Page 57 of A Whisper in the Shadows

“I invited him after the meeting,” she said. “I knew we’d have matters to discuss regarding the investigation.”

Ezra Clement entered the parlor a few moments later. His bright yellow plaid pants made the furnishings look even duller. “Good evening, Miss Wren, Lord Ravenhurst.” His gaze settled on Maxwell last. “You must be Inspector Maxwell, though I deduced that at the inquest when you sat with Miss Wren and his lordship.” He offered his hand to Maxwell, who rose to shake it.

“Welcome, Mr. Clement. Please, sit.” He gestured to the remaining open chair and retook his seat.

Clement situated himself. “I’m pleased to make your acquaintance, Inspector, and glad to be a part of the investigative team.”

Maxwell scowled faintly. “What have you to share with us this evening?”

“I confirmed that Eaton was indeed skimming money that he collected on behalf of the Prudential Assurance Company. He would tell clients one number that was always higher than what was actually due, and he kept the difference.”

“So much for Rippon’s insistence that his friend would never do such a thing,” Hadrian noted sardonically.

Clement narrowed his eyes slightly as he inclined his head toward Hadrian. “I thought the same thing, so I had a drink with Rippon at the pub. I asked if it was possible that he didn’t know his friend very well.” Clement’s eyes gleamed with anticipation. “Rippon broke down and confessed that he’d lied at the inquest. He hadn’t known for certain that Eaton was stealing, but he suspected it. Apparently, Eaton had a younger sister in an orphanage and was trying to save enough money so she could live with him.”

“How sad,” Hadrian said.

“If it’s true,” Clement replied. “I’ve yet to confirm the sister actually exists.”

Maxwell frowned. “That’s a rather cynical thing to say.”

Clement shrugged. “Eaton might have said that to his friend to justify what he was doing. Nobody wants to be seen as a villain—especially villains.”

“That’s good work,” Tilda said, appreciating Clement’s commitment to finding the truth. “Thank you, Mr. Clement. What lines of inquiry do you plan to make after today’s inquest?”

“Almost too many to count,” the reporter replied. “I’m sure you feel the same.”

“Quite,” Tilda agreed. “Ravenhurst and I are having tea with Mrs. Atkins tomorrow. He’s trying to persuade Nevill and Furnier to hire him as their new canvasser, and she is in favor. In fact, she offered to pay his salary. She believes Ravenhurst would be helpful to ensuring the society’s good reputation.”

Clement’s brow creased with confusion. “Does she know he’s an earl?”

“No, she just thinks he’s handsome,” Maxwell replied with a chuckle.

“Well, that could be helpful in many ways.” Clement laughed. “I trust you’ll let me know how the meeting goes?”

“Certainly.” Tilda inclined her head. “Let’s plan on exchanging information again, say, Friday evening at the Lion’s Heart in Little Moorfields?”

“I’ll be there.” Clement rose. “I must be on my way. Enjoy the rest of your evening.”

After he departed, Maxwell frowned slightly. “I’m not sure I care for Mr. Clement.”

“You can trust him,” Tilda said.

Maxwell exhaled. “And I trust you. I do not think Sergeant Kilgore or Inspector Chisholm would support his involvement, however.”

“Won’t they appreciate knowing that Rippon lied today at the inquest?” Hadrian asked.

Tilda met his gaze, surprised that he was, in a way, defending Clement.

“Thatwashelpful to learn,” Maxwell allowed. “I should share that with Chisholm. I’ll don a cloak and go to the police station.”

“Could you ask him if we may search Phelps’s house?” Hadrian asked. “I think there must be some sort of record of the society’s membership and finances.”

Tilda knew he was thinking of the diary he’d seen in his vision at Phelps’s house when he’d touched the desk. As far as they knew, that diary had not been found, and it would likely be very helpful to their investigation.

“I am sure the constables thoroughly searched the house,” Maxwell said. “Chisholm would have told us if they’d found anything like that, for that would certainly be relevant to our investigation. Still, it can’t hurt for us to look too. I’ll arrange for us to do so tomorrow evening, after I finish at the mercantile house.” He stood and turned toward the entrance hall, where Sergeant Kilgore suddenly appeared.

“Good evening, Sergeant,” Maxwell said, sounding surprised. “Allow me to introduce Lord Ravenhurst and Miss Wren.”