Quicksilver - Amanda Quick [96]
“Another dead end,” Owen said. “I think we must assume that the companion, whoever she is, may be involved in this affair. Either that or she is dead.”
“Perhaps she saw too much and concluded that she needed to go into hiding,” Virginia suggested.
“That is a third possibility,” Owen said. “But regardless of where she is now, some agency must have sent her into that household.”
“I’ll make inquiries at some of the less exclusive agencies today,” Charlotte said.
“Thank you, Miss Tate.” Owen started to pace the room, trying to think of other possible angles that needed to be explored. The unpleasant energy stirring the hair on the nape of his neck told him that time was running out. The killer was becoming dangerously impatient. “We need to move more quickly in this affair. We know that the bastard is linked to the Institute and to Hollister. We have to find the connection.”
Virginia cleared her throat. “Mrs. Crofton has offered to assist us with the investigation.”
Owen glanced at Mrs. Crofton, who regarded him with an expectant, oddly hopeful air. It dawned on him that she not only seemed more cheerful and energized this morning, she appeared younger in some way.
“How do you propose to help, Mrs. Crofton?”
“I might be able to locate the housekeeper, sir.”
“What housekeeper?” Owen said. Then comprehension struck. “The one in the Hollister mansion. Of course. Excellent notion. But if we cannot find the companion, how do you propose to locate the housekeeper?”
Mrs. Crofton beamed. “I have connections in that world, sir. If she is out there, I can find her.”
Owen hesitated. “It is very kind of you to offer to assist us in this investigation, but are you certain you want to do this? There may be some risk involved.”
“As I explained to Miss Dean, I am not unfamiliar with risk, sir,” she said. “Now, if there’s nothing more, I’ll be on my way.”
“Where are you going?” Virginia asked.
“I believe I will start by speaking with a friend of mine who has a sister who is currently employed in the Overton household,” Mrs. Crofton said. “The Overtons know everyone in the more exclusive circles, and therefore know all the gossip.”
Virginia’s eyes lit with understanding. “Therefore it follows that their staff will be equally well connected to those who are in service to exclusive employers. Brilliant, Mrs. Crofton.”
“Thank you, ma’am.” She hurried toward the door. “I shall get my bonnet and coat and be off.”
Owen put up a hand to stop her briefly. “You will be careful, Mrs. Crofton.”
“Yes, sir.”
The sparkle of excitement in her eyes worried him, but he waved her on out the door and turned to Tony. “Matt will be Miss Dean’s bodyguard today. I want you to go into the Hollister mansion and tear the place apart. Miss Dean and I did not have time to do a thorough search on our last visit to that house. Look for anything that might tell us how Hollister might have been linked to the Institute.”
“I’m off,” Tony said. He headed for the door.
“Whatever you do, don’t get yourself arrested for breaking and entering,” Owen called after him. “We have enough trouble on our hands at the moment.”
“I’ll be careful,” Tony said. He went through the door.
“And make sure you keep an eye out for automatons,” Owen called after him.
Nick pushed himself away from the wall he had been propping up and smiled at Charlotte. “You and I might as well get started on our projects. We both have a busy day ahead.”
“Indeed.” Charlotte got to her feet.
They both went out the door. For a time there was a great deal of noise and bustle in the front hall. The door opened and closed. The house was quiet again.
Owen looked at Virginia. “You and your female acquaintances appear to have a taste for adventure,” he observed.
“Yes, well, none of us is getting any younger,” she said. “I suppose it comes down to a choice between a dash of danger and adventure or an appointment with Dr. Spinner.”
“About this Dr. Spinner.”
“Never mind. What is our plan of