Page 93 of A Dangerous Lord (Regency Spies & Secrets 3)

“I interviewed a member of your father’s household staff, and he informed me that you work at the Home Office.”

“That is mostly true, since the Alien Office is integrated within the Home Office.”

“This servant was led to believe that you held a menial job at the Home Office,” Stewart said, “a position wholly inadequate for the second son of the duke.”

“I am happy with my position in the Alien Office.”

Stewart leaned forward and lowered his voice. “You want to know what I believe?”

“What is that, Mr. Stewart?” he asked, feigning disinterest.

“I believe you are more than what you are letting on, and that makes you dangerous.”

Corbyn picked up his cup and took a sip. “To whom am I a danger?”

“I am not entirely sure, but I am watching you very closely.”

“I would expect nothing less from you,” Corbyn responded as he put the cup down, “but as I have told you before, I was asked by Lord Daniel to assist in the investigation about the forged banknotes.”

“Have you had a chance to speak to your informants yet?”

“I have not.”

“Neither have I.”

The door to the coffeehouse opened and Lord Oliver walked into the hall. He put his hand up in greeting when their eyes met.

A smile was on Oliver’s face as he approached the table. “What a pleasant surprise.” His smile dimmed when he saw Stewart. “What is he doing here?”

“Stewart and I are working a case together,” Corbyn said, keeping his voice low.

Oliver’s brow shot up. “You would work with this man after what he did to me?” he asked curtly. “If you recall, he set up a trap for me and my friends.”

Stewart shrugged. “I did nothing illegal.”

“My friends were harmless,” Oliver declared. “They never agreed with anything you were saying, and you turned them in for blood money.”

“They still attended a meeting with radical ties,” Stewart pressed.

Oliver scoffed. “They were hoping to participate in a debate about Whig politics.”

“In the rookeries?”

“I never said they were clever.”

Stewart smirked. “Clearly.”

“This man can’t be trusted, Corbyn,” Oliver said, turning away from the Runner.

“I disagree,” Corbyn replied. “He helped me thwart Jane’s abduction.”

Oliver reared back. “Someone attempted to abduct Jane?”

“They did,” Corbyn confirmed. “Right in the middle of Hyde Park.”

Oliver ran a hand over his chin. “When was this?”

“Two days ago.”

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