Read Online Blood Tribute (The Lucas Gedge Thrillers Book 1) by Andy Emery - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Andy Emery
Ads: Link
people Claude associates with are distrusted, even feared, by the authorities. He always seems to be teetering on the edge of a dangerous abyss.’
‘But what specifically has made you worried now?’
‘We’ve just learned that Harry Frowde, the Lloyd’s Weekly reporter, has gone missing. He hasn’t turned up at his office for two days and the police found his rooms ransacked.’
‘That’s the man who was looking into the disappearances for your father.’
‘Yes. He was very willing to do so, with the allure of a possible major story at the end of it. I think he was beginning to get big ideas about what it would do for his career.’
‘And now you’re worried that his disappearance is related to the abductions?’
‘Yes, and I’m worried that they know about Claude. They’re bound to have taken any notes and research material he kept at his rooms. Taken together with what those boys did, I’m a little concerned.’
Gedge thought for a few moments. ‘Perhaps he should take heed of the warning.’
‘Give up, you mean?’
‘It’s not up to Claude to bring these people to justice, is it? If the police can’t be bothered, why should a seventy-year-old man do so?’
‘He happens to believe that justice isn’t just the preserve of the police and the courts. It goes deeper than that. His whole ethos is that people can change things when the authorities can’t or won’t. He hoped you’d have the same view, but obviously not.’
‘I’m sorry, Polly. I’m not questioning his motives, and I don’t want to upset you, but how is Claude going to actually tackle this gang? Yes, I know he has contacts all over, but I don’t see what a handful of people can do to stop what’s going on.’
‘We can at least try. We’d need a plan, of course. First, find them, then—’
Gedge held up his hand. ‘Polly, stop. If Claude really is in danger, I’m only too willing to help protect him, and you, come to that. But I’m not getting involved in any vigilante stuff. My mind’s made up. And, since my martial skills seem to be what attracted him to me, I don’t suppose he’ll see much use for me in his organisation.’
After that, Polly went quiet, and Gedge decided it was time to leave. As he walked slowly back to the inn, he cursed himself. Despite his new-found desire to avoid violence, he had wanted to help Rondeau in some way. But tonight, his words didn’t seem to come out quite right. He seemed to cause offence. Or was it that she saw offence where there was none? He decided he would give White Lion Street a wide berth, for a few days at least.
13
T wo nights later , Hannah and Sean emerged from the warmth and the noise and the raucous behaviour inside the Palace of Varieties in Bethnal Green, into the chill of the street. There were gaps in the clouds, and the clear sky was making the night colder. Other couples and groups scurried past them, pulling their coats and hats tightly about them, many still merry from the evening’s entertainment. Several hansom cabs were lined up, ready to take the more well-off punters home. Hannah knew she had drunk too much. She had that vague feeling of being slightly disconnected from her surroundings. Sean had his arm linked with hers, and she was grateful of the support.
Looking up, she saw a man leaning against one of the pillars at the entrance to the venue. He seemed to be staring directly at Sean and her.
‘Who is that man, Sean?’
‘What man?’
‘Over there.’ She pointed, but the man had disappeared. ‘That’s strange. Oh, never mind. Did you enjoy the show? I certainly did. Especially that comedian.’
‘Laughing Larry? I was bit worried his jokes went a bit far, but as long as you liked it.’
‘No, he was fine. And the troupe of Malay dancers. Really made you feel you were out in the Far East.’
‘Well, up to a point, although I read somewhere that they’re often just blacked-up locals. More Brick Lane than exotic Penang. Sorry if
‘But what specifically has made you worried now?’
‘We’ve just learned that Harry Frowde, the Lloyd’s Weekly reporter, has gone missing. He hasn’t turned up at his office for two days and the police found his rooms ransacked.’
‘That’s the man who was looking into the disappearances for your father.’
‘Yes. He was very willing to do so, with the allure of a possible major story at the end of it. I think he was beginning to get big ideas about what it would do for his career.’
‘And now you’re worried that his disappearance is related to the abductions?’
‘Yes, and I’m worried that they know about Claude. They’re bound to have taken any notes and research material he kept at his rooms. Taken together with what those boys did, I’m a little concerned.’
Gedge thought for a few moments. ‘Perhaps he should take heed of the warning.’
‘Give up, you mean?’
‘It’s not up to Claude to bring these people to justice, is it? If the police can’t be bothered, why should a seventy-year-old man do so?’
‘He happens to believe that justice isn’t just the preserve of the police and the courts. It goes deeper than that. His whole ethos is that people can change things when the authorities can’t or won’t. He hoped you’d have the same view, but obviously not.’
‘I’m sorry, Polly. I’m not questioning his motives, and I don’t want to upset you, but how is Claude going to actually tackle this gang? Yes, I know he has contacts all over, but I don’t see what a handful of people can do to stop what’s going on.’
‘We can at least try. We’d need a plan, of course. First, find them, then—’
Gedge held up his hand. ‘Polly, stop. If Claude really is in danger, I’m only too willing to help protect him, and you, come to that. But I’m not getting involved in any vigilante stuff. My mind’s made up. And, since my martial skills seem to be what attracted him to me, I don’t suppose he’ll see much use for me in his organisation.’
After that, Polly went quiet, and Gedge decided it was time to leave. As he walked slowly back to the inn, he cursed himself. Despite his new-found desire to avoid violence, he had wanted to help Rondeau in some way. But tonight, his words didn’t seem to come out quite right. He seemed to cause offence. Or was it that she saw offence where there was none? He decided he would give White Lion Street a wide berth, for a few days at least.
13
T wo nights later , Hannah and Sean emerged from the warmth and the noise and the raucous behaviour inside the Palace of Varieties in Bethnal Green, into the chill of the street. There were gaps in the clouds, and the clear sky was making the night colder. Other couples and groups scurried past them, pulling their coats and hats tightly about them, many still merry from the evening’s entertainment. Several hansom cabs were lined up, ready to take the more well-off punters home. Hannah knew she had drunk too much. She had that vague feeling of being slightly disconnected from her surroundings. Sean had his arm linked with hers, and she was grateful of the support.
Looking up, she saw a man leaning against one of the pillars at the entrance to the venue. He seemed to be staring directly at Sean and her.
‘Who is that man, Sean?’
‘What man?’
‘Over there.’ She pointed, but the man had disappeared. ‘That’s strange. Oh, never mind. Did you enjoy the show? I certainly did. Especially that comedian.’
‘Laughing Larry? I was bit worried his jokes went a bit far, but as long as you liked it.’
‘No, he was fine. And the troupe of Malay dancers. Really made you feel you were out in the Far East.’
‘Well, up to a point, although I read somewhere that they’re often just blacked-up locals. More Brick Lane than exotic Penang. Sorry if
Similar Books
