The Highgate Cemetery Murder: A completely gripping and addictive historical mystery (A Tate and Bell Mystery Book 1) by Irina Shapiro

Author:Irina Shapiro [Shapiro, Irina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Storm Publishing
Published: 2024-02-28T00:00:00+00:00

TWENTY-EIGHT

Sebastian’s first stop after leaving Park Lane was at Ellery and Mason Undertakers. Mr. Ellery was able to confirm that Adelaide Seaborne’s remains had been collected from the mortuary and the funeral would take place Wednesday next, with Miss Seaborne being laid to rest in the family mausoleum. Until then, she would lie in repose at the house, where all those wishing could say their final goodbye.

“Mr. Ellery, the family is not to know that Miss Seaborne was autopsied as part of the investigation into her death,” Sebastian said sternly.

“I quite understand, Inspector,” Mr. Ellery said. He was a wisp of a man who was beginning to resemble his deceased clients in both color and facial expression, which seemed to be frozen in lines of agreeable servitude.

Satisfied, Sebastian was just about to leave when Mr. Mason stepped out of his office.

“We do not answer to the police, Inspector Bell,” he said, having overheard Sebastian’s request. Mr. Mason was an imposing man and clearly in charge. “I think the viscount would like to know what was done to his daughter without his express permission.”

Sebastian stared the man down, giving him a moment to consider the ramifications, before speaking. “Mr. Mason, do you imagine that the family will continue to use your services if you inform them that Miss Seaborne was carved up by a Scottish-trained surgeon in his cellar while half a dozen students hungrily ogled her more intimate areas? There’s nothing they can do to punish the police, not if they hope to keep the matter private, but they will punish you for causing them unnecessary pain.”

Mr. Mason paled visibly, too much a man of business not to realize that Sebastian had a very valid point.

“I strongly suggest that you use your considerable skill to disguise any evidence of a post-mortem. I’m sure a high-necked gown or perhaps a lace fichu will do the job nicely. There’s no need to cause the family any additional suffering. Are we agreed, Mr. Mason?”

Mr. Mason gave a curt nod. “Since you put it that way, I think that’s probably the wisest course of action.”

“I’m glad you see sense. Good day to you both,” Sebastian said, and departed before Mr. Mason could try to extort payment for his silence.

Having seen to one unsavory task, Sebastian braced himself for the next. The St. Giles Rookery was one of the worst slums in London, a rat-infested, disease-ridden midden heap populated by whores, pimps, cutthroats, and the unfortunates who were too poor to ever hope for anything better. Had Sebastian still been in uniform, he wouldn’t be likely to get out alive or still in one piece since the criminals and paupers alike blamed the coppers for all their ills. Likewise, few visitors walked away with their possessions intact. Sebastian took the coins out of his pocket and deposited them inside his boot. No self-respecting thief would allow him to get away with his pockets unpicked, but hopefully no one would try to rip the boots from his feet.

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