Page 102 of A Whisper and a Curse

“What do you want to know?”

“When did she become a medium?” Tilda asked.

Clement nodded. “Only a few weeks ago. Like the Henrys, she was hired for domestic service whilst she trained to be a medium. She enjoyed it and said she had a flair for performance, so she was promoted from housekeeping and cooking duties. She was assigned as a maid to Mrs. Griswold and Miss Dryden atthe headquarters. After moving to Cadogan Place, she conducted one séance before the first murder. She was to conduct a second the other day, but she said she was too skittish after Mrs. Frost was killed. Then she decided she wanted to return home until the killer was caught.” He frowned as he met Tilda’s gaze once more. “She was afraid. She said she wanted to be far away from the Levitation Killer. She was also adamant that Mallory is not guilty.”

Hadrian studied Clement with a furrowed brow. “Why didn’t your story include any of the information about these medium apprenticeships?”

“The newspaper editor preferred I focus on the murders for now,” Clement replied. “I hope to publish another article about the society soon.”

“You said she moved to Cadogan Place. Why didn’t she live at the headquarters whilst she was in domestic service?” Tilda thought of how the other retainers she’d met, notably the Henry siblings, didn’t live where they worked either.

“She only said they had to earn their place there. And before you ask, she would not tell me where she resided before moving to Cadogan Place. She said it was a society secret.”

“But she was leaving the society,” Hadrian said. “Why not tell you?”

“She was leaving temporarily because she was afraid, not because she didn’t like the society,” Clement explained. “She planned to return once the murderer was caught. Though perhaps he already has been.”

Tilda decided Clement had more than earned another piece of information. “Mallory will be released today.”

Clement’s brows shot up. “Why?”

Tilda explained the lack of evidence. She considered everything Clement had told them about Harmony Smith and was sorry she wouldn’t have a chance to talk to the womanherself. She was even sorrier that Harmony hadn’t found her way home.

“Thank you for your time and willingness to share information, Mr. Clement,” Tilda said.

“I appreciate you doing the same. Youareinvestigating this case, Miss Wren, despite your denial. Did someone hire you?”

Tilda couldn’t help repeating what she’d told him before when he’d asked if she was investigating. “I can’t say at the moment.” She gave him an apologetic smile, then rose. Hadrian stood beside her.

Clement also vacated his chair. “If I can ever be of service, I hope you’ll let me know. I don’t suppose you’ll tell me where your investigation is taking you next?”

“We have yet to decide,” Tilda fibbed. She didn’t want the reporter following them.

“I’d be keen to exchange information again.”

Tilda arched a brow at the reporter. “Then you’d best learn something more to share.” She flashed him a smile before turning away from the table.

Hadrian escorted her from the coffee shop, and they returned to his coach. Hadrian told Leach to make sure they weren’t followed by a man in loud plaid pants.

Hadrian sat opposite her in the coach and donned a pensive expression. “What do you think of the medium apprentice scheme?”

“I should love to speak with Mallory about why he does that. Perhaps we can call at the headquarters after we visit the grocer. Assuming Mallory has been released.”

“I’ve no quarrel with that. Do you think Harmony Smith knew the identity of the killer?” Hadrian asked.

“I’ve been wondering that. It’s an excellent motive for someone to murder her.”

Hadrian tipped his head. “Is that perhaps why the second and third mediums were killed? Ward was killed, and then the others followed because they learned who did it?”

“That is certainly possible, but we still don’t know why someone would kill Ward, unless it was one of their blackmail victims.”

“And if any of the mediums had known, why wouldn’t they have informed Scotland Yard?”

“They may not have had a chance. Or they were too afraid. Or perhaps they weren’t certain.” Tilda exhaled.

They rode in silence a few moments before Hadrian asked, “What do you plan to ask at the grocer?”

“Well, I can’t very well march in and accuse them of collecting extortion for the spiritualism society,” she said with a sardonic smile.