The Diamond Thief Read Online Free PDF

He stepped closer to Thaddeus, leaning in as he muttered something in the younger policeman’s ear. There was a flurry of activity between them as the Chief Inspector quickly pushed something into Thaddeus’ hand. It would have been hidden from sight to anyone closer, but from her vantage point directly above, Rémy caught sight of a sliver of gleaming jewel through the policeman’s fingers. The diamond! Rémy watched as Rec slid it into the inside pocket of his coat, glancing around to make sure no one had seen. He nodded briefly at the Chief Inspector, who stepped back and turned to the crowd.
    “Now, now, ladies and gentlemen, please let Lord Abernathy have some air.”
    Rémy sat back on her heels, relieved. The diamond was safe – she would have another chance to steal it. There was no point staying in the Tower now, though. Better to slip out while the chaos was still at its height – no one would take any notice of one person leaving. They were all too busy tending to Lord Abernathy, or chattering about his fall and the fright it had given them.
    Unseen, Rémy slipped back down the servants’ stairs and out into the corridor. Everyone was still inside the Long Hall, their excited babble echoing eerily through the stone passageways of the great Tower.
    She was heading for the steps that led to the exit when a voice rose above the confusion in the exhibition room.
    “Rémy,” it called. “Rémy Brunel?”
    Rémy stopped, her heart somersaulting in her chest. She paused, wondering what to do. Her instinct told her to run, but Gustave’s lessons held her still. Running makes you look guilty, he used to say. Walk, don’t run. No one looks twice at someone walking.
    She forced herself to stay calm and move on at a steady pace, despite the fear that prickled along her spine.
    “Rémy Brunel?” the voice called again. “Is there one called Rémy Brunel among us? Lord Abernathy asks for you.”
    Rémy stopped again, cursing under her breath. The old man! She should have known. But… if she didn’t come to his aid when called, wouldn’t they start looking for her, wondering where she was and why she hadn’t stepped forward to help?
    Taking a deep breath, Rémy turned back towards the Long Hall. Part of her wanted to help the old man, anyway. He’d been kind to her earlier, and he was alone. She could at least help him to his carriage – and on his arm, no one would think to question her as she left.
    Squaring her shoulders, Rémy raised her chin. She headed into the crowded gallery and began to make her way through the throng of people. “I am Rémy Brunel,” she said. “Did you ask for me?”
    The crowd parted, murmuring her name as they ushered her to the front. The doctor was still kneeling beside Lord Abernathy, though Rémy could see that the old man’s eyes were now open. He looked pale and ashen, his eyes watery. The doctor looked up and then motioned her forward.
    “Lord Abernathy wishes for your help, miss. He says he needs no one else.”
    “Of course,” she said. “I am happy to help. But should Lord Abernathy be moved so soon? Surely he should rest a while?”
    “I’m fine,” rasped the old man, struggling to sit up. “Just a little embarrassed and sore. All I need is an arm to guide me to my carriage, if you would, my dear.”
    Rémy nodded and knelt beside the doctor. “Can you stand, sir?” she asked.
    “Hmph. I may need a little help in that department. That’s more manhandling than a young maiden like yourself should have to deal with. Doctor?”
    “Of course, of course.” The doctor lifted one of Lord Abernathy’s arms around his shoulders.
    Rémy risked a quick glance at the circle of people around them. Her eyes fell on Thaddeus Rec, standing a short distance away. He looked preoccupied. His brow was creased in a frown above his double-coloured eyes, his attention elsewhere – probably on the valuable burden within his pocket. An idea flew into Rémy’s brain. Another