Page 40 of A Whisper in the Shadows (Raven & Wren #4)

“We don’t disagree,” Furnier said crisply.

“However, we must find a way to do that, since we do not know where those funds have gone. We can’t simply manufacture money to repay these poor people.

I find it disturbing that Eaton’s body was found without any money.

It makes me think whoever killed him stole the funds that Eaton swindled.

I fear we may never find out what happened to that money. ”

Nevill shook his head sadly. “I agree.”

Hadrian tried not to look directly at Nevill, lest he somehow convey what he’d just seen when shaking the man’s hand. And though Hadrian hadn’t seen Furnier in the memory, that didn’t mean he hadn’t also been there. Hadrian avoided focusing on him too. “Have you any idea who killed Mr. Eaton?”

Nevill coughed and looked away. “No.”

“Not specifically, but if someone found out he was cheating the sick, I can imagine any number of people might have done so,” Furnier said.

“Does that number include you?” Hadrian asked. This time, he met the man’s gaze.

Furnier’s eyes were usually cool, but they appeared particularly frigid now. “No, it does not.”

Hadrian had to think Furnier must at least suspect Phelps. He knew about the naval dirk—Hadrian had seen him looking at it on Phelps’s mantel. Furnier had to have thought of the blade when Thetford had discussed the murder weapon during the inquest.

“I suspect there is information that hasn’t been shared with the police or the coroner,” Hadrian said. “Perhaps someone has yet to come forward. Or be completely honest.”

“I think most people don’t particularly care who killed Eaton,” Furnier said with disdain.

“I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for someone to be implicated.

In any case, I would much rather direct my energy toward the society and recovering from all this turmoil.

Nevill and I would like to have an administrative meeting to discuss the future of the society tomorrow evening.

We’ll meet here at the Swan and Hoop in the back room.

Can you both attend?” He looked from Hadrian to Maxwell.

“We’ll be there,” Maxwell replied. “Thank you again.” He shook their hands.

Hadrian looked about to see if Dr. Giles was still present and noted the blond man standing near the doorway. “Please excuse me.”

The other men inclined their heads, and Hadrian turned. However, before he could make his way to the doctor, he was intercepted by Draper.

“Did I overhear that you and Albert will be working with the society now?” Draper asked.

“Yes,” Hadrian replied. “I’m glad to run into you, because Mr. Furnier suggested I could speak with you about which members may have been recruited by Eaton.

I would like to meet with all of them to determine if any are ill, as Mr. Cardy was.

We need to refund those men’s fees and remove them from the membership rolls. ”

Draper blinked in surprise. “I’m pleased to hear you want to do this. We need to ensure no one else is paying into the society if they do not meet the requirements of membership. A few of Eaton’s recruits came to the meetings on Monday nights, but not consistently.”

“You know who they are?” Hadrian asked.

“I do. I’ll compile a list. I can deliver it to you, or you are also welcome to stop by my house.”

“That would be most helpful, thank you,” Hadrian said. “I don’t know where you live, however. I live at?—”

“Number Five in White Alley.” Draper smiled.

“I’ve seen the membership rolls, of course.

I’m at Number Twelve in Masons Alley. I’m so pleased to see the society is moving in a better direction with you and Albert.

I’d thought to offer myself to the administration, but I’m just glad you’re committed to returning the money to those who were cheated. ”

They parted ways, and Hadrian moved on to find Dr. Giles, managing to catch him just before he left. “A moment, if you don’t mind, Dr. Giles.” Though Hadrian’s head still throbbed, he would try to shake the doctor’s hand so that he could see one of his memories.

The younger man turned and faced Hadrian, his brow creased. “Mr. Beck, have you accepted the position as the new canvasser?”

“I have, and I’m hoping I can convince you to stay with the society, at least long enough to identify the members that Eaton recruited and determine if they meet the standards of membership.”

“You mean you want to know if they’re healthy,” the doctor said flatly.

Hadrian nodded. “And if not, we’ll need to refund their money.”

The physician snorted. “I’ve no idea how you plan to do that.” He exhaled, then inclined his head to move away from the door. Hadrian followed him to a spot near the wall.

“I don’t know if I want to stay with the Amicable Society,” Dr. Giles said quietly.

“I’m trying to establish my practice, and I thought that working for the society would help my endeavors.

So far it has not, and now you’re asking me to put in more time without being paid.

I must make my career my first priority.

I’m getting married soon, and I need to establish a consistent income to support my new family.

