Chapter 24

The Lad

B riana returned to her West End apartment late in the evening, exhausted. She had sent a note to Victor that she was safe but otherwise occupied for the evening. Her investigation into the latest murder uncovered a poignant clue, Tabitha had been employed by the Earl of Rochford.

Reeling from all that had happened, Briana desperately needed time alone, to think and work out her next plan of action. She also needed to process her feeling for Victor and could not do that when Mr. Mason and Renwick hovered about treating her like fragile glass. So, despite their vehement protests, she insisted they return to the main house in Pall Mall so they could rest. She assured them of her safety, noting she would not leave the apartment until their return. Renwick left the fires burning and, Mr Mason blessedly, filled the copper tub with heated water.

Once she had the place to herself, Briana poured a glass of red wine, placing it beside the tub. She stripped and then sank into the warm water with a groan of pleasure, feeling her muscles relax as steam rose around her. Taking a generous sip of wine, she leaned back and closed her eyes. Heaven. She planned to enjoy the blessed solitude for one night, then in the morning she was going to take all her evidence to the authorities. Briana felt a little guilty she had not informed Victor of her whereabouts, but she needed just one night alone before she retired Agent X forever.

VICTOR TRUDGED THROUGH the foggy London streets, his boots clicking on the stone pavement. He was a little out of sorts since receiving Briana’s subtle brush-off, but he knew she could not avoid him for long. So, he decided to throw himself into his work until then. For weeks, he'd been searching for the lad who would lead him to X. He finally had an address—an apartment above a solicitor's office in the West End. Tonight, he was sure he'd finally catch the scoundrel.

Victor's heart raced as he quickened his pace, moving with surprising agility, weaving through the crowds with ease. As he passed under a gaslight, he checked the direction again, and his brow furrowed when he saw the entryway. There was a sign above the doorway that read, "Hortensia Investigations."

He slipped into the shadows and made his way to the door. He scanned the surrounding street and then moved forward, taking out his lock pick.

SEBASTIAN AND MILES were heading home on foot from a game of cards when they spied Victor of all people alighting from a hackney not much further ahead. They frowned at one another.

"Is it just me, or has Victor been acting rather peculiarly lately?" Miles asked.

"I've noticed it as well," Sebastian replied.

"Something is afoot, mark my words. I think we should follow him," Miles said.

"But that would be a gross invasion of privacy. What if he has an assignation with a woman?" Sebastian asked.

"I'd like to know who she is. Wouldn't you? Perhaps if we found him in a compromising position, we could make that work to our advantage.”

"Come on, let's go see what the fuss is about," Sebastian replied.

They entered the building in the shadows and did some stalking of their own.

WITH A DEEP brEATH , Victor jimmied the lock and quietly entered the building. He pulled out his pistol and slowly walked through the mud room, following the dim lighting coming from beyond the hall. But Victor was met with the sound of water splashing and a woman's voice groaning. Not knowing what he would encounter, he knew the element of surprise was his advantage. Victor stepped into the doorway and froze on the spot as his world turned on its axis. He lowered his pistol.

"Briana?" he gasped, his voice barely a whisper.

There, in the flickering lamplight, rising from the bath with water cascading down every delicious curve was the woman he'd fallen hopelessly in love with. Her long, chestnut hair tumbled down, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear, shock, and defiance.

She screamed in surprise then shouted, "What are you doing here!" Briana reached for a towel and wrapped it around herself. "Get out!"

Victor had the shock of his life when a hairbrush hit him in the face, followed by a bar of soap.

What followed was utter pandemonium as Briana, with a flimsy cloth around her, struggled to get out of the bath, preserve her modesty, and throw things at her intruder.

"What the devil is going on here?" Victor roared. "All this time I have been worried about you yet here you are living in sin with another man."

"I beg your pardon?"

"The male garments strewn about the place. How dare you allow me to comfort you last night then you return to him tonight. Who is he? Tell him to name his second!"

"There is no man. Get out!" she screeched.

Victor replied, "Get dressed, madam! Because we have much to discuss and I will not be made a fool of any longer!"

"These are my apartments. How dare you make demands, you brute! Have you been following me all this time?"

"No, I have not!"

"Did the earl send you?"

"What earl?"

