[Berkeley Brigade 10] - Shadow of Murder Read Online Free PDF Page A

hedges that made invasion by that means unlikely.
    “You’ll need two men during the day, and four at night,” he said when he had finished. “One outside and one inside during the day — both armed — and double it at night. Pity we can’t use dogs, but there’s no time to train them. You couldn’t have them in the house and they’d create a racket outside. I wouldn’t keep the jewelry here at all. Put it in your safe, or wherever you keep your own jewels.”
    “That’s an excellent idea. I’ll move the jewelry right away. What do you consider the weakest points? Where someone could get in, I mean?”
    “They’re like mice, they can squeak through any crack — check the doors and windows every night and morning, including the cellar. They’ll come at night, of course, and not early either. Just before dawn is when your professional ken smashers go to work. The guards are sleepy by then. They figure the danger has passed and relax. Now as to the back yard, you’ll not want to cut down them pretty shrubs, I daresay.”
    “No, Luten’s mama planted those roses,” Corinne said.
    “At the very least you’ll want some sort of barrier to prevent that gate to the street from being opened. It opens inwards, so all you’ll need is something heavy enough that it can’t be pushed open from outside. The hedges offer fair protection from coming in by the neighbours’ yards.”
    They all looked worried at the sound of footsteps coming down the hallway, as if a thief might even then be approaching. It was Luten who stepped in. He stopped and stared to see the three of them in conclave, all looking extremely worried.
    “What the devil’s going on?” he demanded in alarm, fearing some catastrophe had befallen the auction goods. His major concern for them was his wife’s involvement.
    Corinne had not been born to wealth and privilege. She had been catapulted to it when his cousin, old Lord deCoventry, three times her age, had seen her riding on her father’s estate in Ireland, fallen in love with her, and bought her for five thousand pounds. He had married her, given her a quick coat of town bronze and presented her to society, where she soon gained a following.
    Now as Lady Luten, her prestige had risen to new heights. She had been thrilled when she was selected for the committee of the prestigious Friends of the Orphans Ball. In social importance, the position was second only to being a hostess of Almack’s. Almack’s was a social club that provided balls and entertainment to the very tip of the ton. A ticket to Almack’s was an announcement that one had arrived. But it did nothing to help those in need. She preferred to donate her time and energy to a charitable cause.
    “Do come in and help us, Luten,” she said, and explained why she had summoned Black. Luten nodded his approval. He knew from past experience that Black’s advice would be good.
    “I should never have allowed Prance to bring his motley crew into the house at this time,” he said.
    “And I should never have let Miss Lipman help me,” Corinne added.
    “Are you not happy with her?”
    “I’d like to wring her neck.” Luten blinked at this plain speaking from his wife. She sounded like the hoyden she had been when he first met her. “She announced to Prance’s actors that we have the auction goods stored here when I especially told her not to tell anyone.”
    “Where is she now?” he asked.
    “She’s gone back to her flat to get some more clothes. She’s dining out with friends.”
    “Does she have a house key?” Black asked.
    “No, she said she would be home early.”
    “Don’t give her one. It’ll be one less to worry about. Any key lying about the house where someone might get at it?”
    “Corinne and I have one,” Luten said. “Evans has the other. I’ll speak to him, see that he keeps it on him. Cook has the only key to the back door. I’ll see she keeps it safe.” Black nodded. “Well, Black, what do you