Page 48 of The Detective and the Baroness

“My name is Enya. What would you like?” the waitress asked.

“I will have a glass of white wine,” Corrine answered. “And please bring us a platter of those tasty-looking finger foods.”

“Right away. Gents?”

“I will have a pint of Bass pale ale if you have it,” Drew replied.

“We do. Detective?”

“The same, if you please.”

Enya gave them a warm smile. “I’ll return directly.”

Mitchell’s eyebrow cocked as he glanced from Drew back to her.

“You may speak of generalities of the case in front of Drew,” Corrine said, guessing Mitchell’s thoughts.

“Very well. I have recovered part of the loan Addington gave your father.”

Corrine was utterly shocked. “I am impressed. Well done, you. How did you manage that?”

Mitchell gave her the details, following her father from an expensive shop to a residence on Old Street and how he forced his way in and found her father with his paramour.

“Wait, there is a young boy?” Corrine whispered. “My father led a double life the past seven years, taking mine and Jeffery’s earnings and spending it on Mrs. Robson? Where is the money now?”

“In Drew’s safe.”

The waitress returned with their drinks and placed a platter and small plates in the middle of the table. “There are lobster puffs, a mushroom one, and I think one has goat cheese. Have fun discovering the flavors.”

“Thank you,” Corrine replied absently, still in shock.

“Thank you,” Mitchell said. “We will order dinner in about an hour.”

Enya departed. Corrine’s eyes rimmed with unshed tears at the information Mitchell had revealed. “That poor woman and her child. It seems they are victims of my father’s blatant selfishness as well.” She looked up at Drew and Mitchell. “I have a half-brother. I now understand the shock of learning such information.”

Mitchell took the platter of canapes, placed a few on his plate, and then passed it to Drew. “Mrs. Robson gave me the impression that she still loved your father, but trust would be a major concern in the future. Whether she stays with him, I cannot know.”

Corrine took a trembling breath, then exhaled. “I will ask my father about all this soon enough or when I can bear to face him. I’m vastly relieved you recovered as much as you did.”

“I’ve discovered more. You might want a sip of fortifying wine. The hooded man? It may be a villain I had dealings with in Notting Dale. His name is Jedidiah Danaher, and he is a rookery boss. He was believed killed in a pub fire.”

“Believed? This is the man that shot you that night?” Drew asked, his expression incredulous.

Corrine gasped. How could it be possible? And why? Why would a rookery boss seek out Addington and have possible ties to the previous baron?

Mitchell explained how he’d stopped in to visit Rett Wollstonecraft, who was also there that night, although Mitchell stated he could not talk about the details. Then he told them of the detailed physical description Mr. Wollstonecraft gave. “Yes, that is it,” Corrine interjected as she touched her forehead. “The scarring I saw for a fleeting moment was on the forehead and temple. What connection could this criminal have to the barony?”

“That is the mystery. Let’s assume that Danaher is still living and lurking about the streets. I traveled to Notting Dale yesterday, and the side of the street where the pub was located has been completely razed. The place has had multiple loads of dirt delivered to fill in the craters caused by the fire. There were men still working on it when I was there. One of the laborers told me that more buildings will be pulled down in the new year. A complete clearance will be in full swing come spring.”

Drew took his last sip of ale. “So the plans for a mix of public and private housing will go ahead then? There will be no place for Danaher to return, will there?”

Mitchell shook his head. “No. Which may make him desperate. Still, how on earth am I to find him in this city? It will be damn near impossible.”

Drew stood. “On that note, I will take my leave. Enjoy your dinner. I will have Wright take me home, and then send him back for you. Take your time. Good evening.”

“Good night, Drew,” Corrine smiled.

After the doctor’s departure, Enya returned. “We have roast beef with all the trimmings, including Yorkshire pudding.”