"Rochford. Now it makes sense. You've been watching me and reporting to him," Briana clipped as she hurriedly dropped the towel and threw on a shift and cinched it with a robe.

Victor fought hard not to stumble because, good grief, even with her hair still wet and the shift and simple robe, the sight of her half naked and piqued sent all the blood rushing to his groin. What was it about this woman that affected him so?

"I've never met this blasted earl," he rasped.

"You haven't?"

"No, I have no idea who he is."

"Then why are you here?"

"I have been investigating a string of robberies and murders. My information brought me straight here. But now, I am concerned for your safety, and I will not rest until I know why you live in these apartments."

"My safety? In case you failed to notice, my lord, the only danger to my person is you—you terrifier of women while they're taking a bath!"

"You really should work on your insults."

"You really should work on not overstepping boundaries. And why have you brought an audience with you?"

Victor whipped his head back to find Sebastian and Miles hovering in the doorway, staring at Briana with wide-eyed wonder. Miles whistled and averted his eyes, while Sebastian drawled, "Who knew wallflowers had bodies like that."

"Get the fuck out!" Victor shouted, "And stare off!"

Sebastian replied, "We'll just wait in another room." He ushered his brother down the short hallway, opening and closing doors till they found a parlor.

"Is my home to be invaded by every Cambridge in the ton?"

" I apologize. They must have followed me—they're very nosy."

"A family trait, I presume."

"Possibly, although in my defense, I am here to question a young lad who supposedly lives here."

Briana stiffened and waited until Victor made the connection.

"Good gods, it's you, isn't it? You're the young lad!" he practically roared.

"I am. What of it?"

"I've been searching for you for months!"

"Why?" Briana asked with a frown. “Who do you work for?”

Victor paused a moment, realizing he could not very well just blurt everything out. Instead, he replied, "The lad, I mean you are wanted for questioning with regards to a jewel thief known as Agent X and several murders.

"Murders?" Briana shrieked and stood straighter. "I beg your pardon?"

"After every robbery, a body is found close by. The Bow Street Runners receive a note each time with a location for each body."

Briana gulped as realization struck—the authorities believed Agent X was also the murderer.

"The authorities think the jewel thief is also a killer?" she asked.

“Indeed.”

Briana shivered at the thought. “No, I can assure you the thief is no murderer.”

“Then you best start explaining yourself, Briana,” he clipped.

Half-Truths

TEN MINUTES LATER, the brothers were seated in Briana's tiny parlor, all eyes fixed upon her. Sebastian and Miles had somehow managed to procure peanuts from the parlor in their short time there and were munching away contentedly. Briana was about to begin her story when a loud knock echoed through the house.

Victor stood. "That is most likely Officer Charlie Maxwell of Bow Street." He frowned as he watched Briana's expression change to one of near panic.

"Why is he here?" she practically screeched.

"Earlier this evening, I sent a footman with instructions for him to meet me here."

"Why?" Briana demanded, standing and staring down the hallway with a worried look upon her face.

"Miss Walsh, calm yourself. The Bow Street Runners have been searching for the lad as well," Victor replied as he disappeared down the hallway.

Briana froze. The moment Maxwell was shown into the room, he took one look at her, noting the bruises on her jaw. Then, much to everyone's surprise, Maxwell roared, "What in heaven's name, Bree? What the hell have you done now?"

The entire room fell silent with shock at the informal manner in which Maxwell addressed Briana. More telling still was how Briana looked contrite and nearly close to tears.

She noticed how Sebastian and Miles immediately stood and positioned themselves partially in front of her—a protective move, unspoken between the brothers.

"Charlie, please don't be angry," she replied. "I'm close to solving the murders and—"

"Are you insane? You've been investigating the murders?" he thundered. "When I specifically told you to stop? Where did that bruise come from?"

"Would you believe dancing?" she asked hopefully.

"Bollocks! You stuck your nose somewhere it shouldn't be, that's what happened!"

Victor stiffened and clenched his fist. He did not like the familiar way they addressed each other. He too adding another line of defense.

"Officer Maxwell, control yourself. How dare you speak to Miss Walsh in that manner," he growled. "You will address her as Miss Walsh or not at all, and if you do not control your temper, I shall physically remove you from this house."

Maxwell turned to Victor with anger. "My lord, I apologize, but with respect, this has nothing to do with you. I shall be removing this infuriating woman immediately—she is now in my care."