I’ve had to act as a surgeon on occasion in order to make ends meet.

” His lips pulled down, and he appeared disgusted at having to perform as a surgeon, as if it were beneath him.

“I do understand,” Hadrian said. A surgeon was not as respected or paid as well as a physician but was likely more necessary in this area as they treated injuries.

“It may be that we move away from the ward,” Dr. Giles said. “I thought the society would be different, but it has not provided me with the benefits I was hoping for.” The doctor’s gaze shot to Tilda. No, not Tilda, but Mrs. Atkins.

Hadrian wondered if Giles had been hoping for more of a financial boon, even though he’d known he wasn’t going to make any income from this position until after the first year. Perhaps he’d been hoping that Mrs. Atkins, or others like her, would become his clients.

“You were angry during Phelps’s inquest and again today,” Hadrian said casually. When Thetford had questioned him earlier, Giles had demonstrated the same frustration he had during Phelps’s inquest.

Giles’s pale brows climbed his forehead as his blue eyes brightened with outrage.

“Of course, I was angry. I’m still angry—especially at Eaton.

He made a mockery of the society, and I’m sure there are many people who don’t trust us now.

They don’t believe the society will support them in their time of need.

It’s especially frustrating to me that Eaton was taking money when I wasn’t being paid at all. ”

Hadrian could see where the doctor would have a motive to kill Phelps and even Eaton.

He realized Dr. Giles would likely have medical instruments that would match a long, slim blade, particularly if he worked as a surgeon.

Perhaps Phelps’s naval dirk wasn’t the murder weapon.

He hadn’t seen it protruding from Eaton’s chest in Nevill’s memory.

The murder weapon was still unconfirmed.

“I believe very much in the society,” Hadrian said. “I’m going to do my best to restore its good reputation, and I hope you’ll give me the chance to do what’s right by the people who were wronged by Eaton.”

Dr. Giles blew out a breath. “I don’t know if I can take the time to do that, not unless I could be paid, as I’m sure you will be.”

“Think about it,” Hadrian said with a smile, and then offered his hand to the doctor. “Whatever you decide, I appreciate all you’ve done.”

The doctor shook his hand, and Hadrian quickly saw different visions of medical situations, including Giles wielding a long blade that absolutely could have been used to kill Eaton.

He also saw Furnier and Nevill in the meeting room at the Swan and Hoop, but not Phelps.

Giles was gesturing wildly with his hands and felt extremely agitated, whilst Furnier and Nevill were frowning at him.

Nevill held up his hands in a placating fashion.

Giles withdrew his grip from Hadrian’s, and the vision dissipated. After so many visions, Hadrian’s head was throbbing in agony.

“I’ll consider helping you with the Eaton members.” The doctor’s tone held a bitter edge. “I’ll let you know at the meeting tomorrow night.” He turned and left the pub.

Hadrian pivoted and went to find Tilda. Perhaps he’d have a chance to speak with her privately, though he couldn’t see how. Frustration simmered through him, and he massaged his temple to ease the pain in his head.

Unfortunately, Tilda was still with Mrs. Atkins, and now Maxwell was with them as well. Hadrian preferred to avoid Mrs. Atkins, but he saw no other choice but to join them. Indeed, he ought to propose she pay the doctor a salary because his contributions were vital to the society.

Fixing a smile on his face, Hadrian walked over to them.

Mrs. Atkins fluttered her lashes at him as he made eye contact. “Mr. Beck, I understand you’ve accepted the position of canvasser. I’m so delighted. I’m paying your salary, and I do hope you appreciate that. You do, don’t you?”

“I do. Thank you. The society is very lucky to have your benevolent support,” Hadrian said diplomatically.

“So long as you’re grateful,” she said, pointedly touching his sleeve. “I would like you to come for dinner tomorrow evening. We can talk about the future of the society.”

Hadrian clenched his jaw, then managed an apologetic smile. “I’m afraid we have an administrative meeting.”

Mrs. Atkins pouted. “I should have been invited to that. Where are you meeting? I will come too.”

“I don’t think it’s our place to invite you,” Maxwell said a tad awkwardly. “Our apologies, Mrs. Atkins. Perhaps you’d like to speak to Mr. Nevill and Mr. Furnier about that.”

“I thought you were a new administrator,” she said petulantly.

“I must prove myself first,” Maxwell explained.

“I see.” Mrs. Atkins pursed her lips. She did not look pleased.