Page 57 of Inventing Vivian

Chapter 15

Benedict listened as Inspector Grahamspoke, but although he understood the words, his mind wouldn’t make sense of them.

“Apprehended while escaping the scene... stolen item... witness identified him...”

He felt like he was sliding down into a deep well and couldn’t get a grip on the sides. None of this could be true. It simply couldn’t. Benedict knew Zhang Wei like a brother. Better than a brother. He understood the man’s principles because he had been Benedict’s teacher. Zhang Wei simply did not believe in murder or thievery. His conviction of the value of life was so strong that he didn’t eat meat. Benedict had even seen him carry a spider outside and place it carefully out of the way where it wouldn’t be harmed.

“He didn’t do this,” he said when the inspector stopped speaking.

“I’m sorry, my lord,” the inspector said. “I really am. The investigation is still proceeding.” He picked up a folder from his desk. “But my hands are tied.”

Benedict looked toward the young ladies. Both wore worried expressions. Miss Kirby’s brows were knit together as if she were thinking.

“You must believe me,” Benedict said to the inspector. “I know this man.”

“With the evidence against him, convincing a jury of his innocence will be difficult.”

The inspector’s eyes showed true compassion, and for that, Benedict was glad. But one sympathetic police officer was not going to make a difference if his friend went to trial. “May I see him? Please? He doesn’t understand how the English justice system works. He must be frightened. And I should like to hear from him what happened.”

Inspector Graham chewed his lip for a moment, then nodded. He called into the outer room.

A man with a ruddy complexion and a thick scar running through his side whiskers came into the office. He gave a folder to the inspector.

“Has the suspect in the Limehouse case been interviewed?” Inspector Graham said.

“No, sir,” the man said. “Just finished transcribing the witness statement.” He nodded toward the folder as the inspector opened it and started reading. “Waiting for word from K Division. The crime was committed in their jurisdiction. They might want to interview him themselves, especially since some valuable objects are still missing.” He glanced around the office as he spoke, and his gaze lit on Lady Sophronia. “Oh, hello there, my lady. Didn’t see you come in.”

“Good day, Detective Lester.” She held out a hand.

“Rough business, this,” Detective Lester said. He took her hand, bowing over it. “I’d say ’tisn’t the place for ladies, but of course,youwouldn’t listen, my lady.” He blew out a frustrated breath, but his tone held a tease.

“You’re right.” Lady Sophronia raised a brow, giving a friendly smile. The pair appeared to be old friends.

Inspector Graham closed the folder. “We’ll interview the suspect ourselves,” he said. “I’ll explain to K Division that there were extenuating circumstances.” He nodded toward Benedict. “Detective, this is Lord Covington.”

The detective looked at Benedict, bowing his head in deference. “Your Lordship.” He turned back toward his superior. “The man speaks English well enough, but I’ll send to Limehouse for a translator who speaks Chinese.”

“I can translate,” Benedict said.

Inspector Graham studied Benedict for a moment, as if contemplating whether he could trust the man in an interrogation when he clearly had a conflict of interest.

He glanced at the women and then back to Benedict and nodded. “Bring the suspect to Interrogation Room A. The cells are no place for these young ladies.”

“Yes, sir, Inspector.” Detective Lester hurried away to fetch the prisoner.

Inspector Graham led them back through the main office and up the stairs to a room with a long table. He sent for extra chairs, and a moment later, they were all seated.

The detective sat on one side of the table beside Lady Sophronia, and Benedict took a seat on the other next to Miss Kirby.

He removed his hat and gloves and ran his fingers through his hair, wondering how he could possibly fix this. His closest friend needed help, and he felt helpless.

“Your Lordship?”

Miss Kirby’s quiet voice broke into his thoughts, and he glanced toward her.

“I...” She blinked, looking uncertain as to what to say.

He knew exactly how she felt. What words could make this right?

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