Page 85 of A Whisper and a Curse

“What things did they learn from the spirit realm?” Tilda asked.

Joslin sent her an apologetic glance, his cheeks turning pink. “I’d rather not say in front of you, Miss Wren.”

Tilda nodded. “I do understand, Mr. Joslin. I am not sure if you are aware that Mr. Mallory, the head of the spiritualism society, was arrested yesterday. Among other crimes, he has been accused of blackmail. Your name was listed in his diary, and we wondered why.”

Their host sucked in a breath. “You think he …” He exhaled. “Yes, I was blackmailed.”

Hadrian exchanged a look with Tilda, and though her expression was benign, he could see the light of triumph and curiosity in her eyes. He gave her a subtle nod before addressing Joslin. “Perhaps you wouldn’t mind telling me what happened.”

Tilda rose. “I’ll wait in the entrance hall.” She smiled at Joslin. “We appreciate your assistance with our investigation, Mr. Joslin.”

She left, and Hadrian gave Joslin a frank stare. “If you prefer that I not share what you tell me today, I will not. However, if you have information that could help with the prosecution of Mallory, that would be most helpful.”

“I don’t know if I can help you.” Joslin’s brow creased as he wiped his palms along his thighs. “I never met Mallory. I went to two séances led by Mrs. Frost. I attended to converse with my brother. He’d died unexpectedly.” Joslin met his gaze with a frown. “Though she was unable to reach him at the first séance, she found success at the second. He seemed to speak to me through her. But you’re saying that was fakery?”

“We believe so. The mediums seem to have certain skills they use to make guesses about people that are accurate enough to appear as though they have some knowledge.” Hadrian had no choice but to lie. He couldn’t very well tell Joslin about Mallory seeing others’ memories.

Joslin blinked. “They aren’t really speaking to the spirit realm?”

“No. The society is a money-making scheme run by its leader, Lysander Mallory. I am sorry you were duped by them.”

Joslin’s eyes rounded as he stared at Hadrian. “I paid a good sum for that second séance, and then they blackmailed me as well.”

Hadrian wasn’t surprised, given the man’s reaction when Tilda had mentioned blackmail. “Do you have proof? Scotland Yard would very much like to see it and hear your testimony.”

“Er, I no longer have the letter I received.” Joslin flushed. “I paid the money and burned the letter. I’d hoped that would be the end of it.”

“Perhaps you could explain what happened?” Hadrian asked. “That would be helpful.”

“You say they lied about speaking to the spirit realm, but there is no other way they could have obtained the information they used to extort me. The only other person who could have known died.” The man looked away.

Damn, that would be hard to explain without revealing how the medium had really obtained the information—from Mallory. Though Hadrian could not tell Joslin the truth, he wanted to confirm that Mallory had used his power to mine this man’s memories. “Did you ever meet Mr. Mallory?”

Joslin’s brows drew together. “I’m not sure. Remind me what he looks like?”

“Blond hair, intense dark eyes. He’s quite affable. I’m sure you would have liked him.” Hadrian kept himself from sneering.

Giving his head a shake, Joslin said, “I can’t be certain.”

Disappointed to not have the confirmation he sought, Hadrian returned to Joslin’s tale. “There is absolutely no one else who could know the information they used to blackmail you?”

Joslin made fleeting eye contact with Hadrian as he clenched his jaw. “Several years ago, I had a mistress and she … was increasing. I was afraid my wife would learn that I had been unfaithful.” He glanced toward the upper floor of the house. “She’s not home just now.”

Hadrian froze when the man said he was afraid. That did not bode well. “What happened?”

Joslin paled. “I paid for a surgeon to remove the babe. Abigail—my mistress—did not survive.”

Hadrian felt a flash of revulsion for the man but did not allow it to show. “What did the letter say?”

“It had details about what happened. They knew her name.” Joslin squeezed his eyes shut. “And that of the surgeon, as well as how he told me of Abigail’s death.” Joslin wiped his brow. “I’d never thought to live through that again.”

Mallory must have experienced Joslin’s memory.

“The note demanded money?” Hadrian prompted.

“Yes. Two hundred pounds, which I delivered to a grocer they indicated.”

“You paid the money?” Hadrian would never. “Why not just ignore them? What could they have done?”