Page 43 of Speculations in Sin

“I suppose Ben Jarrett could have something to do with all this,” I said, writing his name in my notebook. “Why else would he suddenly pop up after leaving Sam alone all these years? At the very least, he’s been watching Sam, because he pounced the moment something went wrong.”

“True.” Daniel sat back, cradling his tea mug. “Jarrett’s network hears that Millburn has been suspected by his employers of embezzling. He hopes he can exploit that to gain a hold over Millburn—for whatever reason Jarrett wants that. Revenge over some past slight, probably. When Daalman’s is slow to have him arrested, Jarrett decides a greater crime will have to occur. He targets the senior clerk, Stockley. Perhaps he has seen Millburn and Stockley arguing as they exit the bank or some such. Jarrett and his crew wait until Stockley works late one night, creep in, and kill him.”

“This all sounds highly unlikely,” I said, my pencil still.

“I agree, but we must start somewhere.”

“Inspector McGregor said Stockley was killed in a little-used strong room on the third floor,” I pointed out. “Jarrett would never know where that was, and he’d likely need a key—unless one of his men obtained a job there and scouted the building. But Sam would realize this, I should think. It is doubtfulStockley would let himself be lured into the strong room by a ruffian. And if the murder was done to make Sam look guilty, surely Stockley would be found in front of Sam’s desk, with something belonging to Sam as the murder weapon.”

Daniel made a conceding gesture. “As you say, highly unlikely.”

“But we must discover why Jarrett has turned up. He has been beastly to Joanna, so thank you for sending Mr. Grimes to watch for him. Mr. Grimes is sufficiently large and frightening.”

“He is that,” Daniel said in amusement.

“I need to know exactly when the murder occurred, and where,” I said, my pencil moving again on the page. “I mean, where this strong room is precisely, why Mr. Stockley went into it, what time he died, and who would have access to the building at the time.” I paused. “Mr. Kearny might know all this. I’d like to speak to him again.”

“Mr. Kearny, one of the bankers? Millburn’s mate?”

That Daniel knew about him didn’t surprise me. “He spoke to me when I was there. Sam obtained his post at Daalman’s at Mr. Kearny’s recommendation. I’d think Mr. Kearny would be eager to prove that his endorsement of Sam wasn’t wrong.”

“Then we will speak to Mr. Kearny. I can get word to him.” Daniel spoke with assurance.

“I also need to know what the police have investigated. Inspector McGregor had not arrived when I had to leave this morning, and I hope he has not pestered Joanna too much. Lady Cynthia and Miss Townsend said they’d check in on her and make certain she was all right.” I sighed with some emotion. “I am grateful I have such friends.”

“You attract honorable people,” Daniel said. “They will intimidate McGregor if nothing else, but I know he hasn’t beento question Mrs. Millburn. Not yet. The City police have been persuaded to leave her be for a bit as well.”

“Persuaded?” My eyes narrowed.

“That is my word for it.” Daniel betrayed no shame. “McGregor knows Mrs. Millburn has nothing to do with any of this and, in his own way, has some sympathy. I also mentioned to him that the investigation should focus on Daalman’s Bank as a whole instead of a junior clerk with spurious origins. He agreed with me, if peevishly.”

I’d told Inspector McGregor the same thing. I imagined his exasperation when Daniel repeated the advice.

I warmed to Daniel’s understanding. The elderly man’s pronouncement about Daniel might be true, but equally true was that Daniel, like Sam, had been working for years to absolve himself of old sins.

“And the City police?” I asked. “Why have they eased off?”

“Because McGregor told them to. Not that the City chaps are obligated to listen. McGregor is on the case at their invitation as an observer and adviser, but you know how McGregor is.”

Short-tempered, growling, and utterly sure of himself. He gave orders and people followed them without quite knowing why.

“It won’t last,” Daniel said. “They’ll have to speak to Joanna eventually, looking for evidence to support their case at trial. You say Miss Townsend and Lady Cynthia have agreed to look in on her, but I imagine McGregor will choose his moment when they are not there. Please do not worry, Kat.” He held up his hand before I could speak. “I’ll make certain she is not alone. I’ve told Errol to watch out for her and arrive just as the police do.”

“Mr. Fielding?” I checked my surprise by realizing that yes, he’d do very well as a chaperone. The police, and even McGregor,would be more respectful to Joanna with a vicar next to her in the parlor. “Why would he agree to do this?” I asked. “I’d think Mr. Fielding would prefer to be as far from the police as possible.”

Daniel had begun a sip of tea, and he coughed. “Not at all.” He set down the cup and wiped his lips. “Performing as the dithering, zealous vicar before the unsuspecting peelers is something Errol will enjoy. I only hope he doesn’t overdo it.”

“I believe he’s wise enough to know how far to go,” I said. “And he’ll be on Joanna’s side. Please thank him for me.”

Daniel winced. “Not sure I should. If he knows you’re happy with him, he’ll take advantage.”

“He won’t,” I said with confidence. Mr. Fielding and I had reached an understanding. He knew I did not approve of his swindling leanings, and he reined those in around me and my acquaintances. “He’ll appreciate a cake or tart in gratitude, I think.”

“You are a wise woman, Kat Holloway. As I always say.”

“Flattering words. Yes, you always say them.” I sent him a smile to show him my speech was not all that disapproving.

“Because they are true. All my compliments to you are.” Daniel reached for my hand, pried the pencil from it, and laid it aside. His fingers were warm from the tea mug. “When I told you that Grace would always be taken care of, I meant it. She’ll never have to fear, or rely on strangers. I know plenty of good, kind people she can stay with if absolutely necessary, but she’ll never be taken from you. I promise you that.”

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