Victor locked eyes with Officer Maxwell. "Over my dead body. You will not touch a hair on her head. In fact, your behavior has been most unprofessional since the moment you entered this dwelling."

Sensing an approaching storm, Sebastian intervened. "Gentlemen, can you not see Miss Walsh is becoming most upset? I think we should remain calm and take a step back."

Maxwell snapped, "I am calm, and as of now, Briana is coming with me. I will make sure she never leaves her home again!"

"The devil you say! How dare you presume authority you do not hold!" Victor shouted.

"She is my sister!" Officer Maxwell bellowed in return.

A deathly silence fell over the room. Sebastian and Miles, who had been watching the entire drama unfold with great interest, held their breath.

"Your sister?" Victor replied with a frown. All the wind left his sails. It was true—he did not know Briana Walsh at all. He collapsed back into his chair.

"Right, well, that clears that up," Sebastian said. "Miss Walsh, I think you have some explaining to do. More importantly, everyone needs to remain calm and not pass judgment in the meantime."

"I agree," Miles said.

Victor merely glared at a point on the wall and nodded for Maxwell to explain himself.

"Bree and I are half-brother and sister. We share the same father, although I was born on the wrong side of the blanket and took my mother's maiden name."

"Charlie and I only discovered our relation when I was a prisoner at the Fleet," Briana added.

Victor still hadn't looked at her or moved. "Go on," he said.

"About a year ago, I asked Charlie if he would teach me his job—how to investigate crime. I believe I have the skills, but he refused."

"And rightly so!" Victor growled, glaring at her.

"Hear, hear!" Miles added before Sebastian nudged him to be quiet.

"So, I decided to investigate on my own."

That's when Victor turned his glare upon her. "Are you daft?"

Briana tilted her chin in defiance. "No, I am not. I set up 'Hortensia Investigations' and advertised. To my surprise, I received my first client. He gave me instructions, and I have spent the past year making great progress."

"Hortensia? After the ancient Roman lawyeress who successfully defended herself and advocated for women?" Sebastian asked.

"Yes, the very one."

"Clever," Sebastian replied.

His brothers gave him a curious look.

"Go on," Victor said, his curious gaze now settled on her. "What type of progress, and who is your client?"

"I cannot divulge that information as yet, due to the confidential nature of my clientele. However, I have been investigating members of the ton in hopes of uncovering the killer."

Maxwell scowled and shook his head in exasperation.

"So this jewel thief called X is the killer?" Victor asked.

"No. X is merely a thief."

"Are they not one and the same?"

"No, they are not."

"How do you know?" Victor asked.

The room fell quiet again as all eyes rested upon her.

Briana realized it was time to tell the truth. "Because I am Agent X, and I assure you, I may be a thief, but I am no murderer."

"What did you just say?" Maxwell growled.

"I beg your pardon," Victor said simultaneously.

"You're Agent X, the notorious jewel thief the scandal sheets are raving about?" Sebastian asked.

Briana nodded.

And then all hell broke loose when Victor shouted, "What the devil is the matter with you? What game are you playing at? You are not X!"

"I most certainly am."

"Tread carefully, madam. The Crown wants X to hang. Do not insist on a dangerous lie," Victor replied.

Maxwell said, "He is right, Bree. Now is not the time for jests of a traitorous nature."

Briana remained calm. Taking a deep breath, she turned to Victor. "In the adjoining room to your bedchamber in St. James, inside the cupboard, you have a safe and iron chest with a double lock. Three months ago, someone stole a pearl—the largest of its kind. The La Peregrina from the Spanish royal collection. You were going to gift it to Lady Seymour."

"How the devil did you know that?" Victor rasped.

"I was there. I watched it all. She came into your room to seduce you, but you discovered the robbery. I stole that pearl and left the calling card. I can tell you in minute detail every single type of safe and iron chest that exists across the ton because at some point I have broken into several of them. I am Agent X, but I am no killer."

"Bloody hell, she is X," Sebastian said.

Briana watched as realization dawned on all their faces—she was telling the truth.

Taking a deep breath, she continued. "Last night, the Thatchers were robbed of their sapphire parure set. That was also my handiwork."

This time it was Officer Maxwell who collapsed into a chair in disbelief.

