Page 38 of A Shop Girl’s Christmas (Pennington’s Department Store #3)

Stephen shook hands with another security watchman and relieved him of his place at the store’s entrance. The December morning was bright, with barely-there wisps of clouds covering a hazy sun that seemed to cheer the moods of the suited men and women rushing in and out of Pennington’s doors.

He tipped his hat to two young women as they emerged behind him, smiling and laughing, decoratively wrapped gifts cradled in their arms.

The moment they had walked away, Stephen’s smile dissolved as his mind whirled, his head and heart not really at work at all.

As each day drew closer to Christmas, the more he worried about his decision to spend it at Culford Manor. Anything could go wrong. Between him and Cornelia, or even between himself and his employers. Then what?

‘Penny for them, Gower.’

Stephen blinked and stared wide-eyed at Inspector King’s beaming face, his brown eyes glinting with amusement as he climbed the steps.

‘Sir. Whatever are you doing here?’

‘A man’s entitled to a bit of last-minute shopping two days before Christmas, isn’t he?’

The inspector glanced at an elderly woman as she tutted her way past them where they stood blocking one of Pennington’s double doors. Stephen held out his hand, urging King to the side, immensely pleased to see him despite knowing that for the inspector to make a personal trip to Bath, he was here for a lot more than Christmas shopping.

The question was, was he here with news of Stephen’s future or news about Lillian Carter and the other women?

Tension inched across Stephen’s shoulders. Inspector King’s impassive face as he studied the crowded street gave nothing away, but Stephen knew all too well how adept the inspector was at controlling his expression… whatever the circumstances.

Stephen tugged at his lapels and forced as much nonchalance into his voice as possible. ‘Well, you’re in the right place for shopping, sir. There’s no doubt about that. Shall I take you inside?’

The inspector arched an eyebrow, his wily gaze locked on Stephen’s. ‘On the contrary, it might be better for us to speak out here. What I have to say shouldn’t take long.’

Stephen glanced towards Pennington’s doors. ‘If this is about Joseph Carter, it might be for the best if I take my break. If Carter sees you—’

‘As you wish. I’ll wait here, shall I?’

King looked away and stared ahead, rolling back and forth on the balls of his feet. Trepidation knotted Stephen’s stomach. Maybe the inspector wasn’t as good at hiding bad news as he’d thought. He quickly entered the store.

He approached a fellow watchman. ‘I need to get out of here for fifteen minutes or so. Are you all right to cover for me? I’ll be as quick as I can.’

The other man glanced left and right and winked. ‘Sure. You owe me the same, though.’

‘Of course. I won’t be long.’

Stephen hurried back outside and, once he stood beside King, the inspector descended the steps. Lifting his chin, Stephen walked confidently along the street, refusing to give into the negative thoughts nagging him.

Once they reached the bottom of Milsom Street, King nodded towards an empty spot at the side of the street. ‘Let’s talk here. We don’t want to risk anyone overhearing what I’m about to say.’

King’s brow furrowed as his gaze bored into Stephen’s. ‘You were right about the killings. Another woman was killed in much the same way as Lillian Carter and was also known for her beauty, charity and kindness. With this most recent killing, that makes three dead, Gower. God only knows the sort of man we’re looking for, but, whoever he is, he’s cold, callous and has a serious problem with goodwill.’

‘Goddamn it.’

‘Exactly. Now, here’s what I suggest we do—’

‘We?’ Stephen shook his head. ‘You can’t be involved in this, sir. Bath is nowhere near London and way beyond your jurisdiction.’

‘This man is dangerous. I’m not prepared to stand by and do nothing. I’m not that kind of a man, any more than you are. You came to me for help and you’ve got it.’ The inspector pulled a folder from inside his coat and held it out. ‘I did some research and in there you’ll find some suspects I think you should start with. There’s approximately two years between the murder of Lillian Carter and this recent killing.’

Stephen slowly flipped through the pages, his mind reeling at the idea that he was embroiled in the hunt for a man who’d killed multiple times.

‘Bath constabulary needs to be made aware of this, Gower. This is bigger than us. Much bigger. I think we’re looking for someone who has served time for other things in between these murders. Things that have made him disappear for no longer than two or three years.’

‘Petty theft. Assault.’ Stephen rubbed his hand along his jaw. ‘Neither of those things would have meant incarceration for very long.’

‘Exactly. So, I started there, and a couple of names stand out because the theft and/or assault charges were made by women, or friends of women, who had been trying to do some good in this city. I’d hazard a guess these murders are about charity. See what you can make of my notes and do what you will, but for God’s sake, be careful. Call me if you need anything else and make sure you contact the Bath police.’

Stephen closed the folder. ‘And you’re all right with me doing this? Mixing myself with police work when I’m suspended?’

The inspector smiled, his gaze softening. ‘Suspended? Whatever gave you that idea?’

‘What?’

King gripped Stephen’s shoulder. ‘You’ve been exonerated, son. Found innocent of any wrongdoing, as I knew you would be. It’s over, Gower. Your place remains at the Yard.’

Stephen stared at the inspector, unsure what to think or feel. ‘I have my job back?’

‘As I always knew you would.’

‘But—’

‘For the love of God, man. You’re looking at me as though this is bad news. Is work really that good at Pennington’s?’ King laughed and looked around as though checking for listeners. ‘You do what you have to do here, hand in your resignation and get yourself back to London. That’s an order.’ He moved to walk away and stopped, eyebrows raised. ‘And don’t do anything that’s going to put yourself at risk in the meantime. Do you hear me?’

‘I’ll be all right, sir.’

‘Aye, that’s why I’m leaving this in your hands. For now.’

Once King had disappeared into the crowds, Stephen leaned against the shop wall beside him. He had his position at the Yard back, yet indecision battled inside of him. What now? He had unconsciously convinced himself he would be asked to leave the force. Have his reputation as a detective and a man smeared with his failings for the rest of his life.

But he’d been found innocent.

Cornelia came into his mind and he swallowed hard. Could he really go back to London and leave her behind as though his deepening feelings for her didn’t matter? Her pretty eyes glinted in front of him, the taste of her lips tickled on his. Christ. Things had only become more complicated.

He flipped through the folder again.

Charity.

Bath.

Women.

Murder.

He slapped the folder shut and closed his eyes.

And, of course, Cornelia. A woman there was every chance he could come to love. A woman involved with something that could lead to her being hurt… or worse.

He opened his eyes and pushed his hand into his hair.

God help me. What the hell do I do now?