The Magnificent Marquess by Gail Eastwood

Author:Gail Eastwood
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: sweet romance, wounded hero, cheetah, regency london, romance sweet, regency intrigue, romance clean, gail eastwood, regency crime
Publisher: Gail Eastwood

Chapter Twelve

“Stirring up a reaction at your club is not a bad strategy if you suspect someone there may be your culprit.” The Bow Street Runner sitting in Ren’s study steepled his fingers on his abdomen and raised an eyebrow at his prospective employer, perhaps in admiration. He was hard to read, and Ren supposed that was an asset for someone in the man’s line of work.

“Colonel Agworth was once my mentor, which may make his feelings against me all the stronger now,” Ren said. “He is not the only member at the club who harbors ill-will, however. Perhaps my daring to appear there will flush more of them out into the open.”

Ren had received Mariah’s note minutes after he returned home from the upsetting scene with Colonel Agworth the previous day. He had shaken his head when he read the details of her plan, but she had left him little choice if he wanted to speak with Taylor. The thought that he would be forced into her company after his determination to avoid her did nothing to soothe his roiling emotions. However, the time she required to set her plan into motion had allowed the opportunity today to meet with the Runner, Joseph Allardice.

A thick-set, heavily-jowled man with thinning black hair, Allardice seemed tough, intelligent and capable. His nose appeared to have broken more than a few times, and Ren judged him to be one of those fellows who won fights through sheer stubbornness and strength, rather than technique. The man had listened intently as Ren explained parts of his history he thought were pertinent and gave an account of the incidents that had occurred since his arrival in London—the problems with his mail, Ranee’s escape, the canceled order for the window bars, and the thefts, including now the rare dagger. The Runner took notes, only asking an occasional question, but clearly evaluating what he heard.

“I seem to be a highly recognizable figure in the city,” Ren told him, still amazed (and annoyed) by this after nearly two and a half months. “It limits my ability to investigate discreetly. I would prefer not to tip my hand before a case can be made against the perpetrator, whoever it may be.”

Allardice smiled and leaned forward. “I can help you there, my lord. It is a problem that comes with your position and wealth, compounded by the fact you are noticably tall, sir, and forgive me if I say so, also a feeder of the gossip mills. Is it true that you keep a cheetah as a housepet, and you run her in the park some early mornings? One hears these things.”

Ren sighed. “Would you like to meet her?”

The Runner gave a quick bark of laughter, and shook his head. “Could you make a list of those you think are the most likely to turn their ill-will into action, my lord? I will also need a list of all the items that have been stolen, with detailed descriptions. My colleagues can keep an eye open in case they turn up anywhere.

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