Leopard Ascending by Emma Jane Holloway

Author:Emma Jane Holloway [Holloway, Emma Jane]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781777045852
Publisher: Rowan & Ash Artistry

Chapter 18

“I know Strang’s type,” Palmer said. “Men like that are smart and ruthless, but they’re also conceited.”

“How does that work for us?” Gideon asked.

“He imagines himself above the rest of us. In his mind, he’ll never be caught.”

They had returned to the park after visiting the Vortigern house. Along the way, Gideon recounted his adventures with the Threshers, giving more information than Palmer had got from Layla. The detective inspector listened without interrupting, his frown deepening as they walked.

By the time they arrived at the park, a horse and wagon had come to take the remains of Robin Vortigern to a police surgeon for further investigation. Only a few personnel remained at the scene.

Palmer commandeered a police carriage, smelling of tobacco and damp upholstery, and a brace of constables to escort him and Gideon to their next destination.

“How does Strang’s nature dictate our next move?” Palmer asked.

Every time Gideon accompanied him on a case, the detective inspector treated it like a tutorial. As he’d only just begun his career as a private inquiry agent, Gideon gratefully soaked up the instruction.

He considered Palmer’s question. “If Strang thinks he’s untouchable, he won’t vary from his usual routine. That’s why we’re headed toward the university.”

“Exactly.” Palmer stared out the window, frowning as if the scene outside troubled him. “We know the Threshers, officially or unofficially, are acting on behalf of someone connected to the Conclave. Strang thinks he’s in the right.”

“We don’t know for certain that he killed Vortigern.”

“No, but he knows something. Dr. Strang recruited his students. When someone woos another person to their cause, they study their mark in advance.”

“How does that help us?”

“If he did his job, the good professor will have details about Robin Vortigern his family will never know.”

“Such as?”

“Weaknesses, debts, and desires. Recruitment—or seduction—is all about answering a need.”

The University of Londria was in the west end of the city. It had begun as a single old pile encrusted in gargoyles and tradition. Over time, the institution had engulfed a crowded snaggle of buildings on the north bank of the river. Palmer directed the carriage to the far end of the campus, where the rowing team had its clubhouse. They left the carriage at the curb with orders to wait.

“We’ll start here,” Palmer said. “Two members of this rowing team met with misfortune, and that means something. I want a feel for who they are when they’re together. From there, we can move on to Strang’s classroom. With luck, we’ll find him in one place or the other.”

The sun had come out during their drive, and Gideon glimpsed the sparkling river. Given the wintery cold, there weren’t many rowers on the water, but the clubhouse itself was full of people.

“How do you wish to proceed?” Gideon asked as they approached the door.

“Quietly. There’s no point in causing a fuss before our quarry is in sight.”

“Then allow me to do the honors.”

As soon as Gideon gave his name, the doorman admitted them. The main room was vast, the space divided into clusters of gaming tables, a refreshment area, and couches.

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