Page 28 of A Whisper at Midnight

The detective inspector led them outside and closed the door, leaving the constables inside with Pollard. He focused on Tilda, his mouth tipping into a slight frown. “I thought you said you were not investigating this matter.”

“Ravenhurst has hired me to find the murderer,” Tilda said. “I am eager to prove his innocence.”

Teague addressed Hadrian. “I dispatched a constable to Ravenhurst House to speak with your retainers about when you returned home last night and your activities overnight.”

Hadrian hoped none of the neighbors observed the constable arriving as that would generate curiosity and speculation. Already, the possibility of becoming gossip fodder was present. “Splendid.” He didn’t bother keeping the sarcasm from his tone.

“Since I’ve encountered you here, I hope you’ll allow me to ask about something that came up in my interview with the valet. Perhaps you already know what I’m going to ask.”

Because Hadrian and Tilda had eavesdropped, he had a good idea. “No, I am not having an affair with Beryl.” The notion was repellent. “I would never behave in that manner with someone who is married.” Or betrothed.

“If I ask my next question as to whether you may have plotted with Mrs. Chambers to kill her husband, you would answer in the negative?”

Hadrian glowered at Teague. He liked and respected the man, but he could not help feeling offended. “Unequivocally.”

Tilda sent Hadrian an encouraging glance before fixing her attention on Teague. “I would share information as we did in our last case, but I understand you may not wish to do that since you are officially assigned to this.”

Teague had not been assigned to the matters that Tilda and Hadrian had investigated surrounding Hadrian’s stabbing. Another, almost certainly corrupt, investigator had tried to bury the investigation into Hadrian’s attack, likely paid by the man who’d been behind it, though they hadn’t been able to prove that. That investigator, Padgett, had retired from the police.

Though he hadn’t been directed to work on those matters, Teague had suspected something was awry and had worked on his own time to aid Tilda and Hadrian with the investigation. He’d also been instrumental in helping them capture thecriminal. But this was a different situation, and Hadrian wasn’t sure what the man would do.

Teague exhaled. “I can’t work with a private investigator. However, between us, I will gladly accept your assistance.”

“And will you aid my investigation?” Tilda asked, her brow arched.

The inspector grimaced. “I’m sure you’re aware that the Metropolitan Police would not approve of that, particularly since you are a woman.”

“Never mind the daughter of a highly respected sergeant who died in uniform,” Hadrian said with a measure of heat.

Tilda deeply appreciated Hadrian’s defense of her father. But she knew the police did not care who she was. Keeping her attention on Teague, she said, “I understand. My primary goal is ensuring Hadrian’s innocence is proven and that his involvement in this situation is not sensationalized. I know you must investigate all suspects, but Hadrian does not have a strong motive. You’d do better to focus on Beryl Chambers or even Mr. Pollard. He has much to gain from Louis Chambers’ death, which you will learn when you conduct your interview.”

Hadrian stifled a smile. She would make Teague work to learn the specifics.

“I’d prefer that nothing to do with this investigation is sensationalized,” Teague said. “Let us work to solve the crime as quickly as possible, shall we?”

Tilda nodded in agreement. “That is precisely what brought me here to Pollard’s shop. I would appreciate if you would share who Pollard’s new partner may be. He wouldn’t tell us that.”

Teague’s brows climbed. “A new partner? I am most anxious to speak with him. I will see you tomorrow at the inquest.”

Hadrian removed Beryl’s letter from his coat pocket and handed it to Teague. “Here is the letter Beryl sent me yesterday.”

“Thank you, Ravenhurst.” Teague tucked it into his own coat. A faint grimace creased his features briefly. “I hope you understand that I am only doing my job by investigating your connection to Louis Chambers.”

“I do,” Hadrian said. “I don’t have to like it, however.”

“Can’t imagine I would either.” Teague waved at them before returning to the shop.

Hadrian frowned at the door. “I should have shaken Pollard’s hand when I arrived. And I didn’t have a chance to remove my gloves to touch anything.”

“Perhaps you can try the door,” Tilda suggested.

Quickly removing his right glove, Hadrian stepped to the door and put his hand to the wood. Nothing came to him, so he moved his hand around slowly. He focused his mind on seeing or feeling something and wished he had some control over this power.

A vision rose, foggy at first, but then Hadrian recognized the shop. There were two men talking together—Pollard and someone Hadrian had never seen before. He was younger than Pollard, and younger than Hadrian. Hadrian could only see him in profile, but he had dark hair and a long nose. The image dissolved, and Hadrian moved his hand slightly, willing it to return. How he wished he could hear what was happening in his visions, but that had never happened.

Withdrawing his hand, he turned with a frustrated grunt.

Tilda was watching him intently. “You saw something?”