Page 3 of Dead Serious Case 5 Madame Vivienne

“I’m sorry,” he says quietly.

“It’s fine, sweetie, I’m not mad.” Chan reaches out and strokes his arm comfortingly. “I’m glad you spent some time with Viv…” He frowns in confusion. “But why did you?”

Aidan shrugs. “She just seemed really lonely.”

“Oh, you sweet, sweet boy,” Chan mutters.

“She was actually really funny. She used to tell me stories about her family and the bookshop, and”—he leans in, his voice dropping—“the ghosts.”

I blink slowly as I stare at him. “She told you about that?”

“It was hard not to notice all the weird stuff going on in that place, plus all the crazy shit I’ve witnessed around you guys,” he replies, not seeming at all bothered by the idea of ghosts and hauntings being real.

Chan sighs. “I suppose it really was inevitable.”

“We probably shouldn’t talk about this here,” I mutter as I see Byrnes drifting closer. “Meet back at mine and Danny’s place?”

Chan nods. “I’ll head back now and get all the food set out.”

“You don’t have to.”

“I know I don’t, Tris, honey.” He reaches out and cups my cheek. “But you have enough on your plate right now.”

I breathe out. “Thank you.”

“Mr Everett?” A cultured voice from behind us draws my attention, and I turn to find the well-dressed older gentleman from earlier.

“Yes?” I reply.

“My condolences on such a sad occasion.” He inclines his head. “I’m Wentworth Hadley, from the offices of Hadley and Mason.”

“Mr Hadley.” I take his offered hand and shake.

“And you must be Mr Hayes.” He turns to Danny and offers his hand.

“Nice to meet you,” Danny says politely although his gaze is wary. “How do you know who we are?”

“I am Vivienne Wilson’s solicitor,” Mr Hadley replies. He reaches into the pocket of his suit jacket and retrieves a business card, which he hands to me.

Mr Wentworth Hadley, Hadley & Mason, 22-24 St James Row, Cheapside. Est. 1758.

“Seventeen fifty-eight?” I look up from the card.

Mr Hadley’s mouth twitches in amusement. “I can assure you, Mr Everett, that Hadley and Mason has indeed been in business for well over two hundred and fifty years.”

“And the fact that your name is Hadley?”

“It has always been a family-run enterprise.” He inclines his head.

“Fascinating,” Danny mutters.

“What is it we can do for you, Mr Hadley?” I ask before Danny can meander off on a historical tangent.

“It is more a case of what I can do for you, Mr Everett,” he answers. “As I said, we represent Ms Vivienne’s interests, which include all of her material assets along with the Whitechapel property. There will be a recounting of her last will and testament at our offices in an hour, and your presence is required.”

“Me?”

“Both you and Mr Hayes are mentioned in her will. She left very explicit instructions.”