“The artifact is an alchemical object, but it is, nonetheless, a mirror,” Virginia said. “We have all agreed that it is too much to believe it turned up in the footpad’s hands by pure coincidence.”
“He told me that it had been given to him by his client, a Mr. Newton,” Owen said.
“Who evidently has concluded that you are standing in the way of his plans,” Charlotte observed.
“Which include Virginia,” Owen said.
“It also means that Mr. Newton, whoever he is, knows or suspects that you are a good deal more than simply a researcher of the paranormal who specializes in exposing fraudulent mediums,” Virginia said. “Otherwise he would not have given a hired killer from the streets such a valuable artifact to use against you.”
Owen looked at Nick. “After breakfast you will see what you can find out about the hunter who attacked me last night. With his talent he will no doubt have had a reputation on the streets.”
“Right.”
Owen turned to Charlotte. “Any luck finding the missing paid companion?”
Charlotte frowned. “No, and it is rather odd. There are not that many agencies that supply paid companions to wealthy households. I made inquiries yesterday at all of the more exclusive agencies. None of them had any record of providing a companion for Lady Hollister.”
“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 action for the day?”
He reminded himself that the mystery of Dr. Spinner and his therapy for female hysteria was not the most pressing issue at the moment.
“I think it would be useful if you were seen going about your customary routine at the Institute this afternoon,” he said. “We need more information from that quarter.”
“You want me to try to discover some gossip concerning this affair?” she asked.
“Yes. Someone at the Institute must know something. You are the only one in a position to make inquiries.”
“No offense, sir, but if you are seen hovering in my vicinity, I doubt very much that anyone will risk engaging in any sort of useful conversation with me.”
“I’m aware of that,” he said. “Which is why Matt will accompany you today.”
Virginia glanced at Matt. “How do I explain his presence?”
“I’m sure you’ll think of something,” Owen said.
She turned back to him. “What will you do while Matt and I are at the Institute?”
“I am going to pursue some very boring research into Hollister’s financial affairs. Now that both Lord and Lady Hollister are conveniently dead, someone has just inherited a fortune. I would like to know the name of the happy heir.”
“You think that money might have been a motive in Hollister’s death?”
“Money is always a strong motive.”
“But I thought we concluded that there is some mad scientist running around in this affair,” Matt said.
“In my experience, scientists, mad or otherwise, are always in need of money.”
Virginia raised her brows. “That is a very good observation.”
“Thank you. I try to do that every once in a while in the course of an investigation. There is another angle I want to explore as well. Now, then, before I leave, I have a small gift for you.”
Virginia’s eyes lit up with pleasure. “Really, sir, you shouldn’t have.”
He reached into his pocket, took out the lock pick and presented it to her. “My uncle designed it. Very simple to use. Works on most standard locks.”
Matt got a pained expression. “Uncle Owen, that is not the sort of gift one gives to a lady.”
Virginia blinked in surprise, but she recovered immediately and took the pick from Owen. She examined it with evident delight. “How thoughtful. I’ve been wanting one of my very own.”
She was pleased, Owen decided. Satisfied that his first gift to her had been a success, he gave Matt a triumphant smile.
Matt rolled his eyes.
Owen headed for the door. “Matt, here, can teach you how to use it this morning before you go off to the Institute this afternoon.”