Murder by Appointment: (Inspector Faro #10) by Knight Alanna

Author:Knight, Alanna [Knight, Alanna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2012-12-05T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

As Faro hovered indecisively outside the court, hoping that Imogen Crowe might appear, Sir Hamish hurried down the steps.

He was alone and, seeing Faro, bowed politely. 'You will not be offended if I tell you, sir, that I thoroughly applaud your action in defending that young woman. It fits in with all I have heard of your reputation for justice and fair play.'

Faro, somewhat embarrassed, murmured his gratitude. As they shook hands, he looked again at Sir Hamish. There was something familiar about him.

'Have we not met before, sir?'

Sir Hamish studied him intently for a moment and then shook his head. 'Not that I am aware of. Your name is well known to me in Scotland and I am sure I would not have forgotten meeting you.' He smiled. 'And it is a pleasure to do so now. Good day, Inspector.'

As Sir Hamish climbed into the waiting carriage, Faro again turned his attention to the court door. Should he wait for Imogen Crowe to emerge, or return to his lodging and avoid a meeting? He was not surprised to find that she still aroused emotions dormant in him. Emotions that he decided could be dangerous for them both.

Then he saw her, walking swiftly, gracefully, eyes narrowed against the sunlight streaming into the doorway. The slight hesitation told him that she had seen him. She moved indecisively, a gesture indicating that she also wished to avoid this encounter. But was her reaction for the same reason, Faro wondered.

For one instant he thought she was going to turn on her heel, head in the opposite direction. He knew he could not let this happen, that he would always regret having let this moment pass.

'Imogen!'

She looked at him, smiled, managed to make it look as if she was surprised to see him waiting for her. She came forward, hand outstretched, and a drift of perfume reminded him of their first meeting at Elrigg. In retrospect it seemed impossible to believe that once he had so heartily disliked her.

'Thank you for your help. I'm in your debt, Inspector— as usual,' she added, her wry look showing that she too remembered.

'It's been a long time Imogen. Three years.'

She shrugged. 'Nearer four.'

He felt a moment's joy. She had counted them more carefully than he had.

'I don't know where the years go to—'

Hardly a compelling or original statement, he thought, the usual excuse signalling either neglect, indifference, or both.

She ignored it and continued, 'Seamus will be grateful to you. He's a good lad, a bit impulsive. The dedicated patriot, but I dare say he may grow out of it some day. Anyway, it is good to see you again. You are looking well,' she added, trying in vain to sound genuinely interested.

He could think of nothing more to say. She hesitated a moment and then began to walk away from him. Her action, her small gesture of the head indicated that she had no wish to prolong this meeting or further their association beyond the bounds dictated by gratitude and politeness.

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