A Christmas Hope by Anne Perry

Author:Anne Perry [Perry, Anne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-0-345-54554-1
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Published: 2013-11-11T16:00:00+00:00

She hated doing it. She was actually trembling as she stood at the front door and reached for the brass-headed bell pull, but she could not afford to wait any longer. If Arthur Davidson preferred not to answer her request, then better that she know it now. She was aware that by returning to press him for more information, she might also make him less likely to contribute to the clinic in the future. That would be a heavy blow. He had been generous.

The footman opened the door and recognized her immediately. A few minutes later she was in the withdrawing room in front of the fire, Davidson standing to receive her. She had always seen him in his study before, or at the clinic. However, there was no time to appreciate the glass-paned bookcase or the slightly mismatched furniture, evidence that he cared for comfort rather than for appearances. She wondered what his wife was like. He had never spoken of her.

Claudine forced herself to address the subject immediately.

“I apologize, but I must ask you if you have learned anything about the three young men we recently spoke about.” She swallowed. Her mouth was dry. “I am afraid the matter grows urgent.”

His mouth pulled a little tighter, and there was a sadness in his eyes. “I have. None of it particularly surprising. Halversgate is, as you implied, a follower rather than a leader. Crostwick and Foxley are another matter. In better society, they are merely a trifle daring. More privately, they indulge in excess of drink in very dubious places, which increasingly often descends to violence. I wish I could tell you otherwise.” A faint humor touched his mouth. “I would advise your friend, if she exists, to counsel her son most strongly not to associate with them. They may never be caught doing anything wrong, but they are a malign influence.”

Claudine felt the color burn up her face. She was clearly far more transparent than she had intended.

“Thank you,” she said awkwardly. She could not tell him the real reason for her inquiries, but she made no more pretense at excuses. She was too embarrassed to accept any hospitality, even though she would have enjoyed conversing with him on other matters. After wishing him a happy Christmas, she excused herself and left.

The next morning Claudine told Squeaky Robinson what she had learned. They were in his office with the door closed. The rest of the clinic was busy preparing for Christmas—trying to bring as much cheer as possible to those who had nowhere else to go, or whose sickness and injuries made them unable to care for themselves.

Squeaky was impressed with her account, although he did his best not to show it.

“Good,” he said a trifle sententiously. “It’s a start. So Halversgate’s a follower.”

“Apparently. This is information, but I’m afraid it is not proof,” she warned.

Squeaky pulled his face into an expression of disgust. “I know that! But don’t underestimate it. It’ll give you a lever to use with him.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.