Page 55 of Inventing Vivian

The sergeant motioned with a lift of his chin. “In his office.”

“Sergeant, has a man been brought here today?” Sophie asked. “A Chinese man?”

Sergeant Abner nodded. “Booked him just an hour ago. Little bloke, long braid, wearing pajamas. Don’t get many of that type here. Limehouse is K Division’s jurisdiction.”

“Did he give his name?” Vivian asked.

He opened a large book and turned the page. “Here it is. Lee Shon Way.” He ran his finger beneath Mr. Li’s name as he fumbled with its pronunciation. “Off his rocker, that one. Claimed friendship with some marquess.”

“Lord Covington,” Vivian said. The cold pit returned to her belly.

“That’s the one, miss.” He raised his brows. “Get all types here, we do.”

“Thank you, Sergeant,” Sophie said. She led Vivian through the maze of desks to an office at the back of the station house. Inspector Graham stood with his back to the doorway, studying a board behind his desk. On it were photographs and scraps of news articles. If Vivian weren’t so concerned about Mr. Li, she’d have been interested to learn what case the inspector was working on.

Sophie knocked on the open door.

The inspector turned, frowning in irritation, but seeing them, his face softened into a pleased smile. “Sophie, what a surprise. And Miss Kirby.” He came around the desk and kissed Sophie’s cheek. “To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?”

He motioned toward the chairs in front of his desk.

Sophie shook her head. “No, we haven’t time for that. Jonathan, something terrible has happened. A man has been wrongfully arrested.”

His brows pulled together as he looked between the women with a surprisingly concerned expression. “Tell me.”

Vivian and Sophie related what they’d heard from Mr. Rowe and described Vivian’s relationship with Mr. Li.

The inspector listened, nodding occasionally and speaking only when they’d finished. “And you’re entirely sure he’s innocent?”

“Without a doubt,” Vivian said. “Mr. Li would never do such a thing.”

Inspector Graham sighed. “Those are the very words I hear from every criminal’s friends and family.”

Vivian gasped.

“Jonathan,” Sophie said. “How could you—?”

He held up his hands. “I do not mean to offend. But in this business, I’ve learned again and again that we do not always know people as well as we think.”

Vivian rubbed her temples. Her head was aching. “I can’t accept that. Not in this case.”

He nodded. “I’ll look into it. Please, sit down, and I’ll discover who’s managing the case.” He left the room.

The ladies sat in the chairs.

Vivian contemplated the inspector’s words. How well did she actually know Mr. Li? In truth, she knew hardly anything about the man. Could the gentle person who had befriended her young cousin and told magical stories actually be capable of murder? Her mind told her it was entirely possible, but in her heart... Vivian was not one to believe in intuition. Facts would reveal the truth. She simply had to trust that the detectives would investigate thoroughly.

The inspector returned a moment later holding an open folder in one hand. He turned pages with the other, reading as he walked. He sat in his chair.

“Why are you frowning?” Sophie asked. “Surely you don’t believe these accusations?”

He set the folder on the desk, scratching his cheek. “It doesn’t look good.”

“What do you mean?” Vivian asked.

He turned the folder toward the women, holding it flat with one hand and pointing with the other. “The suspect has been identified by a witness. He was discovered running from the scene with one of the stolen items.”

Vivian covered her mouth. She thought she would be sick.

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