The Mysterious Lady Law Read Online Free PDF Page A

acute hearing , Julia decided, as she had to hold her breath to discern the faint creaking steps—perhaps two flights below…or three. No, a few moments later there appeared a decorative royal boater with a black feather plume. Next, the woman’s slender shoulders appeared, elegantly clad in a beige leather jacket that lay open at the front and barely reached the lady’s waist. She wore a smart Parisian lace blouse, a full-length black skirt with scarlet trim and pointy brown leather boots with stout high heels. It was a unique and stylish ensemble that screamed ‘more privileged than you’.
    “Mr. Grant, is it? How nice to see you again.”
    “Lady Law?”
    “I did not know you had joined the force, sir.”
    Awestruck, Julia curtsied before Grant had a chance to introduce her. And just like that, the most famous woman in Europe was standing before her, giving her —Julia Bairstow—a nod. No more than five foot two, Lady Law, even at first glance, was a mass of contradictions. Her sweet porcelain face would have melted butter, but her eyes—Lord, those big, hazel eyes—held a pinpoint intensity, as though her vision found no obstacle, physical or otherwise. Her dress and slim, stunning figure were aggressively sexual, her strict comportment radiated a potent, charismatic aura yet her voice was rather soft and silly. She reminded Julia of a strict schoolmarm turned adventurer, trapped in the body of a teenaged princess, trying to convince the world she meant business.
    No one could deny she had succeeded at the latter.
    “Miss Bairstow, is it? You have your sister’s complexion…” Lady Law commented as she stepped to one side, “…and an equally elegant profile.”
    “Ma’am.” Not knowing how to respond, Julia flushed red but managed to maintain eye contact.
    “Harriet Law. How do you do?”
    “How do you do?” Julia’s elocution rose to the occasion. “I did not know you were acquainted with Georgina.”
    “She cleant my house on Challenger Row twice a week. A lively and most agreeable girl. I would like to offer my condolences.”
    “Thank you, ma’am. She never mentioned—”
    “And to extend my services, free of charge, in seeing this investigation through to its conclusion. Georgina performed an admirable service one morning in September, at my neighbour’s house, when young Phyllis Redding gave birth prematurely. I was sadly of little help, for all my scientific qualities, but your sister proved quite the wonderful midwife. The doctor said she spared Phyllis a great discomfort.”
    Julia swallowed hard, recalling her sister’s flippant account of the incident. “A girl next door had a baby today. Sweetest thing you ever saw. A mite small but cute as a button. Do you suppose either of us will ever have one, Jules?”
    Lady Law’s unblinking stare switched to Grant, then back to Julia. She went on, “I feel obliged to extend to her that same dedication. Too many good people die each year with no one to speak for them.” It sounded rote, like a quotation from her book.
    “If Georgina’s murderer is to be brought to justice, I submit that neither Scotland Yard nor the London Constabulary is equipped to achieve it. My sources tell me their investigation has already met a dead end. No offence to you, Mr. Grant.”
    Her insignificant nod toward him reeked of petty disdain. “As you may know, Miss Bairstow, my investigative record of over six hundred and fifty cases stands at one hundred percent. I have never failed to identify the guilty party or parties in any instance and my reports have led to the arrest and incarceration of hundreds of dangerous criminals throughout the country. Time is my only handicap. Yet I am willing to set aside all pending cases to see that Georgina’s killer does not escape justice.” She paused. “Do I have your permission to proceed, Miss Bairstow?”
    A part of Julia wanted to say no just to see what Lady Law would do, but how could anyone refuse a