A Rogue No More - Lana Williams Page 0,26

honesty, she liked him.

“Please don’t do this.” Caroline scooted to the edge of her chair to grip Annabelle’s hands. “The risk is too great. Why don’t I speak with Richard about it? He may have contacts who would be useful.”

“He’s already done so much for our family. Too much. Let me go to this meeting and then I’ll decide if we need assistance.” Aberland had been a spy for England, so he certainly had experience that could prove helpful if needed. “I promise to take every possible precaution. But you of all people know how important my writing is to me. The idea of someone using my book as a method for murder is something I cannot abide.”

“Then let the authorities do their job and find the murderer.”

“We are. We only intend to offer additional insight once we make a few inquiries. If the murderer is truly copying my story, I might be able to determine what his next move will be.”

Caroline released her hands, worry in her expression. “If anything happens to you, I’ll never forgive myself.”

“Nothing is going to happen. We’re merely speaking with the constable to gather more details. That might be the end of my attempt to help.”

“I don’t like it, but I can see you’ve made up your mind. At least promise you’ll be careful.”

“You know I will. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to change for the outing.” She’d brought one of her mother’s mourning gowns from when their grandmother had passed away some years ago. As it had been tucked in the very back of her wardrobe, Annabelle didn’t think her mother would miss it.

Thomas had arranged for them to speak with the constable who discovered the body to see if he’d share any additional details. Their next move depended on how the meeting went.

In truth, Annabelle was nervous but also excited at the prospect of the meeting. She’d never had the chance to speak to a constable before. She intended to ask for specifics about the murder victim and where the body was found but also hoped to gain information about procedures to aid in her next story. This was an excellent opportunity to research how the police approached a crime like this one. She wished she could take notes on what the officer said, but that would be difficult to explain.

“How do I look?” Annabelle asked as Caroline joined her in the small dressing room off Caroline’s bedroom.

“Like my sister.” Caroline examined her from head to toe, walking around her then adjusting the veil that covered her face. “But I don’t suppose anyone else will be able to recognize you.”

“Excellent.”

“I expect you to return as soon as possible,” Caroline advised as they descended the stairs to the ground floor where the delivery entrance was located. Annabelle was leaving through that exit and walking to the hackney stand on the next street where she’d meet Thomas.

“I’ll give you a full report then.” With a wave, Annabelle ignored the questioning looks the servants gave her and hurried out before Caroline thought of a new reason to stop her. She passed the mews and continued down the alley to the street. It only took a few minutes for her to reach the stand.

Much to her relief, Thomas was waiting with a hackney. He nodded in greeting as he glanced over her attire with a displeased expression, something she could easily discern despite the thick veil limiting her sight. He held the door and assisted her inside.

“This is a terrible idea.” He sat beside her then tapped the roof to tell the driver to proceed.

“You’ve already made your opinion clear.” She couldn’t resist patting his arm. “All will be well.”

“I must be out of my mind.” He turned to look at her. “Or you are.”

“My sister has already suggested that, yet here we are.” She smiled brightly only to realize he couldn’t see her expression.

“Indeed.” He appeared less than pleased by the fact.

The hackney wound through the busy streets, bringing them closer to the river. Soon the vehicle stopped on Wapping High Street before a three-story stone building with turret windows.

The Thames River Police had been formed in 1798, the first of its kind. Their objective was to detect and prevent crimes on the Thames.

“Here we are.” Thomas glanced out the window before looking at Annabelle. “Are you ready?”

“Yes.”

“I’d rather you didn’t sound so pleased about this meeting.” He handed her out, a scowl on his handsome face.

“I rarely have the chance to conduct