Shadow in Scarlet by A. F. Stewart

Author:A. F. Stewart
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: steampunk, paranormal detective, mystery, paranormal mystery, historical, alternate history, steampunk detective, supernatural steampunk, Victorian steampunk mystery
Publisher: A. F. Stewart
Published: 2023-05-03T00:00:00+00:00

BACK IN THE SITTING room, stomach full of roast beef, carrots, fried potatoes, and raisin tea cakes, Lars sipped a cup of tea as his partner tore into the brown paper to reveal the contents of their purchase. A brick-a-brack assortment of oddities spilled out over the table, including a daguerreotype in a red leather case, a silver pocket watch, a small crank handle and two cracked gears, a few playing cards, a receipt, a folded piece of paper, and a bottle containing the scant remnants of a blackish liquid.

“What a peculiar collection of items.” Lars blinked at the hodgepodge over the rim of his cup.

“Yes. Curious what people acquire and abandon.” Elspeth moved the bottle to one side and picked up the receipt and the folded paper. Her eyes lingered on the daguerreotype before she opened the case. She studied it, her expression inscrutable, before closing it with a snap.

“Well, that is a coincidence. A somewhat disturbing one. Longhurst may have a history of harassing women.”

“What? What have you discovered?”

“This is an image of a murdered woman from 1850.” She waved the daguerreotype. “Connected to the case Beechworth hired me to investigate.”

“Do you think Longhurst is involved in that murder?” Lars looked at her quizzically. “Or perhaps he was looking into the case for Beechworth as well? As a friend?”

Elspeth shrugged but said nothing further, only reading the receipt.

“Hmmm, this is an invoice from a tailor on Bedford Row. But not a recent bill. More coincidences, interesting.” Elspeth tucked the statement in a pocket and unfolded the other paper. “Oh, here’s a letter, at least the start of one.”

She read aloud:

“‘I implore you, Miss Lejeune, to change your mind, and reconsider. Your rejection has caused me no end of pain and anxiety, and forced me into a most untenable situation. I fear what I may have to do. You must listen to reason, must accept, otherwise... I don’t wish to do these things, but I have no choice, no choice.’”

Elspeth stopped reading and looked up. Lars set down his cup, and the pair stared at each other.

Lars asked, “Is there more?”

Elspeth shook her head.

“Obviously a draft, or letter he did not send, but I believe this confirms Longhurst is our man.” She tossed the letter back on the table. “We must read the other letters sent to our client. At the very least, we’ll be able to compare the handwriting.”

“Indeed. Do you think he has moved back to this Bedford Row?”

“Perhaps. Or perhaps he went elsewhere.” Elspeth glanced at the daguerreotype again and picked it up, stroking the leather before tucking it beside her in the chair. Then she picked up the bottle. “I think this may be more useful in locating our obsessive vampire. If it is what I think.” She popped the cork and gave it a sniff, her face crinkling into distaste. “Exactly what I thought. Blood balm.” She stoppered the bottle and set it down.

Confused, Lars asked, “How can that help us locate Mr. Longhurst? And what is blood balm?”

“It’s a calming tincture favoured by a few vampires.

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