Page 99 of A Whisper and a Curse

Hadrian removed his hat. He was disappointed he’d missed Teague. “Teague is certain her death is connected to the Levitation Killer, though she wasn’t levitating?”

“The prussic acid may indicate she was killed by the same person. I think it’s too coincidental that she was a member of the society and died of prussic acid poisoning, even if where shewas found had nothing to do with the society.” Tilda crossed her arms over her chest. “Teague also said he is planning to release Mallory today. Captain Vale visited Scotland Yard this morning and apparently overheard that there’d been another murder. He argued that since his son was imprisoned, he could not have committed the latest murder. Therefore, he reasoned his son also wasn’t guilty of the other crimes.”

“So Teague will let Mallory go?” Hadrian scowled.

“He only has clear evidence that he sent me a threatening letter,” Tilda said, unfolding her arms. “Teague will see that he is prosecuted for that, but he does not need to be kept in jail. He will also continue to investigate Mallory’s blackmail.”

“That is most unfortunate,” Hadrian said with a deep frown. He turned his thoughts to the new murder. “Why do you think Harmony Smith was killed differently than the others?”

Tilda lifted her shoulder. “I’ve no idea. There could be a variety of reasons, not the least of which was that she left the society. Perhaps the killer didn’t think she deserved to be killed in the same way.”

“That’s an interesting thought,” Hadrian said. “Poor thing. She tried to leave. Do you suppose she was afraid for her life and thought she may be next?”

“That is my fear. I wish we knew more about her.” Tilda moved to a table where her hat and gloves were sitting.

Vaughn’s voice carried from the entrance hall into the parlor. “I’ll be right back.”

The butler walked into the parlor, his focus on Tilda. “You’ve a caller, Miss Wren. Captain Vale is here to see you.”

Tilda’s eyes widened briefly, and she met Hadrian’s gaze. She’d picked up her hat and gloves, but now she set them back down. “Show him in, Vaughn.”

Hadrian turned to face the doorway just as Captain Vale appeared. “Lord Ravenhurst, I’m surprised to see you. Butpleased.” The captain bowed to Tilda. “Miss Wren. Thank you for seeing me. I hope it doesn’t trouble you that I’ve sought you out.”

“Not at all,” Tilda replied. “Please sit. Howdidyou find me?”

Tilda perched on a chair, whilst the captain sat opposite her on the settee. Hadrian moved to stand next to Tilda.

“Detective Inspector Teague told me where you lived after I pleaded with him. I had to tell him the reason for my call in order for him to relent.”

“And what is the reason for your call?” Hadrian asked.

The captain glanced at him before returning his focus to Tilda. “I would like to hire you to find the Levitation Killer. My son is not guilty of these murders.”

“I have already been investigating, Captain Vale.”

“I understand, but I want to pay you to prove Thaddeus isn’t the killer.” Captain Vale’s expression was taut, his eyes dark with concern.

Hadrian was reminded of how he’d hired Tilda for their last case to prove he hadn’t killed Louis Chambers. This was not altogether different. Except for the fact that Thaddeus Vale/Lysander Mallory was definitely guilty of other crimes.

Tilda hesitated before responding. “Captain, I can’t promise my investigation won’t lead to finding your son guilty. No amount of money will alter the truth.”

The captain exhaled, but his features were still taut. “Of course. I would never expect you to do anything other than pursue justice. You are a woman of integrity, Miss Wren, which is why I want to hire you. I know you will find that Thaddeus didn’t do this. Never mind that he couldn’t have killed Miss Smith, who was just found this morning.”

“Whilst it’s true he couldn’t have done that personally, it is possible he could have asked or paid someone to do it for him,”Tilda said gently. “I know you want your son to be innocent of these crimes, but you must accept the truth, whatever it is.”

The captain bowed his head. “I know,” he whispered. “Just as I know that Thaddeus is guilty of defrauding people with his spiritualism trickery. He admitted as much to me yesterday evening when I visited Scotland Yard after arriving in London.”

“Did he also confess to blackmail?” Hadrian asked. “Miss Wren and I have found at least three people the society has extorted or attempted to extort by using information he’d learned from their memories.”

Captain Vale blanched. “He did not.” He bowed his head for a moment. When he looked up, his eyes were dark with resolve. “I still know he didn’t kill anyone. He wouldn’t. Not ever.” He scooted forward on the settee. “Please, Miss Wren. I’ll pay whatever fee you require. Detective Inspector Teague said you would do an excellent job.”

Hadrian was torn. Tilda was trying to establish herself as a private investigator. Any client, especially one such as Captain Vale, would be a boon for her, not to mention the financial benefit. Still, he didn’t like Mallory and wasn’t convinced the man wasn’t guilty.

But Hadrian ought to consider he was not seeing things without bias.

Tilda glanced at Hadrian, and he detected a slight hesitation. He didn’t want her to refuse. He gave her a subtle nod.

She clasped her hands in her lap and addressed Captain Vale. “I will accept your offer.”