by Laura Landon
“Timothy is playing in his room, and Jonathan is taking a nap. They’ve both been very good. It’s as if they know something terrible has happened and don’t know what to do.”
“Eileen, I want you to meet someone.” She turned her sister. “Eileen, this is Mr. Quinn Walker. He’s one of the Bedford Street Brigade. He’s going to help us prove Henry didn’t do what they’re accusing him of.”
Nellie looked at Quinn. “Mr. Walker, this is my sister Eileen.”
“Mrs. Dunston,” Quinn nodded. “It’s a pleasure.”
Eileen Dunston’s face lit. “Are you truly a Brigadesman?”
Quinn smiled. “I am.”
“And Nellie convinced you to help us?”
“She did.”
Nellie’s sister threw herself into Nellie’s arms again. When the two sisters separated, Eileen turned to Quinn. “I can’t thank you enough. I don’t know how, but we’ll find some way to pay you.”
“We’ll discuss that later.”
A single tear trickled down Mrs. Dunston’s cheek. She quickly swiped it away when a cry interrupted from the floor above.
“That will be Jonathan. He no doubt wants to make his presence known.”
Quinn watched Mrs. Dunston rub her extended stomach as she walked away from them.
“She’s trying so hard to be brave,” Nellie said after she’d led Quinn to a small parlor. “I’m worried for her.”
“Is there someplace she can go until this is over? Someplace where she’ll be away from the center of all this?”
Nellie thought for a moment, then answered. “Yes, she can go to the country. Mama and Papa would love to have Eileen and the boys stay with them. They’ll fuss over her like it’s been years since they’d seen them instead of just the month since we last visited. But I’m not sure Eileen will want to go. She may think she should stay near Henry.”
“That may be true, but if she realizes the authorities probably won’t allow her to visit Henry regularly, and that remaining here won’t be good for the babe she’s carrying, she may change her mind.”
Nellie nodded. “I’ll talk to her.”
“Good. If she decides to go, I’ll come tomorrow with a carriage and driver.”
Nellie reached for Quinn’s hands and squeezed his fingers. Another jolt of emotion sparked through his veins. He wasn’t used to such a reaction and told himself her touch meant nothing. Now, if he could just convince himself of that.
“How can I ever thank you?” she said.
“There’s no need until we’ve discovered who framed your brother-in-law.”
Nellie walked him to the door, and after lingering more briefly than he wished to, Quinn left. The first place he needed to go was to the prison to visit with Mr. Henry Dunston.
He prayed he’d be as convinced of the man’s innocence as Nellie was.
CHAPTER 2
Quinn breathed a sigh of relief when he left the Metropolitan Police Department after seeing Henry Dunston. There wasn’t a doubt in his mind of the young man’s innocence.
Quinn fought the urge to return to Castle Street. He wanted to go back to Nellie to make sure everything was all right, but first he had to go to Bedford Street to talk to Mack Wallace, the man who headed the Bedford Street Brigade. He needed to inform him of the case he’d just taken on, and ask for his assistance. Besides, Nellie and her sister were hopefully busy packing so Mrs. Dunston and the children would be ready to leave first thing in the morning. He’d stop to see Nellie later tonight when he might possibly have something to report.
He walked toward Bedford Street. When he reached the Brigade headquarters, Mack’s butler answered his knock.
“Good morning, Mr. Walker.”
“Good morning, Harper. Is Mack in?”
“Yes, he’s in his study. If you’ll follow me, sir?”
Quinn followed Harper to Mack’s office. As leader of the Bedford Street investigators, this was where Mack did his work. This was where clients came to hire their services, and where Mack kept track of the cases the five investigators who made up the brigade were involved with.
Mack was a genius at figuring out which cases suited each individual investigator, and there was no one better at giving insight when one of his investigators needed help.
Harper rapped on the door, then opened it when Mack answered.
