Page 69 of In Want of a Suspect

“That’s awful,” she told him. “And you lingered then, to see what they’re up to?”

“Got curious,” he mumbled. “I climbed the tree, before the smith cut the branches so I couldn’t. I could see ’em, and...”

Lizzie didn’t want to push him, but she had to know. “What did you see, Henry?

“Crates,” he repeated. “They moved ’em in and out.”

“Could you see what was in the crates?”

He shook his head. “I don’t know. But like I said—not cloth.”

This was it—the confirmation Lizzie needed that they were hiding something. A child of the streets was hardly a reliable witness in a court of law, but Lizzie would worry about that later—she had been right! Someone had been moving goods through the Mullinses’ storehouse!

“Henry, why are you telling me this now?” she asked, tryingto sound gentle and not accusatory. “You’ve been following me for days, but you never said a word.”

He shrugged. “I wasn’t sure you’d believe me. But they came last night.”

Lizzie’s breath caught. “They? The people who bring the crates?”

He nodded.

“And are the crates still there now, Henry?”

“I think so,” he said. “They don’t move them in the middle of the day. And besides, the storehouse is still closed down. But the workmen didn’t come today.”

“Henry, you’re a saint,” Lizzie said. She could have hugged the boy if she didn’t think it would have scared him off. “I need you to deliver a message for me. Do you know the firm Pemberley and Associates?”

“I followed you there,” he reminded her. “Four days ago.”

“Right,” Lizzie said. “No wonder I’ve felt eyes on my back for days. Well, Mr. Darcy will be headed there—I need you give him a message to me.”

Henry looked doubtful, and Lizzie was afraid for a moment he’d refuse. “I’ll pay you, just as I would anyone else.”

Still, he hesitated.

“Mr. Darcy has Guy at the moment. I’m sure he’d love to see you again.”

That seemed to convince him. “All right,” he said. “What should I say?”

Sixteen

In Which Darcy Loses All Composure

GUY, AS IT TURNEDout, did not have a talent for being discreet.

The moment that Darcy walked through the doors with him, the little dog began to pull at his leash and sniff about with great excitement. Reeves widened his eyes at the sight of them, and Darcy thought for a moment that the man would tell him dogs weren’t allowed in his own firm.

Darcy cut his gaze down at Guy. So much for sneaking in.

“Reeves,” Darcy said, making a split-second decision. “I was wondering if you could do me a small favor and hold this dog while I run to my desk?”

“Is that Miss Bennet’s dog, sir?”

“Yes, he is. I’m afraid if I bring him back, he’ll cause all sorts of mayhem.”

“Yes, sir,” Reeves said, and Darcy wasn’t sure if he was agreeing that the dog would cause mayhem or agreeing to watch him. Darcy held out the leash hopefully.

The man took it and gave the dog a tentative smile. “Mr. Tomlinson will return soon, sir.”