Page 78 of The Duke and Lady Scandal
Allie examined the man’s card. “You’re the one who’s been watching the coffeehouse.” She met his watchful gaze. “And I take it you’ve seen nothing of the men I overheard.”
“You’re the tip,” he said quietly. “Of course you are.” He laughed, but Allie wasn’t sure why. “It all makes sense now. But no, I’ve seen no man with dark glasses and heard no word of a jewel theft.”
“What do you mean that it all makes sense?”
He ducked his head as if suddenly hesitant to say more, though nothing about him struck her as a man given to hesitation. “Not sure Drake would want me to say.”
“Well, now I’m more curious than ever.”
Fitzroy chuckled. “He hired me with his own funds to test your tip. Not a common thing for a detective inspector at Scotland Yard to do.”
“I see.” Allie couldn’t help but be pleased to know Ben had gone out of his way to investigate her story, even if via unconventional means. She only wished her tip and Fitz’s efforts had prevented the attempt on the Crown Jewels.
“How did you become acquainted with Inspector Drake?”
Fitzroy lifted a finger as if to bid her to wait. Something outside the shop windows seemed to have caught his interest.
“Why don’t we let him tell you himself?”
Ben descended from the carriage and was through the front door of Princes in three strides. He could finally draw a deep breath again when he saw her.
Alexandra was there, behind the counter, looking wonderful and well and in one piece, and his heart began to settle into a normal patter.
“Ben,” she said on an exhale.
“Drake,” Fitz called at nearly the same time.
When Fitz registered her quiet exclamation, he shot Ben an arch look.
Ben ignored his friend and beelined for Alexandra.
“Are you all right?” It was the only thing he truly needed to know.
“I’m fine. Neither of us were here when the break-in occurred.”
“Thank God for that.” The anxious knot in his chest loosened a fraction.
“And the loss consisted of only three gems,” Fitz told him.
“Three very expensive gems,” Allie put in under her breath.
Ben was having trouble focusing on anything but Alexandra. He scanned her features, attempting to discern how she was truly feeling. To his surprise, she shifted her gaze to Fitz.
“I wouldn’t say the loss was minimal, Mr. Fitzroy.” She looked up at Ben again. “Lord Holcroft’s diamond was taken along with some sapphires for another customer.” She nibbled at her lower lip and cast a glance toward the back room. “That diamond was sizable. Twenty carats, perhaps.”
Fitzroy sucked air through his teeth. “Didn’t know that. I’m sorry, Miss Prince.”
Ben reached out and placed a hand over hers, not caring what Fitzroy made of it.
When he turned back, Fitz was putting his hat back on and pulling his gloves from his pocket.
“Are you off?” Ben asked him.
“Not much more I can do here. You made good time, my friend, but Detective Constable Baker arrived before you. He’s in the back with Gibson. He’ll be able to fill you in.”
Ben stepped toward him, and Fitz held out his hand, but Ben wasn’t interested in leave-taking.
“I need to speak to Baker,” he told him quietly. “Will you stay with her while I do?”
