Children of the Shadows by Erica Vetsch

Author:Erica Vetsch [Vetsch, Erica]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Published: 2023-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

“I’ve found no similarities, sir, in these missing children and the others in our files. Either the age is wrong, or the perpetrator was found and had a connection to the missing child.” The clerk, Mr. Berry, held a folder behind his crossed arms. A pencil stuck out from behind his ear, and he had dust on his face from combing through the archives. “The truth is, children are easy to lose and difficult to identify. London’s streets are full of urchins with no supervision or care, scrambling up to full grown all on their own. The mortality rate amongst these people is staggering. More than a third of all children die before age two. Those who do survive do not have an easy life.”

Caleb, the new office boy, stood behind Mr. Berry, holding a stack of files, the wisdom of the ages in his young eyes. He had no doubt experienced this difficult life.

Daniel nodded, sobered by these terrible statistics. “I have a new task for you both. Sift through the archives for the name Bobby or Robert Puck. If you find anything, inform me immediately.”

Mr. Berry took the new orders well, but the boy’s shoulders sagged, and he scowled, no doubt discouraged by more file searching, but he would have to get used to such chores. The office boy must do as he was told.

“I know it’s daunting and does not seem glamorous, but I assure you, Caleb, you’re doing important work. More cases are solved by following the paper trail than any other method.”

The boy’s chin came up, and he nodded. A spark of warmth hit Daniel in the chest at having encouraged the lad.

The clerk sniffed and pushed his glasses up on his nose. “Very well, Mr. Swann. Sir Michael wished me to direct you to his office after I had given my report.”

“Thank you.” Another confrontation with his superior. Not the best way to get on with his day.

As Mr. Berry and the boy left the investigators’ room, Owen entered. “The accountant says he will come this afternoon to look over those ledgers.”

“Good.”

“What should I do next?”

Daniel took a moment to marvel at the change in Owen. Over the last few weeks, as he had become more involved in cases, his eagerness for work had increased and his surliness toward Daniel had lessened.

“Wait here. You and I are going out after I’ve seen Sir Michael.”

“Good luck.” Owen grinned. A flash of sympathy lit his blue eyes, and Daniel appreciated the sentiment.

I may need it.

Daniel tapped on the doorframe and entered the Biddle lair. “You wished to see me, sir?”

“Close the door.” Sir Michael’s eyes were icy.

When Daniel once again stood on the carpet before the desk, his hands clasped behind him, Sir Michael placed his palms flat on the blotter. “I understand you removed some ledgers from the Olympian Club last night?”

“Yes, sir.” How had Sir Michael known? Daniel hadn’t told him, and only Owen had been aware of it, for Daniel had sent him to procure the services of the accountant not an hour before.

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