The Kidnapper's Accomplice by C.J. Archer

Author:C.J. Archer [Archer, C.J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: C.J. Archer

Chapter 12

It was early afternoon by the time we arrived home. Aunt Letitia’s first words to me when I entered the sitting room were to ask when I was taking her shopping.

“I’m much too tired,” I said, accepting the cup of tea she poured for me. “It’s also miserable outside.” I didn’t want to alarm her and tell her about the dangers of going out while Bunn and Amelia were at large. It might set off her memory lapse episodes. “Can you wait a little longer?”

“But Christmas is soon.”

“We have time.”

She poured more tea into her empty cup and set the teapot down with a thud on the table. She put the cup to her lips but hardly sipped before setting that down with a loud clank in the saucer. She then proceeded to sigh repeatedly.

“Shall we create some more decorations or write cards together?” I asked.

“I’ve written all my cards and made enough decorations to cover all the Christmas trees from here to Greenwich. When will we get one?”

“We have dropped the ball on tree acquisition somewhat. I’ll ask Bristow to arrange it.”

Decorating it would keep her busy, although I hoped to be at home to help. Matt too. It was our first Christmas together, after all. It wouldn’t be the same if we couldn’t share the experience.

Duke arrived in time for dinner, and Willie halfway through it. Cyclops missed dinner altogether, but Mrs. Potter made sure he had something to eat while we convened in the library to discuss the day’s events. Aunt Letitia had already retired to her room, but we liked the coziness of the library with its walls of books and large fireplace. There was something comforting about it on a winter’s night.

“Whoever is hiding them is doing a good job of it,” Duke said.

“Except for that time Bunn was spotted in Bloomsbury,” Willie pointed out.

“Just because he was seen in Bloomsbury doesn’t mean he’s still there,” Cyclops said as he cut through a slice of beef. It was so thick it was more of a slab than a slice. “If they’re smart, they’ll be long gone by now.”

The enormity of the problem subdued our mood. The fugitives could be anywhere, either in or out of London. If they changed their appearances, we might never find them.

“At least the gunpowder stores are safe,” Duke said.

Willie pointed at the doorway which had all of us turning to look. There was no one there. When we turned back, she was chewing with her mouth full and there was one less slice of beef on Cyclops’s plate.

He shook his head. “I deserved to have my food stolen for falling for that.”

Willie smiled as she chewed.

“How long will the gunpowder be safe?” I asked. “The police can’t watch the storage facilities forever. Sooner or later the constables will need to return to other duties.”

“Sooner rather than later,” Duke said. “Word is the burglars, pick pockets, and lowlifes know the police resources are limited right now and they’re making the most of their freedom.

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