need only glance around the hall to realize how diverse London had become. Immigrants now rubbed shoulders with Englishmen in many areas of the city, including this one.
“Mr. Walker.” Hurdy looked less than pleased to see him based on his frown. “What brings you here today?”
“I’d like an update on the investigation. I thought by now you would’ve made an arrest.”
“This is a complicated case with several individuals involved. You can’t expect me to simply march into the brothel, escort everyone out, and arrest Finch.”
“Actually, that is exactly what I expect. At the very least, I thought you would have arrested the other two men involved in the scheme.”
“I’ve visited with both of them. Johnson swears innocence, saying he only offered lodging to Miss Linfield. He confirmed that his wife provides meals for the lodgers, but insists she never drugged them, nor did she have access to any sort of drug.”
“Surely you don’t believe him after what happened to Miss Linfield?” Daniel didn’t bother to hide his incredulity.
“Proof is required in order to request a warrant for an arrest. At this point, it’s her word against everyone else’s. Miss Linfield didn’t witness anything being put in her food. She’s only assuming that’s what happened.”
“I don’t believe for a moment that she’s the only victim of their foul plot.”
“I agree, but again, without proof, what would you have me do?” Hurdy shook his head. “The same can be said of the clerk at the registry office. Until I can prove his association with Finch in some manner, I can only warn him. I hope the realization that we’re looking into the matter will be enough to put an end to their involvement in the scheme.”
Daniel dearly wanted to punch something. He understood Hurdy’s predicament, but in the meantime, more women were being forced into prostitution. Of that, he had no doubt. Warnings might make the men involved cautious for a time but wouldn’t halt them for long.
“Can’t you conduct a search of the brothel? There was another woman there by the name of Mary who was also being held, remember?”
“I do.” Hurdy scowled. “We searched the place, but not one of the women would admit to being imprisoned there. Nor did we find one named Mary. I would guess the ones with whom we spoke either decided prostitution was the only way to have shelter and regular meals or were too scared to say what had happened to them or how they’d come to be in the place.”
“What happens next?” Daniel couldn’t imagine telling Beatrice that nothing would be done to keep other women from experiencing the same trauma she had.
“We keep an eye on all of them when possible.”
“Meaning you’ll investigate if someone else files a complaint as well.”
“Or when we have some sort of proof.” Hurdy shook his head. “I wish I had better news for you. Finch is a nasty character, but he has those women under his thumb, and they’re reluctant to tell the truth for fear of punishment. One had a blackened eye but swore she fell.”
“Damn.” How many women had Finch taken? Women who arrived in London to search for work, leaving their family and everything familiar behind. But no doubt those families never heard from them again and had no idea how to locate them.
“If there’s no one to report a lost loved one,” Hurdy continued, “then Finch doesn’t have to worry. Perhaps that’s why he chooses women who are new to the city. They don’t know anyone, and there’s no one to sound the alarm that they’ve gone missing.”
That was what would’ve happened to Beatrice if she hadn’t found the fortitude to escape. Finch probably had the newer women drugged to keep them from truly understanding what was happening. Or from having the desire to escape. Once they realized what was expected of them, many probably sought drugs or alcohol to blur their new reality.
Daniel was both sad and angry at the thought and refused to sit idly by when he knew what was happening. Hurdy’s hands might be tied, but Daniel’s weren’t. He wasn’t restricted by legalities. Not when he already had all the proof he needed.
“I wish I had better news,” Hurdy added, obviously unaware of Daniel’s dark thoughts.
“As do I. Will you keep me apprised if any further developments arise?” Daniel handed him three pounds which should be enough to convince him to continue pursuing the case.
“Of course.” Hurdy dipped his head in thanks as he pocketed the money.
Daniel took