“Good morning, Quinn,” he said when Quinn sat in the chair Mack indicated. “Although I say, the morning’s almost over. And if the look on your face is any indication, you’ve had a very busy one.”
“I have. I’ve taken a case.”
“Have I heard of it?”
“I don’t think so. It just happened.”
Quinn explained the charge against Dunston, including the planted money in his house.
“You say you’ve been to see the fellow?”
Quinn nodded. “I just came from there.”
“And you’re convinced he’s innocent.”
“There’s not a doubt in my mind.”
“That’s all the assurance I need. What can we do to help?”
“Is anyone free to assist me right now?”
“Jack just finished a case yesterday.”
“Perfect. I’ll go see him.”
“You don’t have to. He’s here. He’s in the kitchen with Cora. He smelled the blueberry cobbler the minute he walked through the door and I barely got a greeting out of him before he made a dash for the kitchen.”
Quinn couldn’t help but laugh. Cora’s baking was a weakness to each one of them.
“I’ll send for him in just a moment,” Mack said, leaning back in his chair. “But first I’d like to know how you found out about this case?”
“Actually, I stumbled upon it. I stopped at Fetcher’s Bakery on my way here this morning. One of Mrs. Fletcher’s employees is Henry Dunston’s sister-in-law.”
“Is this the young lady you stop at the bakery to see each morning?”
Quinn hesitated a moment too long.
A broad smile changed Mack’s features.
“Would you believe I stop for Mrs. Fletcher’s Devonshire creme crullers?” Quinn asked.
Mack burst out in a hearty laugh. “Not when you’re passing up one of my wife’s pastries. It’s obvious there’s another reason.” Mack gave him a slanted look. “Maybe we’ll finally get to meet the young lady who’s captured your eye. Cora’s been dying of curiosity.”
“No one’s captured my eye,” Quinn countered. “There’s a reason none of us are married. The risks are too great.”
“I used to think the same thing—until I met Cora.”
“But Cora’s unique. She’s special.”
“Yes, she is. And if I keep you in here much longer, Jack will have Cora’s cobbler eaten and we won’t get any.”
Quinn followed Mack to the kitchen. Jack, Cora, and Mack’s long-time cook, Mrs. Ramesdale were sitting at the large kitchen table eating cobbler and drinking tea.
Mack pointed at the half-eaten pan of blueberry cobbler. “See, I told you there wouldn’t be any left if we didn’t hurry.”
Mack and Quinn sat down at the table while Cora dished up a square of cobbler for each of them.
“Welcome, Quinn,” Cora said, handing him a plate. “We’ve missed you lately.”
“I was finishing a job.”
“Did you tell Mack not to press you back into service for a day or two? You look like you need a good night’s sleep.”
“I’m afraid sleep will have to wait. I have another case.”
Jack propped his forearms on the table and leaned forward. “Anything interesting?”
“Could be. And I need your help.”
Quinn ate his cobber while he explained what he knew so far.
“What are your plans?” Jack asked when he’d finished.
“I’d like to pay Baron Paxton and his son a visit and I’d like you to come with me.”
“I’ll get my hat and coat.” Jack rose from the table.
Quinn did likewise, but stopped before he left the table. “I’d like to ask another favor, Mack.”
Mack nodded.
“I’d like to borrow your carriage tomorrow if it’s available.”
“You’re welcome to it.”
“Nellie agrees it would be best if her sister went to the country until this is over. Mrs. Dunston’s about to have a babe, and Nellie wants her to be close to her mother and father.”
“Of course,” Mack said. “I’ll tell Roddy to take them.”
Quinn nodded.
“Who’s this Nellie you keep talking about? Someone we should get to know?” Cora shared a certain look with her husband.
Quinn lifted Cora’s hand and kissed her fingers. “Now, Cora. Don’t get any ideas into that pretty head of yours. One beauty is all the enticement the Brigadesmen can handle.”
