The Clockwork Wolf Read Online Free PDF

they’d go after the person closest to him.
    â€œThe editor was right.” I refolded the paper and handed it back to her. “You must leave town, tonight.”
    â€œI cannot go. I must have the truth.” She straightened her shoulders. “My husband was a good man, compelled by unnatural means to commit these terrible crimes. Whatever magic was used also killed him.”
    Since he’d been married to her I was inclined to believe it; she was president of the Rumsen Ladies Decency Society. “Do you have any proof of that?”
    â€œAt present, no.” Her lips thinned. “Lord Dredmore led me to believe that you have some expertise in these matters. He persuaded me to confide in you and engage you to investigate the matter. I must have the evidence necessary to prove my husband’s innocence and restore his good name, which you would acquire.”
    â€œAnd by doing so, save your reputation from ruin,” I guessed.
    She folded her arms under her bosom. “Be assured, Kittredge, that I shall not be the only soul made to suffer.”
    What she meant was that everyone employed by, connected to, or acquainted with the Bestlys would be tainted by association. She hadn’t wanted Dredmore to hear about this probably because she believed he wouldimmediately sever his own connection with her. “Aye, but as his wife you’ll suffer the worst. No decent person will ever again acknowledge your existence.” I permitted myself a tiny smirk. “Such an ironic turn of events, wouldn’t you say, milady?”
    â€œI knew you would revel in your petty triumph over me. How tiresome to be proven so exactly correct. This interview is finished.” Lady Bestly’s hand trembled as she shoved the paper back into her reticule. “Good day to you.”
    I waited until she’d almost reached the panel. “I charge ten shillings a week plus reasonable expenses. I’ll need that article to read again before I call on you tomorrow. I require unrestricted access to all of his lordship’s rooms and possessions, which I will be searching from top to bottom, as well as a list of his friends and associates, each of whom I will personally interview. I will also have to question your household staff as soon as possible.” When she said nothing, I added, “Does any of that present a problem for you?”
    Lady Bestly turned round, and for a moment something shimmered in her steely eyes. “I reduced you to a beggar, and now you would help me? I cannot put faith in that.”
    â€œYou’re very fond of making assumptions about me based on nothing but your own narrow-mindedness.” I smiled. “I did sleep in the park, and had my meals from rubbish bins. I lived so for a month and a fortnight. But as cold and hungry and hopeless as my wretched situation was, I never begged. Never once.”
    â€œNeither shall I.” She handed me the newspaper.“Ten shillings per week, Kittredge, plus reasonable expenses.” She held out a gloved hand.
    As we shook on it, Dredmore appeared in the doorway. “Eugenia. You are recovered?”
    â€œI am, thank you, Lucien.” The lady removed a card from her reticule and offered it to me. “You may call on me in the morning, Kittredge. If you wish to avoid the mob, I suggest earlier rather than later.”
    â€œThere will be no mob tomorrow,” I told her. “Lord Dredmore will see to it.”
    Lady Bestly’s chin dropped. “Lucien can do nothing—”
    â€œOn the contrary.” I smiled at him. “He has formidable powers of persuasion, and he owes me a rather enormous favor. Don’t you, milord?”
    Dredmore’s mouth curled. “So it would seem.” To Lady Bestly, he said, “Whatever you need from me to solve this dilemma, Eugenia, it is yours.”
    A flicker of hope passed over her features before they turned to stone once more. “I