Vow of Deception (The Ministry of Curiosities #9)(53)

That was a good point. And yet I felt sure Swinburn was to blame for bringing the ministry to light, not only as Mr. Salter's source but also as Mr. Yallop's. I didn't believe him to be innocent.

"Your actions mean Gawler's body will be dissected," Seth said. "One of your own. Doesn't that concern you?"

"No," Swinburn said. "They'll discover nothing to help them eliminate us, if that's what you're thinking."

Lincoln held out his hand to me and I took it. He tucked it into the crook of his arm. "If you are responsible for the Old Nichol murders, Swinburn, I will turn your files over to Fullbright and Yallop. Is that understood?"

"And then what?" Swinburn asked. "He'll arrest me? Hardly."

"I agree. He won't arrest you." Lincoln smiled. "Because I will have already meted out the ministry's justice."



* * *



Seth sat with Gus on the driver's seat as we drove to Mayfair. Considering his foul mood, it was the best place for him. Hopefully the fresh air would blow away his temper. Lincoln spoke little and gave nothing away. As usual, he kept his thoughts to himself unless I prompted him to share.

We both agreed that Swinburn could have provided information to Salter and Yallop anonymously, yet neither of us could think why he'd jeopardize himself and his pack. If Lincoln handed over the archives, his name would be there for all to see.

"Unless he trusts me not to hand them over," Lincoln said.

"That's a lot of faith he's putting in your ability to keep them hidden."

One corner of his mouth flicked up. "You doubt me?"

"Never."

It was midday when we arrived at the Gillinghams' house. Lord Gillingham was out and Harriet invited us into her private sitting room, where she sat with a plate of boiled eggs on her lap. Dressed in a lavender and pink dressing gown with her fair hair cascading down her back, she looked young and fresh, a picture of health.

"Charlie, fetch me that cushion, please," she said. "My back aches." She sucked in a sharp breath as she leaned forward, allowing me to slot the cushion behind her.

"Are you all right?" I asked.

"The baby kicks constantly. He's so vigorous." She smiled and rubbed her belly. "I don't think I have long to go."

We'd decided that I would give her the news, but now that the time had come, I wasn't sure how to deliver it. I glanced at Lincoln and Seth, standing by the door, both of them still looking frustrated over our encounters with Swinburn and Mr. Yallop. Perhaps I was the best choice for delivering news today.

I pulled a chair closer and took her hand. "Harriet, I bring sad tidings. Mr. Gawler is dead."

She dropped the egg she'd been nibbling. It missed the plate and fell to the floor. "Oh," she said heavily. "How did it happen?"

"Swinburn shot him."

She gasped. "He shot him?"

"After you met with Gawler today, he went to confront Swinburn. According to Swinburn, they went to an alley where Gawler changed into his wolf form. He attacked Swinburn who then shot him."

"Did you see it?"

"No. We heard the gunshot but were too late."

"Have you spoken to Gawler's spirit?"

I shook my head. "There is no need at the moment. We have no reason to doubt Swinburn. He admits to shooting Gawler and it's easy to believe that Gawler was angry enough to attack. According to his neighbors, he was seething when he left his home."

She nodded slowly. "I showed him the newspaper article that mentioned him by name. He became angry."

I glanced at Lincoln. He urged me with a nod. But I couldn't bring myself to accuse her of encouraging Gawler. "Swinburn thinks you will now be pack leader because they respect you," I said instead. "He told us that since he didn't kill Gawler in a fair fight, he won't be accepted as their leader."

She nodded, not at all surprised by the news. "I am the logical choice, even though I haven't been with them long. None of them want the leadership, you see. They're all rather plodding in nature."

I blew out a breath and sucked in some courage. "Harriet, I must ask this of you. Did you stoke Gawler's anger?"

She picked up another egg. "He needed no stoking."

"Did you encourage him to confront Swinburn?"

She nibbled the egg.

"Harriet?"

"I planted the seed in his head, yes."

"And then went to Swinburn's house to warn him."

She glanced at Lincoln then nodded.

I sat back. "Why? How could you betray your own leader like that?"

"I didn't know Sir Ignatius would kill him!" She dropped the egg and rubbed her forehead. "I only warned him in an attempt to ingratiate myself into his good graces. I thought if I could show some loyalty to him and not Gawler, he'd believe me when I asked to join his pack. I did it for you, Charlie, and for the ministry. I need to become Swinburn's confidant to spy on him properly. He needs to trust me." She clutched my hands and her eyes filled with tears. "You must believe me, Charlie. I would never have encouraged Gawler to go if I thought it would be his final act." She drew in a shuddery breath. "Poor man. To think—Swinburn shot him. Why not simply fight him honorably? They could injure one another yet not have the fight end in death. We do it all the time to settle disputes. Why shoot to kill?"