Page 26 of A Whisper at Midnight

“Perhaps I’ll have more luck at our next stop.”

Tilda was still pleased with what they’d been able to learn from the milliner. “Mr. Flanders’ comments regarding Pollard and the shop he was to open with Chambers were most interesting,” she noted.

“Yes. It was very helpful of him to offer such information.” The coach stopped, and Hadrian met her gaze. “Shall we see if Pollard is a murderer?”

CHAPTER 6

Hadrian and Tilda walked to the door of the shop, but it was locked. The windows were covered so they could not see inside. He knocked loudly.

“I hope someone is here,” Tilda said, her lips pursing briefly. “I’ve a good many questions for Mr. Pollard.”

So did Hadrian. He knocked again for good measure.

After a long moment, the door opened to reveal a man of slight stature and dark, wiry hair. He wore glasses and an extremely harassed expression, his mouth set into a deep frown, and his hazel eyes narrowed. “Yes?” he snapped.

“Good afternoon,” Hadrian said pleasantly. “I’m Lord Ravenhurst, and I’m looking for Mr. Pollard.”

“I am Pollard,” the man said, his features relaxing only the slightest amount. “What can I help you with?”

Hadrian inclined his head toward Tilda. “This is Miss Matilda Wren. We’ve come to speak with you about Mr. Louis Chambers. Have the police been here today?” Hadrian wasn’t sure if Teague would have had time to come yet due to all he was busy with regarding the murder.

Pollard’s brows shot up as his eyes rounded for a scant moment. “Why would the police come?”

He seemed surprised, Hadrian noted, though he could be pretending. “May we step inside to speak with you? It’s a rather sensitive matter.”

“I suppose.” He still sounded annoyed, though less so as he opened the door wider to allow them entry.

Tilda took her hand from Hadrian’s arm and preceded him into the shop. It was quite large with several distinct areas. They couldn’t even see the entirety of the store as it appeared to continue upstairs given the wide staircase at the center.

Pollard closed the door. “Please get right to the point of your visit. I’m very busy, and my partner has decided not to show up again this morning. Hopefully you know where he is since he is the reason you’re here.”

Again? Was he often missing?

Hadrian glanced at Tilda, and she wordlessly encouraged him to deliver the news. “I’m sorry to tell you that your partner, Mr. Chambers, was found dead this morning. He was stabbed.”

“Bloody hell,” Pollard muttered, his jaw dropping briefly before he snapped it closed and put his hand over his mouth. He shook his head, blinking. Then he paced away from them and back. “He’s dead? That is … shocking. Who killed him?”

“The police have not determined that yet. There is to be an inquest into the death tomorrow, but I’m certain it will be declared a murder.” Hadrian looked for an opportunity to surreptitiously remove his glove in the hope that he could touch something in the shop. He should have tried to shake the man’s hand when they arrived.

Pollard fixed his gaze on them. “How terrible for his wife. Is she all right?”

“She is in shock, but she is managing,” Hadrian said.

“Is she a suspect?” Pollard asked. “They were both quite unhappy. Chambers told me on several occasions he wished he’dnever married her. In fact, just a few days ago, he said he was considering divorce.”

Hadrian exchanged a look with Tilda, but before they could say anything, Pollard went on.

The man’s dark, thick brows gathered as he studied them with a dubious expression. “How do you both know Mr. and Mrs. Chambers, and why are you delivering this news instead of the police?”

“I am an old friend of Mrs. Chambers,” Hadrian said.

Before Hadrian could explain that Tilda was investigating the matter, Pollard nodded vigorously. “Of course. Ravenhurst. I’d forgotten you were once engaged to marry Mrs. Chambers. I’m surprised you’ve maintained your friendship.”

There was a sarcastic edge to his tone that Hadrian didn’t care for. Indeed, his initial impression of Pollard was not favorable.

Tilda gave the man a cool smile. “I am investigating the murder. How did you know about Lord Ravenhurst?”

Pollard sized Tilda up briefly, as if he were trying to determine whether she was capable of investigating a murder. “Chambers has mentioned him several times.” He sent an apologetic look to Hadrian. “He didn’t have anything particularly nice to say, I’m afraid.”