Quinn left the kitchen before Cora had time to interrogate him further. He didn’t want anyone to realize how important Nellie was to him. And no one could see into a man’s heart easier and faster than Cora. She was a danger to everyone’s most guarded secrets.
. . .
Quinn and Jack made their way to Baron Paxton’s town house. They were shown into Paxton’s study, and within minutes, Baron Paxton joined them.
“Mr. Walker. Mr. Conway,” he said, entering the room as if eager to see them. “I understand you’re members of the Brigade, and I suspect you’re here to investigate the loss of Paxton Shipping money. Am I correct in assuming that you represent Mr. Dunston?”
“You are,” Quinn answered.
“Good, good. I pray you get to the bottom of this mystery, and that when you do we find that this was all some terrible mistake.”
“You don’t think Mr. Dunston is guilty?” Quinn asked.
“I admit the evidence is quite convincing, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t believe there is a logical explanation as to why a sum of money matching the amount taken from our shipping office was found in Mr. Dunston’s home.”
“Can you think of any such reason?”
Paxton hesitated a moment, then shook his head. “I’m afraid I can’t.”
“That’s because the scoundrel is no better than a common thief,” an angry voice said from the doorway.
Quinn and Jack both turned to see who’d entered.
“Carter,” Baron Paxton said, “we simply don’t know for sure that Dunston is the culprit. The courts have not found him guilty.”
“For heaven’s sake, Father. The missing money was found in his house. What more proof do we need?”
“But Dunston has worked for us for nearly a decade. He’s never taken anything before.”
“That we’ve discovered.” Baron Paxton’s son’s tone was harsh. His words unforgiving.
“Please, Carter, we have guests.” Paxton turned to Quinn and Jack. “Gentlemen, allow me to introduce my son Carter. Carter, Mr. Walker and Mr. Conway of the Bedford Street Brigade.”
Paxton’s eyebrows lifted. “You’re Bedford Street investigators? I’ve heard impressive reports of your accomplishments. But I hear your services come at a hefty price. Are you taking on charity cases now? Or is Paxton Import indirectly paying your fees with money stolen from our profits.”
Quinn experienced an instant dislike for the younger Paxton. He would bear investigating.
“Who pays our fees is of no importance to anyone except us, Mr. Paxton.”
“It is when it could be money Dunston stole from us.”
“If it is, I guarantee your money will be returned to you.”
“Sit down, Carter,” Lord Paxton said to his son. “I’m sure the investigators haven’t come for a social call, but have a few questions they’d like to ask us.”
Quinn and Jack took the seats Baron Paxton indicated. “Thank you, Lord Paxton. Yes, in fact we do have a question for you. Could you tell us when you first realized there was money missing from Paxton Import?”
“Actually, my son first realized money was missing. When was that Carter?”
“Nearly a month ago. I reviewed the shipping ledgers and found discrepancies in the number of crates of cargo that should have been aboard one of our ships, and the actual number of crates unloaded.”
“Has this happened before?”
“Not to my knowledge,” the younger Paxton said. “But that doesn’t mean anything. Dunston happens to be a very clever man. He could have been stealing from us for years, but small amounts no one noticed. This time he simply got greedy and took an amount that couldn’t be hidden.”
“Is that what you think, too, Lord Paxton?” Quinn asked.
Paxton looked uncertain. “I suppose that’s the only explanation, but it’s hard to believe Henry Dunston is a thief. He’s always been such a conscientious, hard-working employee. And such a nice family. Two little ones, and another on the way.”
“Which is undoubtedly why he stole. To support his growing family,” Paxton’s son interjected.
“Did you confront Mr. Dunston when you discovered there were cases of cargo missing?”
“No,” Paxton’s son said. “What use would that have been? He would only have denied knowing anything about it.”
“I see,” Quinn said.
“Is there anything else?” Baron Paxton asked.
“No, that’s it for now,” Quinn said, then rose. Jack rose with him. “Thank you for your time, Lord Paxton. Mr. Paxton. I appreciate your help.”