Victor ran his fingers through his hair, then began pacing. He stopped and looked at her again. All this time he had been in love with a common thief.

"Why, Briana? Why do you have the need to steal?" Victor asked.

"Well, this brings me to the next part of my story."

"Oh, this is going to be good," Miles said, before asking, "Miss Walsh, you wouldn't happen to have some lemonade or perhaps sandwiches?"

Everyone turned and glared at Miles.

He replied, "Pardon me, please do continue."

All attention returned to Briana.

"During my stay in Fleet Prison, which is another story I do not have time for, the Earl of Rochford paid off my father's debt—on the proviso that I steal for him until that debt was re-paid."

"Bloody hell!" Maxwell cursed, hearing this news for the first time.

Victor recognized the name, having tried to call on the man earlier.

"But why you?" Sebastian asked.

"Because I have the skills. Our father was a sea captain, and I was raised on a ship. I have swift fingers, I can pick any lock, and I can climb any structure no matter the height."

"Good gods!" Victor replied, rubbing his brow.

Briana ignored him and continued. "Last night at the Thatcher ball was to be my final robbery. The earl was finally going to release me from our arrangement, and my debt would be cleared."

Victor paced while processing all the information. "Do you think that is why you were attacked last night? Perhaps he does not want to release you."

"I cannot say for certain."

"You were attacked?" Maxwell asked.

"Yes, Lord Victor saw to my care afterward."

"Why did you not come to me?" Maxwell bellowed.

"Because of the way you're reacting right now!" Briana shouted.

"What about the murders?" Victor asked, trying to break the stalemate between the siblings.

Briana replied, "I believe I know who the killer is. I have a plan to draw them out into the open."

All eyes settled on her.

"What do you mean? How do you intend to do that?" Victor asked.

"Had you not all barged in here tonight, I was going to take all my findings to the Foreign Office in the morning."

Victor stiffened as she ventured into his territory. "Why the Foreign Office?"

"Because what I discovered after stealing each jewel is that there is a hidden compartment behind each centerpiece. Inside each one were secret notes and coordinates. That is why the earl wanted the jewels, but to what end, I know not."

"How did you find this out?"

"Every piece I stole, I took to Pinchbeck's on Fleet Street. Their jeweler was able to extract each note without damaging the pieces. Then he would give me a copy. I have each one filed and dated."

"Good grief, Bree. Why did you not tell me what you were up to?" Maxwell asked.

"Because I had to prove to myself that I could do this. Besides, every time I tried to discuss any matters with you, you warned me off."

Maxwell looked slightly contrite.

"Am I to understand you gathered all this information on your own?" Victor asked.

"Mostly. My household staff have been helpful getting me out of scrapes, and Thomas assisted me at times."

"Thomas helped you commit crimes?" Maxwell asked in disbelief.

"Not really, he merely acted as a diversion."

Victor gritted his teeth, remembering Thomas at the Drury Theatre. Good grief, he thought to himself. The woman had more bravery than sense.

Briana was now staring at Victor. He was broody, contemplative—a far cry from the warmth he'd displayed when he held her through the night. She realized he would most likely dissociate himself from her, and that stung. But there was no way a proper lord, especially one who despised liars, would have anything to do with her now.

Victor could not believe what he was hearing. He was terrified for her safety. Everything she had just told him put her in grave danger. But still, he was highly impressed by what she had managed to achieve thus far—better than him, it seemed. "I admit, your work is exemplary, and you certainly have the skills required, but this line of work is highly dangerous."

"I am well aware, but I have worked out a plan. As long as I can present my findings to the Foreign Office, all should turn out well."

"You will not go to the Foreign Office," Victor clipped.

"Why not?"

"You will remain far removed from the entire process. The less people know, the better."

"I beg your pardon. This is my investigation, and you have no say over my work."

"Do you understand that if word gets out that you've been stealing from the ton, that is all they will see. Hortensia Investigations will disappear into oblivion then. Not to mention the danger you expose yourself to—physically and by reputation."

"But I have worked hard for over a year, gathering evidence. Something made increasingly difficult when no one takes me seriously!" She glanced at Maxwell, who just scowled in return.

"Lord Victor is right. He will take the evidence to the Foreign Office, stating it came from an anonymous source, and make plans accordingly."

"No! Why Lord Victor and not me? I am the one who should present my findings."

