Read Online Ten Days in August by Kate McMurray - Free Book Online

for you, if that is what you think of my purpose. I don’t intend to call in a raiding party or cost anyone their jobs. I merely want to get to the bottom of this crime.”
    â€œYes. Of course.”
    â€œDo you trust me?” Hank asked.
    â€œNot really. Do I have a choice?”
    â€œNo.”
    Nicky rocked a bit in his seat. “Ask your questions then.”
    Hank looked at his notepad and gathered his thoughts. The spare room they were sitting in, Nicky’s inherent beauty, the blasted heat, all of it was distracting.
    â€œThis man you saw with Edward. Had you seen him before?”
    â€œNot that I recall, no. And he was remarkable to me because he seemed so well appointed. Most of the upper-class gents who come slumming in this neighborhood do so at the nicer clubs.”
    â€œHow could you tell his clothes were expensive?”
    Nicky leveled his gaze at Hank. He crossed his legs in a womanly way and rested his hands on his raised knee. “I know the difference between quality fabric and the cheap, ill-fitting trousers you wear. I have to have all my gowns custom made at considerable expense.”
    A valid point. “Have there been any other wealthy men here recently?”
    â€œNone that stood out to me like he did.”
    â€œHave there been any other violent acts committed here?”
    Nicky leaned back a little, but clearly the boning in his corset kept him from sitting comfortably. He sighed and said, “The better question is whether we ever have a night when there is not a violent act committed.”
    â€œAs I feared,” said Hank.
    â€œYou think Edward’s death may be tied to another, you said?”
    â€œThat boy who was killed in front of Paresis Hall a few weeks ago.”
    Nicky let out a quiet gasp. “The one the police ignored.”
    â€œThe one ignored by an officer who has since been transferred to watch after goats in Harlem. It is no longer being ignored.”
    â€œAh,” said Nicky. “The gallant Inspector Brandt is on the case, eh?”
    Hank chose to ignore the sarcasm. “Is there anything else you can think of?”
    Nicky closed his eyes for a moment. “Well. Edward did mention a john of his who had gotten a little aggressive. But such is the way of men. Some of them hate us as much as they hate themselves.”
    Hank nodded. “So you found Edward mentioning this man unremarkable.”
    Nicky shrugged. “Once, maybe five years ago, I gave comfort to a man who afterward beat me so senseless I had to keep to my bed for nearly two weeks. Incidents like that are not rare.”
    â€œAnd of course you never reported it to the police because then you would get arrested.”
    â€œDo you have any idea what happens to a fairy when he is thrown in jail?”
    â€œI do, actually.” Hank rubbed his forehead. “I apologize if these questions seem inane. I had hoped you would be able to provide me with more insight. A direction to go in.”
    â€œI don’t think I can help you.”
    Hank disagreed. On more than one front. “I think you can. I think you know more than you’re telling me.”
    Â 
    Between the corset, the heat, and the man sitting before him, Nicky could barely breathe.
    â€œI’ve told you all I know. Edward disappeared with some man who may not even be your killer. I don’t know anything more than that.”
    â€œCould you identify this man if you saw him again?”
    â€œPerhaps. Are you plaguing me with these questions because you’re interested in me for more than just information?”
    That, at least, pulled a small smile from the police inspector. Hank then pursed his lips and echoed, “Perhaps.”
    â€œSo how true was Charlie’s introduction? You recognized me. You wanted to meet me.”
    â€œAll true.” Hank leaned back a little and ran a hand down his mustache, as if he were squeezing the excess moisture from it. His