Page 11 of A Whisper and a Curse

“Yes, that’s exactly it,” Teague said, his eyes glinting. “It seems more likely that a murderer would create such a scene. Unless Ward was trying to make some sort of statement with his death, though I can’t imagine what that would be.”

“I’m sure you’ll ask members of the society about that,” Tilda said. Hadrian imagined she already had a list of tasks in mind—if she were investigating Ward’s death.

“I will indeed,” Teague said. “I’ve many questions about Ward’s demise, and I imagine the coroner will too. Graythorpe will be here soon.”

Tilda looked toward the house. “The coroner is coming here?”

Teague nodded. “I want him to see the body before we take it down.”

Tilda cast another glance at the house.

“Don’t ask me if you can go inside,” Teague said darkly. “I’ve already revealed far too much to the both of you.”

In fact, in the first case Hadrian had worked on with Tilda, Teague had assisted them greatly. But he’d done so on his own time, and that had been before he’d been promoted to detective inspector. Even on the last case, they’d helped each other somewhat, despite Hadrian being an early suspect in the murder.

“I wasn’t going to ask,” Tilda replied. “I look forward to attending the inquest.” She turned to Hadrian. “We should continue on our way.”

Hadrian inclined his head toward the inspector. “Afternoon, Teague.”

“I imagine I’ll see you soon.” The inspector nodded at Tilda with a faint smile.

“Do let us know if we can help in any way,” she said earnestly.

“You are an excellent investigator, Miss Wren. If it would not endanger my job, I would consult with you without hesitation.”His gaze moved past her and fixed on a coach moving toward them. “I believe this is the coroner arriving.”

“Good luck,” Tilda said before turning and making her way back to the coach.

Hadrian walked alongside her. “I’m a little surprised you’re leaving so easily.”

She cast him a sideways glance. “What was I to do? Force myself inside? Loiter about like a nuisance? I can be patient for the inquest.”

Leach opened the door to the coach, and they took their positions inside facing one another.

Tilda’s gaze was focused out the window as they passed the house where Mr. Ward had died.

“You wish you were investigating the murder,” Hadrian observed.

“I am intrigued. Not that it signifies,” she said, sounding disappointed. “I have not been hired to conduct an investigation into the murder. I’m not even sure who would hire me. Perhaps Ward has family who would do so, although I’m sure they’d rather employ a man.” Her mouth pressed into a brief but disdainful moue.

“The society—rather Mallory—might hire you,” Hadrian suggested. “If he was aware that you are an investigator.”

“I suppose that is possible,” Tilda mused. “For now, I must focus on your mother’s case.” She clasped her hands in her lap and sat ramrod straight against the squab. “We learned some interesting things about the society today. I am looking forward to the séance tonight, particularly since it is with one of their ‘premier’ mediums. I wonder if that means anything beyond their seniority in the society.”

“Such as they are highly skilled in contacting the spirit realm?” Hadrian was unable to keep the sarcasm from his tone.

“Or perhaps they do more than that, such as levitate or move objects.”

Hadrian snorted. “I should like to see how those tricks are accomplished.”

Tilda slid him a dubious look. “You don’t think it’s possible these mediums can do anything supernatural? I find that short-sighted of you, given your own inexplicable ability.”

“Speaking of that, I should have shaken Mallory’s hand.”

“Do you think you may have had a vision that instantly proved him to be a fraud?”

He heard the humor in her voice and dipped his head. “Touché. I have no idea, but it is my best contribution.”

“It is not your best,” she said firmly. “You possess a keen intellect, and you’ve been essential to our investigations—not just because of your visions.”