Page 38 of Solving Sophronia

“Come sit here by me, love!” a red-faced man called from a far table. He raised his glass and winked at Sophie.

His friends laughed.

Sophie darted a look at the door, measuring the distance toward the exit. “Detective, I really don’t think—”

“Trust me,” Detective Graham said, looking perfectly comfortable in the seedy pub.

A serving woman with her hair tied up in a scarf approached their table. She raised a brow when she saw Sophie, her gaze traveling over her gown. “What’ll you have?”

The detective ordered their drinks.

The server returned a moment later, placing two smudged-looking glasses filled with amber-colored liquid on the table. She stared at Sophie’s gown again, making Sophie wish she’d brought a shawl. “Anything else?”

He pulled aside his coat, showing his badge. “Might I have a moment of your time?”

She scowled, putting a hand on her hip. “Shoulda known you was a copper.”

The detective sat back, spreading his hands wide. “Was it my dashing good looks?”

She rolled her eyes as if his suggestion was absurd, but her mouth pulled just a bit. Apparently she wasn’t completely immune to his charm. “You look too nosy-like. Most folks come in here and keep their heads down. Coppers are always asking questions.”

He grinned. “You must know what I’m planning to ask, then.”

“Whether I seen anything strange two nights ago when that woman was killed.” She lifted her chin in the direction of the alleyway.

“Did you?”

“Too busy working. Not a lot o’ time to be gawking out the window, same as I told the coppers before.”

He nodded. “Did anyone... strange come into the pub Monday evening?”

“Stranger than your fancy lady?” She jerked her head toward Sophie.

Sophie pulled back, not sure if the woman had just insulted her or not.

“Just the constables.” The server shrugged and turned to leave.

Detective Graham chuckled and took a drink.

Sophie didn’t touch the dirty glass.

The pub door opened, and Freddy Payne came inside. He looked around until he spotted them, then made his way toward their table.

“This is hardly the place for a child,” she whispered.

“He’s right on time,” Detective Graham muttered back.

“You expected him?” Sophie asked.

“The lad knows something,” Detective Graham said. “Flashed him a coin when his mum wasn’t looking.”

“But how could you have possibly known he’d come?” she asked.

“I suppose I recognize the sort of lad he is. Reminds me of myself at his age.” He pushed out a chair with his foot, inviting the boy to sit. “Hello there, Freddy.”

“Evening, sir. Ma’am.” The boy pulled off his cap. He hunched down in his seat, glancing at the door as if worried he’d be seen. “I saw something Monday night.” He spoke in a quiet voice, and Sophie had to lean forward to hear.

“What did you see, Freddy?” Detective Graham had lowered his voice as well.

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