Page 62 of A Whisper and a Curse

“So I can assign a footman to you as soon as possible.”

“I see.” Her brow pleated. “You are most concerned.”

“And you are not as concerned as you should be. Someone has threatened your life.” Hadrian’s fury was calming slightly, but he was still angrier than he’d been in some time.

“I am taking this seriously,” she said. “I agree that we must solve these crimes as quickly as possible.” She fell silent a moment.

“What are you thinking?” Hadrian asked.

“That the Levitation Killer is threatening me because I am investigating the murders. Perhaps we are close to discovering their identity.” Her gaze snapped to his. “We.What if you have already received a threat at Ravenhurst House?”

“I suppose we’ll find out after we finish with Teague.”

“Now who is the one who does not appear concerned?” she asked with a hint of exasperation.

“I am not going to worry about it until I know it’s happened.”

“How reasonable of you,” Tilda said before frowning. “It is disappointing that you didn’t see anything when you touched the letter.”

“It’s bloody infuriating,” Hadrian spat. “What is the point of this curse if it can’t help me when I need it?” He again considered that meeting someone who shared the same ability might actually be helpful.

When they arrived at Scotland Yard, Teague was just leaving. He was on his way home, in fact. But as soon as Tilda showed him the letter, he returned to his office, inviting them to join him.

Teague read the letter again as they sat down where they’d been just a short while earlier. “I’ll need to keep this as evidence. This is a crime of breaking the peace.”

“It pales next to murder,” Tilda said.

Hadrian gave her a dark look. “It could end in murder.”

“I’ll dispatch a constable to watch your house.” He met Hadrian’s gaze, and Hadrian gave him a slight, appreciative nod.

“That isn’t necessary,” Tilda replied. “Hadrian is already going to assign me a footman.”

Teague cast another look at Hadrian. “Whilst I appreciate Ravenhurst’s gesture, a footman is not a constable. We will keep Miss Wren safe—you have my word.”

Hadrian didn’t doubt the man’s intent. Still, he might decide to send Brian anyway.

“We called on Eldred earlier,” Tilda said, diverting the topic. “He did not tell us what he did twenty years ago to be blackmailed, but based on things he said, I would guess he and a colleague stole some things from someone.”

Hadrian wasn’t sure if she would reveal that information to Teague since they had no proof aside from his vision. That was the drawback of the things he saw that helped them. On their own, they weren’t evidence. The visions could only direct them to hopefully find the evidence they needed to prove someone’s guilt.

“Thank you for sharing that information, though I’m not sure it helps us in any way.” Teague exhaled with disappointment.

“No, I don’t believe it does,” Tilda said apologetically. “Hadrian and I are traveling to Swindon tomorrow to interview Roger Grenville. Perhaps we will learn something useful.”

Teague’s brows shot up. “Are you? I don’t have enough men to send someone,” he said bitterly. “Nor can I accompany you. It is Sunday, and if I don’t spend a good portion of the day with my family, my wife will likely consign me to sleep here.” He gestured to the room at large.

“We will conduct a thorough interview and let you know if we learn anything important,” Tilda said.

“That sounds as though you are conducting investigative work for the Metropolitan Police.” Hadrian sent Teague an expectant look.

“It does,” Teague said with regret. “However, I cannot ask you to do that. I would be grateful if you shared what you learn, but I cannot compensate you for your work. What Icando is continue to share information with you in return. In fact, your mention of Swindon has reminded me that we learned the spiritualism society headquarters is leased by Captain Owen Vale of Swindon. I won’t ask you to call on him on behalf of the police.” His tone indicated he very much hoped they would.

“Do you have any other information to share?” Tilda asked hopefully.

“I have a list of the society’s founding members.” Teague stood and went to his desk, where he fetched a piece of parchment. He handed it to Tilda. “You can’t keep that, however.”

“I’ll just copy the names down.” She removed her notebook from her reticule and began writing quickly. “Do you know who leased the other properties where the society’s mediums lived?” She glanced at Hadrian. “The Duchess of Chester leased Ward’s house, correct?”