The Mystery Woman (Ladies of Lantern Str - By Amanda Quick Page 0,85

to buy the salts and some other rare chemicals that only I can supply. I never liked him but he always paid immediately. Never asked for credit. One can’t always be too choosy when it comes to customers.”

“So true,” Beatrice said. “What else can you tell us?”

“Oh, he was quite distinctive. A foreigner, no question about it. Spoke English but with a heavy accent. He was tall. He always wore a low-crowned hat but I could tell that he was quite bald. Had a face like a skull and the coldest eyes you’ve ever seen.”

“Yes,” Joshua said. “That description fits the professional assassin.”

Mrs. Grimshaw shuddered. “See here, do you think he will come back when he realizes that he failed?”

“No, because he will know that there is no point in taking that risk,” Joshua said. “But to be on the safe side, I am going to ask an old associate of mine to send a couple of men to keep watch on you and your shop until this affair is concluded.”

Mrs. Grimshaw’s eyes widened. “Bodyguards, do you mean?”

“Yes. I sent our coachman off with a message a short time ago. Your watchers should arrive shortly. We will not leave you until they get here.”

Mrs. Grimshaw heaved a sigh of relief. “I am very grateful to you, sir. But I really don’t understand why this Mr. Lancing you speak of would send his servant to murder me. I told you, I’m the only apothecary in London who can supply him with the chemicals he requires.”

“I think Lancing is convinced that he will not be needing a steady supply of the rare chemicals much longer,” Joshua said. “He believes that he is nearing the end of his grand experiment.”

Forty

I did not know that crime lords went about in such high style,” Beatrice said, marveling at the fine carriage that was approaching.

“Mr. Weaver controls a profitable slice of the London underworld,” Joshua said. “He specializes in gambling establishments and taverns. But he also provides financial services to those who cannot obtain such services from respectable banks.”

“At rather high interest rates, I expect.”

“He is a businessman at heart,” Joshua said.

He watched the sleek black carriage pulled by two perfectly matched, high-stepping black horses come to a halt in the street at the top of Teaberry Lane. Two men climbed down. All of Weaver’s enforcers had a certain look, he thought. They were big, intimidating, well armed and well dressed. The black ties they wore around their necks were well known throughout the criminal world.

The pair looked at Joshua for direction.

“Please keep watch on the apothecary and her shop in the lane,” Joshua said. “Do not let anyone in through the front door or the alley. The establishment is closed until further notice. I am concerned for the safety of the proprietor.”

“We’ll look after her,” one of the men said.

They touched their black caps and went quickly along the lane.

A footman in black livery jumped down to open the door of the carriage and lower the steps. The massively built man seated in the cab looked out through the opening.

“It’s been a while, Joshua,” Weaver said. He took in the scar and the cane with a thoughtful expression. “I heard there was an accident.”

“Word gets around,” Joshua said. “Allow me to present Miss Lockwood, a very good friend. Beatrice, this is Mr. Weaver, an old associate of mine.”

Beatrice smiled. “Mr. Weaver.”

Joshua hid a quick grin. He could not imagine another lady of his acquaintance acknowledging an introduction to a notorious crime lord with grace and charm. It was clear from the surprise that flashed in Weaver’s eyes that he was not accustomed to being greeted so cordially by a member of the respectable class.

“A pleasure, Miss Lockwood,” Weaver said. He glanced at Joshua, brows slightly elevated, and then gestured with one gloved hand. “I hope the two of you will join me in my carriage while we converse. Standing about in the open affects my nerves.”

Joshua handed Beatrice up into the cab and joined her. They sat down on the black velvet cushions.

Beatrice examined Weaver with politely veiled curiosity. There was a lot of Weaver to examine, Joshua thought. The big man took up most of the opposite seat. There was a cool, calculating intelligence in his pale eyes. He was well dressed in the latest fashion. His tailor had done his best to camouflage Weaver’s bloated body but there was only so much that could be accomplished. And nothing could disguise the aura of