Chapter Seven
Wolf left the premises of Baylis & Thistle and paused on the flagway to pull on his gloves. There was a chill wind blowing and he decided to walk back to town rather than take a cab. The exercise would warm him up after sitting in his lawyer’s cold offices for so long. It was not only the building that was cold, he thought grimly, the lawyer’s greeting was only marginally warmer than at his first visit two weeks earlier. He knew he should expect nothing else. After all, both the original partners were long dead and young Mr Baylis knew him only as a fugitive from justice. However, the fellow had drawn up the power of attorney as instructed and it was signed now, so whatever happened to him, his brother would be able to administer the estate. He must write to Richard and tell him.
He tensed when he saw a fashionably dressed gentleman approaching. There was no mistaking Sir Charles Urmston, his dead wife’s cousin. Wolf cursed under his breath. There was no point in turning away, Urmston had seen him. The man’s start of surprise was followed very quickly by a delighted smile.
‘My dear sir, I had no idea you were back in England.’
Wolf had no option but to stop.
He said coolly, ‘It is not generally known.’
‘Ah, quite, quite.’ Urmston’s smile disappeared and he shook his head. ‘Bad business, very bad business. Poor Florence.’
Wolf would have walked on, but Urmston put up his hand.
‘Pray, sir, do not think I ever blamed you for her death.’ Wolf could not hide his look of disbelief and Urmston hurried on. ‘Good heavens, no. I admit it was a shock, when I first saw you leaning over her, but I think I know you better than that! But we cannot part again without some discussion.’ He turned and slipped his arm through Wolf’s. ‘Let us drink coffee together.’
Wolf fought down the instinct to pull free. He had never liked Urmston, but the man might have some useful information and he had learned precious little so far. Urmston suggested a nearby coffee house. Wolf would have preferred them to be a little further away from the city, for the place was full of clerks and lawyers, but at least there was little chance of anyone recognising him here.
They found an empty table and Urmston ordered coffee before sitting down opposite Wolf.
‘So, my friend, what brings you back to England?’
Urmston’s florid countenance showed only a look of innocent enquiry, but Wolf was cautious.
‘I needed to see my lawyer.’
‘About what?’ When Wolf did not reply Urmston sat back, spreading his hands. ‘Surely you know you can trust me, my friend.’
‘Can I? You were damned eager to hustle me out of the country.’
‘No, no, that was your father’s doing, I assure you. He thought if you remained you might be clapped up. He was adamant about it and it seemed a sensible idea, to get you out of the way until things calmed down.’
‘The consequence of which is that everyone thinks I am guilty,’ retorted Wolf.
Urmston shook his head. ‘If it had not been for the diamonds going missing at the same time...’
‘I did not take them.’
‘No, I believe you,’ muttered Urmston, chewing his lip. ‘I think Florence’s dresser took them.’
‘But she was devoted to her mistress.’ Too devoted, thought Wolf. He had caught her out on more than one occasion lying to protect Florence.
‘Have you seen Annie Meesden?’ enquired Urmston, staring into his coffee cup. ‘Have you spoken to her?’
Wolf had lived by his wits for the past ten years and they were screaming at him now not to trust this man. He answered one question with another.
‘Do you know where I might find her?’
Urmston shook his head. ‘No, she has given me the slip.’
‘Then youhavebeen looking for her.’
For the merest instant Urmston looked uncomfortable, as if Wolf had caught him out. Then he was smiling again.
‘Naturally, at the beginning. I would have done anything to prove your innocence.’
Lies, thought Wolf. Urmston would not go out of his way for anyone but himself. If he wanted anything it was the necklace.
