Stalking Jack the Ripper (Stalking Jack the Ripper, #1)(47)
An unwelcome patron stepped before us, bending slightly at the waist, before settling his gaze on me.
“Hello again, Nathaniel.” Blackburn extended his hand to my brother. “We met during your father’s unfortunate… incident. I also had the distinct pleasure of meeting your sister a couple weeks prior.”
Superintendent Blackburn offered me a polite smile, then returned his attention to Nathaniel, who sat stock-still. “I’m afraid I must speak with her for a few moments on official police business.”
SIXTEEN
A DATE TO DIE
BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS,
THE OLYMPIA, LONDON
25 SEPTEMBER 1888
Nathaniel sized the man up with the kind of scrutiny that made even me relieved I wasn’t on the receiving end of his look.
It was clear Nathaniel didn’t appreciate the intrusion on a night meant to be lighthearted, especially from Scotland Yard, and he wasn’t shy in expressing those feelings. Even if the young man standing before us aided Father.
“I apologize, but it’s urgent.” Superintendent Blackburn swallowed hard, feeling the full force of a Wadsworth’s politely controlled wrath, but didn’t avert his gaze.
Brave or foolish man. I hadn’t quite made up my mind.
Perhaps bravery and foolhardiness were too closely related when it came to him. I narrowed my eyes. Now I knew why his name had sounded so familiar. “Exactly how many times did you save Father from the opium dens, only to send him back to us without any proper treatment, Superintendent?”
“Audrey Rose,” Nathaniel hissed, finally returning the firm shake, possibly a bit harder than necessary, as Blackburn subtly rubbed his hand afterward.
“It’s quite all right,” the superintendent said.
“My lovely sister’s a bit spirited. Your last meeting is a memory that’ll be burned into your mind for years to come, I’m sure.” Nathaniel’s tone implied teasing, but his eyes held no hint of humor. “Apologies, but were you calling on her regarding the awful murders in Whitechapel, then?” He shot me a worried glance. “No matter how strong her heart, I do not agree with bombarding her with this mess, time and again.”
“Afraid I can’t say much, as the case is still under investigation. But, yes. It has something to do with all that.” Blackburn pressed his lips into a firm line. He had a fine face for such a miserable human being. “I—I’m very sorry I was the one who took your uncle away. For what it’s worth, I think very highly of him.”
Nathaniel straightened his tie, but didn’t say another word. I feared he’d reach over and slap the officer with one of his discarded gloves should I show any more outward signs of being upset.
“Might I have a word with your sister now?” Blackburn held his hands up when I made to protest. “It’ll only be a minute. Contrary to what you both may believe, I don’t wish to disturb your evening.”
I couldn’t control the laughter from bubbling up my throat. “Oh, yes. Because you’re so concerned with disturbing people’s lives without due cause. How silly of me to forget. Arresting an innocent man and destroying his reputation is rather dull, now that you mention it. Why not ruin his niece’s evening as well?” I smiled sweetly. “Then you can add picking on innocent men and young women to your growing repertoire. Perhaps”—I tapped a finger against my lips in mock contemplation—“you should kick a child while you’re at it. Shall I help pick one out?”
A flash of pain crossed his face, rendering me almost sorry for having said it. Then I recalled he was responsible for holding Uncle in an asylum lovingly referred to as Bedlam—refusing him any visitors—and any trace of an apology fizzled away on my tongue. I lifted my chin, commanding myself to remain impassive.
From the corner of my eye, I watched Nathaniel fidget with his cuffs. He was getting more upset by the second, and that was something I did care about. His evening shouldn’t be ruined by this intruder. He looked at me, a silent question in his gaze, and I nodded. Might as well get this over with.
“After you, Sister.” Nathaniel stood, then motioned for me to do the same.
Gathering my skirts in my fists, I moved into the aisle, not waiting to see if Blackburn was following. Once we made it to the main room, Blackburn took my elbow, guiding Nathaniel and me into a smaller area sectioned off by elaborately painted wall screens, serving as the menagerie.
When we were no longer working our way through the crowd, I yanked myself free from his grasp, then crossed both arms over my chest. “I’m capable of walking from one room to the next on my own, Superintendent.”
His brows raised a fraction. I didn’t care if I was being petty. I didn’t care what he thought about me, and I certainly didn’t care he was fighting a smile that very instant. I scowled again, wishing on every last saint he’d be struck down for being so blastedly annoying. He coughed into his fist, then glanced at the oddities surrounding us, only succeeding in aggravating me more.
“Planning on getting to the point of your rude interruption soon? Or am I supposed to be swooning and batting my lashes at my uncle’s captor and my father’s enabler? If that’s the case, I’m afraid you’ll be waiting until your bones turn to dust.” I smiled. “Or, at the very least, until you perish and I’m tasked with dissecting your body to check for a heart.”