Page 81 of Inventing Vivian

Chapter 21

The next morning, it wasnearly dawn when Benedict sat back in the chair in front of Inspector Graham’s office desk and rubbed his eyes. He was utterly exhausted.

Mr. Thomas sat beside him, the inspector behind the desk.

Once the interrogations were finished and the men who had accosted Benedict and Vivian at the warehouse had been sent either to the hospital or to the cells beneath the station, Benedict had worked through the night with Mr. Thomas and the inspector to build a case against Lord Hargreave.

According to the inspector, their evidence was indisputable—although, at his insistence, they did not explain to him how Mr. Thomas had managed to obtain Lord Hargreave’s private business ledgers. Benedict himself was not entirely certain how his man of business had done it. But he was extremely pleased with Mr. Thomas’s resourcefulness. In less than twenty-four hours, he had not only discovered a world-wide smuggling organization but the names of those Lord Hargreave worked with, sold to, or had paid off in order to conduct his illegal enterprise. And he had shipping invoices, delivery receipts, and ledgers to prove it.

Inspector Graham had sent word to the assistant commissioner of the London Police, arranging a meeting for himself and Mr. Thomas the next day. He believed the implications of the case to be so far-reaching that the police and international agencies would be unraveling the web for months.

“There is just one last order of business to see to this morning,” Inspector Graham said. “And then I intend to return home for a few hours of sleep.”

“What is that?” Benedict asked.

Inspector Graham stood. “The release of Mr. Li, Your Lordship,” he said, showing the first sign of a smile since he’d arrived late the night before.

Benedict smiled in return. He and Mr. Thomas rose as well, following the inspector through the doorway.

The three men walked between the desks of the outer office, passing the interrogation room where Vivian and Benedict had told their version of events to the sergeant the night before. The young woman had been so shaken and so tired that she’d been sent home a little after midnight. Benedict hoped she’d managed to sleep well and wondered whether a visit this morning would be welcome.

When they reached the reception desk, Inspector Graham asked Benedict and Mr. Thomas to wait in the entry. He sent the desk sergeant below to retrieve Zhang Wei and went himself into a room behind the desk.

“I thank you, sir,” Benedict said to Mr. Thomas. “Hiring you was the wisest thing I’ve done since returning to England.” He clapped his man of business on the shoulder. “I don’t know how you managed to discover those ledgers, but your work here has been nothing short of phenomenal. I believe I pay you far too little.”

Mr. Thomas’s smile turned into a yawn. He covered his mouth. “I was happy to do it, my lord. All it took was a few casual inquiries down at the Queen’s Head. Lord Hargreave has made quite a few enemies over the years, and they were happy to provide the information we sought.” His mouth pulled into a small grimace. “I did promise recompense to the man who actually procured the books...”

“Pay him whatever he asks,” Benedict said. “And Mr. Barnaby as well, and the Kirbys’ carriage driver. And increase your own salary by twenty percent. You’ve earned it.”

“Yes, Your Lordship.” Mr. Thomas gave a pleased nod. “Thank you.”

Inspector Graham returned with a case that Benedict recognized as the one Lord Hargreave had been carrying at the warehouse. “I trust you will return this to its rightful owner, my lord?”

“Yes, of course.” Benedict took the case by the handle, surprised by how heavy it was.

The desk sergeant came up the stairs, followed by Zhang Wei.

When Benedict saw his friend, he handed the case to Mr. Thomas and hurried forward.

“Are you well?” he asked in Chinese.

“I am, Jinsè,” Zhang Wei replied. His smile was genuine, but his eyes were tired. “I knew you would set me free.”

Benedict looked him over. Aside from the bruising and scraped knuckles he’d received when he was apprehended, Zhang Wei didn’t look injured, and for that he knew he could thank the inspector. Immigrants often received cruel treatment at the hands of both the police and their fellow prisoners. He noticed Zhang Wei had been allowed to keep the porcelain tile, which he wore around his neck. Benedict suspected Inspector Graham was responsible for that as well.

Zhang Wei looked past Benedict. “Hello, Mr. Thomas.”

“Mr. Li.” Mr. Thomas inclined his head. “I am glad to see you safe.”

“I can leave now?” Zhang Wei asked.

“Yes, you’re free to go.” Inspector Graham patted Zhang Wei’s shoulder.

“Thank you, Inspector.” Zhang Wei put a fist against his palm and bowed.

Inspector Graham nodded. “Good day, Mr. Li, my lord. Until tomorrow, then, Mr. Thomas.”

They made their farewells and left the station house.

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