Murder in the Mews: A Redmond and Haze Mystery Book 10 (Redmond and Haze Mysteries) by Irina Shapiro

Author:Irina Shapiro [Shapiro, Irina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Merlin Press LLC
Published: 2023-02-07T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 22

The Red Lion was much like any other tavern, with a polished bar, an outdated and less-than-pleasant-smelling taproom, and a slightly more welcoming dining area. Several tables were already occupied, mostly by men, and there were at least a dozen patrons milling by the bar, enjoying their pints and exchanging news and gossip. They were loud and boisterous and clearly annoying the publican, who cast angry looks in their direction, probably for the benefit of Jason and Daniel, who were potential customers the regulars might frighten away.

Having surrendered the horses and carriage to the adjacent livery, Joe took a table in the corner at Jason’s bidding. He had to be tired, hungry, and cold after driving all that way and then waiting for Daniel and Jason outside the Rothman Institute, and Jason wanted to ensure that Joe had time to eat his fill and warm up before starting on the return journey to London.

“How can I assist you, sirs?” the publican asked politely.

He was a thickset man in his fifties or early sixties, with thinning ginger hair liberally threaded with gray, clean-shaven cheeks that were as round and rosy as ripe apples, and a sizeable belly that strained against the buttons of his waistcoat. His smile was ingratiating, since he’d probably seen the brougham and pair through the window and correctly assumed that he was dealing with men who had coin to spare.

“A pint of bitter,” Daniel said. “What would you prefer, my lord?”

Jason tried to hide his amusement. Daniel had grown quite accustomed to using Jason’s rank at his discretion, whipping out his noble title whenever he needed to impress or intimidate.

The publican’s smile of welcome grew even wider. “What can I get you, your lordship?”

“Would you have any coffee?” Jason asked, clearly taking the man by surprise.

“None that’s ready, but if you would like to take a table in the dining room, I’ll ask Missy to brew a pot straight away.”

“I would appreciate that, Mr.—?”

“Potter. Bert Potter.”

“Thank you, Mr. Potter. Do you have rooms to let, by any chance?” Jason asked with feigned casualness.

“Oh, yes, sir. We have four rooms upstairs, two currently unoccupied, on account of the festive season,” Mr. Potter rushed to explain. “The rooms are clean and comfortable, and we provide a hot bath upon request. Breakfast is included.”

Jason nodded. “Do you happen to have the Earl of Granville staying with you at present? We’d made a plan to meet here in Sevenoaks, but I didn’t see his carriage in the livery.”

“The Earl of Granville?” Mr. Potter exclaimed. “Why, no, sir.”

“Are you certain?”

“I’d be sure to know if such an elevated personage graced us with his presence.”

Jason did his best to look sheepish. “He sometimes travels under an assumed name. He’s a shy fellow and likes his anonymity.”

“What name would that be?” Mr. Potter asked, clearly unsettled by the suggestion that he might have had an earl under his roof and treated him as a regular so-and-so.

“Damian Langley. Or Edward Frey,” Jason said, lowering his voice confidentially.

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