Page 40 of Speculations in Sin

“Told her.”

“I heard what you told her,” Daniel answered. “The idea that you were recruiting her help is a lie. If you wanted Millburn out of Newgate, you’d find your own way without involving Mrs. Holloway. So, what is it?”

“Things you need to know.” Jarrett’s arrogance had dimmed a notch, but it was still there. “Sam Millburn didn’t just happen to trot out of South London and become respectable. He left a shambles in his wake, things the peelers are still trying to fit him up for. That’s the sort of man what’s looking after your daughter.”

The mention of my daughter almost made me have a go at him again, but I restrained myself with effort. He wanted to get a rise out of me. Another tactic of a bully.

I recalled Inspector McGregor saying Sam had once had a long arrest sheet, but twenty years ago. “That was a long while back,” I said.

“True, but them magistrates are going to churn up the muck, and they’ll find the sorts of things Millburn once did. Had others do for him.” Jarrett sniffled and wiped his nose withone finger. “But with your assistance, and his wife’s, all that can go away.”

“You mean if she pays you.” Daniel’s tone became more steely. “You think Millburn took that money, don’t you? And gave it to his wife for safekeeping.” He leaned closer to Mr. Jarrett. “Even if he did, why should she give it toyou?”

“To keep him from being buried in the deepest hole the beaks can shovel him into, if they don’t hang him on the spot.”

“You can prevent this fate how?” Daniel asked.

My heart hammered, my mouth dry even thinking of such a thing happening to Sam. But I was wise enough to stand motionless and let Daniel question the man without interfering.

“Let’s just say we’ve got people in our pockets that can either make things bad for our Sammy, or good for him. Could go either way.”

“Unless Mrs. Millburn pays you a vast sum she doesn’t have, is that it?”

“She has it.” Jarrett nodded sagely. “Mark my words, old Sam has squirreled away that cash, has done so for years. Time for him to pay his dues.”

“He has not,” I said vehemently, unable to stop myself. “He shucked you and your mates a long time ago, and never looked back. Only a dishonorable man can’t recognize honor when he sees it.”

Daniel shifted a little to his left, which blocked me from Jarrett, and Jarrett from me, if the man decided to take a swing at me for my insult. Jarrett’s eyes narrowed, but he was prudent enough not to come at me.

“You didn’t know Millburn in the old days.” Jarrett clicked his tongue against his teeth. “What he wouldn’t get up to. I’ll leave ye be now that you have your tough to fight for you, but we’ll be back, you mark my words.”

The basket’s handle was scraping my hands raw, I held it so tightly. “It will do you no good to accost me again.”

Daniel’s words slid through mine. “If you come near Mrs. Holloway or Mrs. Millburn, I’ll make sure you regret it. For the rest of your life, I imagine.”

“That a fact?” Jarrett turned his sneer on Daniel. “You know who I am?”

“I do.” Daniel faced him comfortably. “You have a nice gang of toughs that terrorize South London, and now you’re trying your luck here. You’re out of your depth, Jarrett. Go home and stay there.”

Jarrett came off the railing, his jabbed pride giving him courage. “So, you do know who I am. I’m not prepared to take orders from a deliveryman who’s plied his trade in Mayfair so long he thinks he’s a toff.”

“Do you know a man called Bernard Compton? Of South London? Or of him—I believe he’s deceased now.”

“He is, and good riddance to bad rubbish.” Jarrett rubbed his lower lip as though preventing himself from spitting again. “What of him? We took over his patch once he was gone.”

“I know you did. Mr. Compton had the keeping of me from an early age. He taught me many things.” Daniel let that seep into Jarrett’s thoughts. “One more thing you should know.I got away from him.”

Jarrett’s eyes widened before he remembered to show no fear. But Daniel’s words impressed him.

“Yeah, well.” Jarrett straightened his jacket and then his hat, as though hoping the actions would give him time to find words. “Tell Millburn’s wife I’m sorry for her. But she can send for me if she wants. Her choice.”

Daniel only regarded him steadily. Jarrett finally turned way,jamming his hands into his pockets before he slouched off down the street. He never said a word to me.

I didn’t relax my grip on the basket until Jarrett had disappeared into the shadows beyond South Audley Street in the direction of Hyde Park. If any constables on Park Lane saw him, the man would have to scarper. The police there didn’t like any insalubrious characters near the homes of the wealthiest in London. They’d chase Jarrett away if they didn’t arrest him outright.

Daniel’s warm hand landed on my arm, and he relieved me of the heavy basket. “I am sorry I didn’t reach you sooner. But I didn’t think someone like Jarrett would approach you, here in Mayfair.”

“He is arrogant.” My voice shook, I pretended with cold. The night was frigid. “Has been unchallenged too long.”

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