"Because you are a woman and you are of the merchant class, Bree. You won't even get a foot in the door," Maxwell replied.

"Oh, so they'll listen to him, an aristocrat who has no understanding of such things. Pray, tell me how that makes any sense!"

Victor and Maxwell glanced at one another before Victor decided it was time he too came clean. "What I am about to say does not leave this room because it will endanger not just me but all of you as well. Understood?"

Everyone nodded.

"I happen to work for the Permanent Undersecretary of the Foreign Office. I cannot divulge what I do, only that part of my role is to stay abreast of any foreign threats to the Crown that may come from the ton."

Briana gasped with shock. Suddenly so many things made sense—his relentless questioning, the fact he had her followed, and the reason he was searching for the lad. All this time, he had kept secrets as well. Instantly, she slumped into her chair.

The brothers were stunned for a moment until Sebastian said, "As shocking as that is to discover, I happen to agree with Miss Briana. The proprietress of Hortensia Investigations should be the one to present her findings to the Foreign Office because she discovered it. No thanks to anyone else in the room. Initiative should be rewarded, after all."

Briana gave Sebastian a grateful smile.

"You do not know what you're talking about, Seb. Her reputation could be ruined. The tide could turn, and charges could be laid—then she'll hang at the gallows," Victor replied.

Sebastian said, "Then make sure that does not happen, Victor! What is the point of being part of a powerful family when you do not know when to exercise that power?"

That statement caused Victor a moment's pause as the wheels turned in his mind, working out all the possible scenarios. He sent an intense, heat-filled gaze at Briana, then slowly smiled and nodded his head. "For once, Sebastian, you're absolutely right."

Briana stilled at the scorching look Victor was giving her. It was so intense she felt as if she would spontaneously combust. She braced herself with anticipation, filled partly with excitement and terror.

"MISS WALSH, I SHALL arrange a meeting with Joseph Planta of the Foreign Office and escort you myself. You will be given the opportunity to present and discuss the evidence you have gathered. In the meantime, you will tell us who you suspect to be the murderer and the plan you have to draw this person out. Maxwell and I shall compare our notes with yours until we each agree on a way forward," Victor said.

"I am not involving my sister in any of this. She will hand over the information to men who are better equipped to deal with Crown matters, and then she will return to her house in Pall Mall where she will focus on becoming a proper lady of the ton! But not before she takes down that ridiculous sign outside and stops this nonsense about being an investigator."

"Touch that sign and I will cut off your arms, brother!" Briana said in a menacing voice. She was done with having a room full of men dictate her movements and her life. "Seeing as you are all in my office, paid for by money I earned from my investigations, I alone will decide what action is to be taken. Have I made myself clear?"

Victor replied, "By all means, love. Continue."

She addressed Victor. "My lord, I thank you for your offer. I accept. I need an introduction to the undersecretary, and who better to do it than you. But you will let me do the talking and not speak on my behalf."

Victor nodded in agreement. "I would not dream of it."

Then she turned to her brother. "You will tell me everything you know about the victims. Only then will I share my information."

"This is preposterous!"

"Do it, Maxwell. If you haven't figured out by now that your sister shares a talent for investigating, then you're passing up a golden opportunity," Victor replied.

Briana turned her head towards him. His gaze was steady, meaning he meant every word. She saw something else in his eyes—admiration not disdain. For the first time since her very un-relaxing bath, Briana breathed a sigh of relief and then gifted Victor with a soft expression followed by a warm smile. She wanted so badly to kiss him

Victor had to catch his breath at the look Briana gave him, and he knew in that moment he was making the right decision. There was no turning back now.

An hour later, plans were set in motion as all parties agreed on the likely suspect. However, there would be no drawing him out into the open. Victor deemed that too dangerous. They would simply notify Joseph Planta and leave it to the authorities to apprehend the culprit.

What they did not know was Briana had a card trick at her disposal should anything go awry. Unbeknownst to her, Victor also had an ace up his sleeve.

Eventually, Briana was bundled into a carriage and returned to her well-guarded home in Pall Mall for her own safety. If Victor could so easily break into her West End apartment with a lock pick, then anyone meaning her harm could as well. Briana argued they were overreacting but with four headstrong men bossing her about she gave in only so she could get a moment’s peace.