Page 86 of Night Falls on Predicament Avenue

Gerald Ambrose had Patrick pinned to the ground in the yard as Constable Talbot secured him.

“Anderson!” Effie climbed down from the carriage before her father could help her out.

Anderson’s head shot up, and he struggled to stand. Effie didn’t think, didn’t bother to consider, she just threw herself into his chest. He stumbled back, and she released him instantly.

“I’m so sorry!”

The first hint of a smile she’d ever seen on him touched his face. Anderson winced and held his ribs.

“Did I break them?” Effie cried, knowing how ridiculous she sounded when the question popped out.

Anderson laughed, then winced again. “No. I’m afraid that honor goes to the rat over there.” He glared at Patrick, who had steeled his features and maintained a stony silence.

Ambrose hauled him to his feet, and Constable Talbot shoved Patrick forward. Patrick looked as bruised and beaten as Anderson did. Effie looked down at Anderson’s left hand. It was wrapped in cloth that was already showing red.

“Your hand!” she said.

“Apparently, glass and flesh don’t get along well.” Anderson’s statement reminded Effie of the smashed window.

Anderson lifted his good hand and pushed hair from her face.

“I think Floyd has baby Cora!” Effie declared.

“What?” Anderson bit out.

“What baby?” Carlton James approached them.

Gerald Ambrose stilled. “Baby?”

Effie ignored them and focused on Anderson. “Mr. Charlemagne alluded to Floyd somehow being involved in Isabelle’s death. But I think he tried tosaveher. And I think maybe his mother has tried to protect this place and him and baby Cora. That’s why she attacked me. They thought I was here to hurt the baby!”

Understanding seeped into Anderson’s face. “Good heavens,” he muttered.

“What baby?” Effie’s father demanded.

Effie turned to explain. “Anderson’s daughter. She was taken from their home in England. He’s been chasing Isabelle Addington to get baby Cora back.”

Carlton’s shocked expression mirrored the constable’s and Gerald Ambrose’s.

“Did you find Floyd?” Anderson gritted out against the pain from his beating.

“No.” Carlton shook his head. His hand went protectively to Effie’s elbow. “We thought he was here actually—it’s why we came.”

Effie frowned, then eyed Anderson. “How didyouknow I was here—with Mr. Charlemagne?”

Anderson gave her a pained expression as he adjusted his position on the stairs. “I came by the manor. Miss Todd was there and your mother. When they invited me in, I saw the music box on the table. It had belonged to Isabelle. She used to play it for Cora. The pieces fell together then. Miss Todd affirmed that Mr. Charlemagne had indeed visited England last year. The timeline made sense.”

“And Miss Todd told you Mr. Charlemagne and I had seen Floyd?” Effie verified.

Anderson gave a short nod. “Yes. So I came here. It was the natural conclusion, although you would think Charlemagne would avoid this place.” He grunted against the pain he was feeling.

“Come on, man.” Gerald Ambrose reached out. “We need to get you to the doctor. And you, Miss James.”

“No,” Anderson snapped. “I am going to find my daughter.”

“Then we need to find Floyd,” Carlton added. “And his mother.”

NORAH