room was turned inside out and when nothing was found, Peter suggested they look at Lawrence’s bedchamber next. This was more private and would have been used by Lawrence more often.

When one of the bedside table’s doors could not be opened and the search for the key to the lock offered no results, Peter retrieved the lock-picking kit he carried in his jacket pocket.

A bit of careful finagling, and the door eventually swung open.

Peter reached inside the narrow space and retrieved the jar he’d discovered. One look at the sinister contents was all he needed. Proof that Benjamin Lawrence not only murdered Lady Eleanore, but that the monster had taken her eyes.

* * *

It was nearly three in the morning by the time Adrian slid into bed beside Samantha. She rolled toward him and asked, “Where have you been?”

“You know where,” he murmured, his arm coming around her and pulling her close. He kissed her cheek.

“Only recently pardoned and already risking your life once more.” It didn’t sound as though he’d roused her but rather as though she’d been lying awake waiting for his return. “I do not like it.”

“Things will change but this business with Hillford had to be taken care of.”

“How did you choose to deal with him?”

“Not him but his wife.”

“What?” She pushed up onto her elbow, her blonde curls falling around her head and brushing his chest.

“There’s something else,” he said, reaching up to cup her cheek. If only he’d kept the oil lamp burning so he could see her more clearly. “I think Wrengate’s the man I’m truly after.”

Adrian knew he was looking for a ruthless individual. Someone capable of hurting the innocent and powerful enough to get the deed done without any concern of being found out. A man who would merely have witnesses silenced.

“How do you mean?” Samantha asked.

“I believe him to be responsible for Evie’s death.” And so help him God, he would not rest until he made the bastard pay.

“Then it’s not over yet.”

“You object?”

“I realize you need this, and I understand that. I truly do. But I also fear where it will lead.”

“Hopefully to justice.”

“Adrian, I nearly lost you and I may yet do so if Liverpool finds out that you have no mind to reform as agreed. Wrengate is also a duke, which makes him a powerful foe. Especially if he’s as ruthless as you believe.”

“Then I would suggest we act with discretion.”

“Adrian…”

“I do not seek a hasty revenge.” He held her gaze through the darkness, then pressed a kiss to her lips before saying, “Indeed, I’m happy for it to take as long as it has to. Provided I get what I’m after in the end.”

If Wrengate was truly his man, he’d pay with his life for what he’d done. Duke or not.

* * *