A Study in Victory Red: The First Holmes & Co. Mystery by Allison Osborne

Author:Allison Osborne [Osborne, Allison]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-05-30T22:00:00+00:00

He spat a curse at her and launched himself forward. She shifted to the balls of her feet, fists ready, but Joe slid in front of her.

He blocked her, forearm across her chest, holding her in place. With his other hand, he punched Drebber square in the chest. The constable grunted and stumbled backwards, landing in his chair.

"Stay seated and let us leave," Joe said. "You have given us a clue to the murder, to which we are grateful, but it is one you should've given to either Lestrade or Gregory."

Joe's arm slid down Irene's chest, close to the hem of her shirt, but Irene didn't care.

"A lesson hopefully learned for next time." She leaned into Joe's arm, his elbow pressing into her chest.

"Come over here," Drebber rose from the chair. "And I'll teach you a lesson, girl."

Irene went for him, but Joe pushed against her, keeping her still. He kicked Drebber hard in the shin, and the constable collapsed, yowling in pain.

Irene danced from one foot to the other, trying to step around Joe. All she needed was one good swing and Drebber would remember her name forever.

"No," Joe said as if reading her thoughts. "Out we go."

He linked his arm through hers and tugged her out of the house, Drebber yelling behind them.

Joe kept a solid hold on her upper arm down the front steps and halfway down the block. She stepped away from him, grumbling. She smoothed her shirt and straightened her scarf, but adrenaline pulsed through her as they walked down the street. She didn't get into a proper fight often, and she would've loved to teach Drebber a lesson.

She rubbed her chest where Joe's elbow had pushed into her skin. Despite how badly she wanted to swing at Drebber, Joe was right to stop her. If Drebber reported the altercation to Eddy or Thom, she risked removal from the case.

"I'm going to tell you about terriers," Joe said. "While we stroll to the main road to fetch a cab."

"Terriers?" Irene said, completely surprised at this turn in the conversation. "Like, the dogs?"

"Yes," he said. "I've met quite a few terriers, and they are the most stubborn dogs I have ever met. Yet, they are probably the most clever. They do not perform tricks unless it suits them, and they scrap with anyone who looks at them sideways. Female terriers are notorious for this trait."

Irene stopped and turned to him, folding her arms across her chest. "Are you comparing me to a dog?"

He turned to face her, meeting her narrowed eyes and not wavering.

"Yes," he said. "I've never seen anyone as quick to anger and willing to scrap with a man twice her size with police and military training. That, my dearheart, is a terrier if I've ever seen one. Not an insult, I assure you. Terriers are my favourite."

Irene stared at him, not quite sure what to make of his words. She'd been compared to much worse, but his comparison was so unique. And true.

Miss

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