“Not at all,” the elder Paxton said. “If there’s anything else we can help you with, don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Oh, there is one more thing,” Quinn asked. “Is Mr. Dunston the only person who clerks for Paxton Import?”
“No, no, he shares an office with Mr. Phineas Wharton.”
“Would you mind if we spoke to Mr. Wharton?”
“Not at all. Feel free to ask him anything you wish.” Paxton turned to his son. “Carter, tell Wharton to cooperate with Mr. Walker and Mr. Conway.”
“Of course, Father.”
“Thank you again, my lord. Mr. Paxton.”
A footman appeared to show them out. Quinn waited until they were several steps away from Paxton’s town house before he spoke. “Find out what you can about Carter Paxton, Jack.”
“You think he’s involved?”
“I think he’s spoiled and angry and far too eager to put the blame on Henry Dunston.”
“I can’t help but agree. What are you going to do?”
“I’m going to stop at the Metropolitan Police Office to see Dunston. I have a few more questions to ask him. Then I’ll go to Dunston’s home. Mrs. Dunston is leaving for the country in the morning. I need to make sure she’s ready.”
Jack gave Quinn a jaunty nod, then Quinn turned to the right. His footsteps quickened as he thought of taking care of business with Dunston, so he could see Nellie again.
CHAPTER 3
Nellie had helped Eileen pack all day so she and the boys were ready to leave first thing in the morning. It would be good for Eileen to get away from London. Good for her to spend time with their mother and father. Good for her to be ignorant of the evidence piling up against Henry.
At least Quinn Walker would help them. It was a great relief to know that he would lead the investigation.
Nellie checked the street at the front of the house for the tenth time in the last hour. When Quinn had come earlier in the day, he said he’d stop by before he went home to make sure everything was all right. It was already past seven o’clock, and he wasn’t here yet. She couldn’t help but think that meant things hadn’t gone well.
She checked the window again and saw him, and ran to the front door to let him in.
“I know it’s late, but may I come in?”
“Of course.” Nellie closed the door behind Quinn, then took his hat and gloves. “Have you eaten?”
“No, but—”
“I saved a plate for you. It’s been near the oven so everything should still be warm. Come.”
He placed a forkful of food into his mouth before he spoke. “Has your sister retired for the night?”
“She took the boys up a little while ago. She wanted them to have a good night’s rest for the trip tomorrow. And she seemed very tired. Today was a difficult day. We went to the prison to see Henry, but they wouldn’t let us talk to him.”
“I was afraid of that.” Quinn lifted his gaze and looked at her. “What about you? How are you holding up?”
Nellie smiled. “I’m fine, thanks to you. I don’t know what we’d do if you hadn’t offered to help. Have you discovered anything yet?”
Quinn shook his head. “But it’s early. We’ve just begun.”
“Were you able to speak with Henry?”
“Quinn nodded.
“Was he of any help to you?”
“He doesn’t know anything.”
“And you believe him?”
Nellie waited while Quinn finished chewing the food he had in his mouth. When he was done, he looked up.
“Yes, I believe him. I don’t think your brother-in-law had anything to do with the money they found.”
Nellie couldn’t help it. The relief she felt was immense. She tried to smile, but her eyes filled with tears, and Quinn’s handsome face swam before her.
“Ah, lass.” He placed his hand over hers and gave her fingers a gentle squeeze. “Everything will be all right. You’ll see.”
“I know it will. It’s just that I’m so worried. I don’t know what Eileen will do if something happens to Henry. They love each other so much.”
“I know,” Quinn answered softly. “That’s all I heard when I spoke with your brother-in-law. He wasn’t at all concerned about himself. He was only worried about your sister. How she was holding up, and if you were with her.”
“Did you tell him that Eileen was going to the country?”
Quinn nodded. “He was relieved that she was going to her mother and father’s. He said that being with family was the best place for her.”