A Lark's Tale by Lynn Messina

Author:Lynn Messina
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Regency Cosy Mystery/Thriller/Suspense
Published: 2022-09-01T14:00:00+00:00

Thursday, May 14

3:41 a.m.

Although Freddie appreciated the strategic value of following Mr. X, he had failed to consider the challenge of keeping pace in the relatively quiet streets of three-in-the-morning London. He had to remain so far back, he was constantly at risk of losing sight of him and indeed was halfway convinced he already had.

Why else would he drive all the way around Hyde Park only to wind up near Rotten Row for a second time?

“I think we lost him two carriages ago,” Freddie said, slowing the cabriolet with a tug on the reins. “Now we are following a random stranger around Mayfair.”

Verity clucked at this excessively pessimistic outlook and assured him he was doing a fine job. “It is the same vehicle, I am sure of it. There is an insignia of some sort on the door, and I catch sight of it every time he turns.”

Freddie shook his head and insisted it was too dark for her to be certain.

“I have cat eyes,” she said.

To some extent, he knew this to be true. Verity had always been able to see things in the inky darkness that were invisible to him. It was one of the many traits that made her such an excellent co-conspirator.

Nevertheless, he remained unconvinced. “And yet you did not get a good look at him in Mrs. Norton’s bedchamber.”

“His features, no,” she allowed. “As I said, I could only make out the general outline of his frame, which was tall and lithe. And the gun. I could see the pistol clearly.”

Freddie pulled his lips into a frown at the mention of the gun. “I knew I should have gone with you. Nothing is ever as easy as you say it will be. Remember Felstead? You were nearly killed.”

“How could I have known he’d have three vipers?” Verity asked indignantly.

“Snakes are generally known to reproduce,” he said.

“Even so, it all turned out all right in the end, did it not?” she replied. “The bite was not venomous, and we found the document proving he was lying about his wife’s dowry. It was well worth the risk as far as I am concerned.”

As his friend had yet to encounter a benefit that did not outweigh its risks, Freddie took little comfort in this statement. He held his rebuttal, however, when the carriage—as yet to be determined as Mr. X’s—drew to a stop several yards away.

Curiously, they watched as the door opened and a figure bearing a strong resemblance to the target in question climbed out. Even Freddie, who had only glimpsed Mr. X as he led Mitchell from the house to his conveyance, observed the similarity. “It does appear to be he.”

“This seems quite nefarious, doesn’t it,” Verity said, noting how the trees obscured the moonlight and it was almost impossible to see what he was doing.

Did he disappear into that copse?

“He left Mitchell in the carriage,” Freddie replied. “I wonder if he is meeting someone here, perhaps to turn over his captive?”

Verity heard the crunch of gravel at the very moment an amused voice said, “He is, yes.

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