Page 113 of A Whisper and a Curse

“I’ve no problem with that. After the errands ahead of us, I think I will be ready to go home for a respite.” She smiled at him, and he seemed to relax.

They arrived in Woodbridge Street and made their way to the door of the brick-fronted terrace that had been occupied by Hawkins until recently. Tilda felt a stab of sorrow for the mediums who’d been lost.

She realized there was no constable present. Tilda looked up and down the pavement. “Do you see a constable?”

Hadrian also surveyed the area. “I do not. Should we be alarmed?”

Tilda’s pulse sped. “I don’t know. Perhaps the constable is inside for some reason.”

They went to the door, and Hadrian knocked. They waited several moments with no response before he rapped again. Still, no one answered.

Now, Tilda couldn’t help feeling concerned.

“Don’t worry yet,” Hadrian said as he looked at her. “Perhaps Captain Vale has gone out.”

“But where is the constable?” Tilda wondered. “And Captain Vale was expecting me to call later today.” She tilted her head back and looked at the windows on the upper floors.

“Is no one answering?” a feminine voice asked from behind them.

Tilda turned to see Mrs. Wilson, the housekeeper they’d met when they’d called on Hawkins last week. “No,” Tilda replied. “You aren’t working today?”

Mrs. Wilson frowned. “I am not. One of those spiritualism society butlers came earlier and told me I wasn’t needed the rest of the day. I argued with him because I was taking care of a guest—a captain who is visiting London. That snippy young man put me off, so I came back to check on the captain.”

Suddenly anxious, Tilda glanced at Hadrian. “Do you know who the butler was?”

“It was that arrogant chap, Crocker. I don’t care for him. I saw him talking to the constable too, and then the constable left.”

Tilda’s pulse began to pound. She turned to Hadrian. “Try the door.”

He whipped his glove off and attempted to open the door. Since he removed his glove, Tilda thought he must be trying to see something too.

“It’s locked,” Hadrian said darkly.

Tilda looked to the housekeeper. “Mrs. Wilson, do you know how we might get inside? We are concerned about the welfare ofthose who may be within.” She didn’t want to say too much and frighten the woman.

Mrs. Wilson’s expression dimmed with concern. She opened her reticule and removed a key. “Here.” She held it out to Tilda.

“Thank you.” Tilda quickly unlocked the door.

Hadrian clasped her arm. “Wait. We should send Leach to fetch Teague once more.”

“Yes, but we need to get inside.” Tilda slipped the key into the pocket of her gown and opened her reticule to remove her father’s pistol.

Mrs. Wilson gasped.

Hadrian pivoted. “Pardon us, Mrs. Wilson. You ought to return to your home.” Turning his head toward the coach parked on the street, he called, “Leach, we need you to fetch Teague in Cadogan Place. Be quick!”

Leach set the coach into motion as Mrs. Wilson hurried away.

Taking his pistol from his coat, Hadrian gave Tilda a determined look before stepping into the house.

CHAPTER 21

Hadrian sucked in a breath as he looked beyond the small entrance hall into the staircase hall. He caught sight of a dark red puddle on the floor.

“Tilda, I think there’s blood,” he said softly. He lifted his pistol, his entire body tightening with an urge to flee but also to confront whatever—or whomever—awaited them.

The sound of something falling and breaking came from the parlor to their left, where they’d met with Hawkins nearly a week ago. Hadrian’s breath snagged, and he looked back at Tilda. Her features were set into grim lines as she held her pistol at the ready.