A Killer in the Crystal Palace by Deb Marlowe

Author:Deb Marlowe [Marlowe, Deb]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Romance, Historical
Published: 2023-02-16T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Niall asked the next morning. He and Kara were just entering the park on their way to the Exhibition.

“Turner says that my attendance at the Loudin ball is all the tittle-tattle in Society. Scotland Yard will hear it and know I am still in Town. Until we have a chance to follow up on our theory of Forrester stealing industrial secrets, I think I should try to resume a schedule as normal as possible.”

“I mean to try to make an acquaintance in the French delegation,” Niall told her. “It might be useful to know if they realize that the plans for the Jacquard machine have been copied.”

“Turner also has contacts within the Metropolitan Police,” Kara said, eyeing him askance.

Niall raised a brow in surprise.

“He earned the respect of some of the officers who know what he did to save me during that first abduction. They know how he was treated then, and how our reports of threats have been treated since.” Kara lifted a shoulder. “And in any case, they do say you should know your enemy.”

“Your enemy?” Now he was surprised. “Is that truly how you see them?”

“They have never acted as my friends or allies,” she pointed out. “And now they seem to be acting against me.”

He supposed she was right. But he didn’t like it.

“His friend told Turner that someone from Scotland Yard was sniffing around the Zollverein displays and the men who accompanied them.”

Now he was surprised. The Zollverein was the economic coalition of German states that had sent goods to display at the Exhibition. “Do you think they’ve got wind of Forrester’s activities?”

“Why else? Those letters were in German. That document mentioned a meeting in Prussia. One of those other accomplices might be representing the interests of one or more of the German states. It would be good to know if any of the delegates has a name that begins with a B or a W.”

“We should find out, if we can.”

They entered the Crystal Palace through the main doors. As they approached the barrel vault, a figure stood up from the edge of the Crystal Fountain.

“Inspector Wooten,” Niall murmured as he approached.

“Good morning, Mr. Kier,” the inspector called out. He gave Kara a courteous nod. “Miss Levett. I am happy to make your acquaintance at last.”

Niall formalized the introductions, and she inclined her head. “Inspector.”

“It’s glad I am to see you returning to the Exhibition, miss. Your continued absence may not have been well looked upon.”

“It has been a difficult couple of days, sir. I am looking forward to getting back to a normal, uneventful pace of life.”

“I heard there was some sort of accident,” Wooten said, watching her closely. “I hope you are well?”

“I will be, once the bump on my head finally subsides.”

“Good. Good. Mr. Towland speaks highly of you. I am inclined to agree with his stance on your innocence.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“There are others, however, who still hold reservations about you, miss. And about your involvement in Mr.

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