Vow of Deception (The Ministry of Curiosities #9)(37)

And now that freedom might vanish again.

I looked to Lincoln, but he did not look at me. His gaze bored into the politician's. "I am protecting someone," he said. "Myself. I'm a seer." He spread out his hands. "I cannot predict the future, but I can sense lies on some people, and the presence of others."

I drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly.

Mr. Yallop and the inspector both stared at Lincoln. Finally, Inspector Fullbright spoke. "Why attempt to keep that a secret from us?"

"Because I suspect Mr. Yallop doesn't believe that I can't predict the future since that is, after all, the public's perception of a seer. He'll want me to work for him in some capacity, perhaps to predict elections or the way people will vote. I hoped to spare myself his attention. I have no political leanings and no intention of assisting him, even if I could."

His temper was fraying again, his tone growing more and more abrupt. He needed to maintain calmness or risk angering Mr. Yallop and Inspector Fullbright.

The detective flipped his notebook closed. "Tell me or not. It doesn't matter. My men will find your files."

Indeed they would, and the copies we were in the process of making. At least we still had Lincoln's formidable memory to reproduce them. He could probably recall most supernaturals listed in our records, but not all. But the police would still be in possession of the information, and use that to persecute some good people. I heard footsteps overhead, going through the bedrooms, and a woman's voice, but not her words.

Thank goodness I wore the amber orb necklace at all times. Not that the police would know a creature lived inside, but I felt better having it on me where they wouldn't search. I resisted the urge to touch it now and feel its reassuring shape.

Inspector Fullbright continued with more questions, asking about particular traits each type of supernatural showed. He also asked about crimes committed by or against supernaturals where Lincoln had solved them, and Lincoln gave what information he could without giving away the particulars. The detective seemed impressed with his honesty. I hoped it was enough.

From Mr. Yallop's scowl, I suspected not.

Finally the constables returned. They carried no filing cabinet drawers or pieces of paper. "We found nothing, sir," said one. "We checked top to bottom."

I didn't move. Didn't dare, lest I give something away. How could they have found nothing? Did they miss the attic altogether?

"As I already told you, there are no records," Lincoln said. "Now, my friends and staff have been inconvenienced enough. Kindly leave."

Inspector Fullbright stood, but Mr. Yallop huffed out a breath and shook his head. "Inept," the politician muttered.

"My men are thorough," Inspector Fullbright told him. "If they found no files then there are no files."

"There must be! My informant tells me that meticulous records are kept. Damn it, man, send them around again. We must find them or we have nothing to show for our efforts."

"Not today," the inspector said, striding to the door. "I have other lines of inquiry to follow anyway." He held Lincoln's gaze. "This investigation is not over. I intend to find out who committed those murders."

"As do I," Lincoln said. "We can work together, Inspector."

The detective merely grunted and left, his men trailing behind him.

Mr. Yallop came up to Lincoln and stood toe to toe with him. He was shorter but wider, his flushed face a red beacon. "I don't trust you, Fitzroy. You're hiding those files, I know it."

"Perhaps your source knows where they are," Lincoln said.

Mr. Yallop's jaw worked then he stormed off. "I will find evidence that you've been keeping information from us and when I do, you'll be arrested for conspiracy to murder."

"Murder!" I blurted out.

Mr. Yallop did not stop and Lincoln held me back from chasing after him.

I searched Lincoln's face. "Could he really do that?"

"Unlikely."

Unlikely still contained the word likely in it.

"What an arse," Gus said. "I hope his coach overturns and squashes him."

"Yallop's an eel," Seth said. "But he's dangerous. Select committees have a lot of power. If he recommends we be shut down then we'll be shut down."

"We'll go underground if that happens," I said.

"If he wants to arrest someone, then he'll be arrested," Seth added with a speaking glance at Lincoln.

"This is absurd." I threw my hands in the air. "We are on their side. We want to find the killer too."

"Someone wants the ministry abolished," Lincoln said, heading for the door. "And they are using the most powerful means at their disposal to do it."

"Their influence," I said heavily. "He must have a lot of it to have a select committee formed so quickly. I don't think the public's fear is the entire reason."

"Swinburn," Gus and Seth said together.

I nodded. It had to be. Lincoln stopped in the doorway then stood aside for Lady Vickers and Alice to hurry in. They both sported grins.

"They're gone," Alice announced, shutting the door.

"We did it!" Lady Vickers grasped Alice's hands in her own and shook them. "Well done, Alice, you brave thing. Well done."