Blood Tribute (The Lucas Gedge Thrillers Book 1) by Andy Emery Read Free Book Online Page B

rely on the police to protect them from this sort of criminality, some might lose hope.’
    Rondeau took a long puff on his pipe. ‘Do not believe that all policemen are venal and wicked. Many are the stout upholders of law that we believe them to be. But these are hard times for the police force. Their failure to identify, much less catch, the Ripper, along with numerous scandals in which they have either been complicit or blissfully ignorant, has led to derision from every stratum of society. And in such an atmosphere, it may be all too easy for the weaker-willed to turn a blind eye to criminality, or worse, seek to supplement their meagre wages by aiding the evil forces they should be battling. I am afraid it is but one example of the injustice that currently exists in the world. The sort of injustice that I seek, in some small way, to bring to an end.
    ‘Which brings me to you, Lucas. I felt that your unique talents would be suited to help us, not only in this particular case, but on a longer-term basis as well. Obviously, Ackerman and his kind are violent men, and we have a need to combat that. But it seems that you are intent on living a quiet life, the antithesis of a man of action, in fact?’
    ‘Yes, Claude. That is so. For the reasons I’ve stated. I am interested in helping you, but I want to put violence behind me.’
    Their conversation was disturbed by the sound of the front door opening. Rondeau’s face lit up, as hurried steps approached up the hall. A striking young woman strode into the room, and then was brought up short by the sight of Gedge. She was wearing a long, dark-brown cloak, the hood of which she lowered as she entered. She ran a hand through curly auburn locks that framed a pretty face with sparkling eyes and a mischievous smile. Gedge guessed she was in her mid-twenties.
    ‘A guest, father?’
    ‘My dear, I am so sorry. I forgot to tell you. Let me introduce you. Mr. Lucas Gedge, late of Her Majesty’s armed forces, my daughter Polly.’
    Gedge stood up. ‘Enchanted!’
    ‘Likewise. But please sit back down, Mr. Gedge. We don’t have much truck with formality in this household. I see father’s been taking good care of you.’
    ‘Very much so, Miss Rondeau.’
    ‘Please call me Polly. Perhaps we could all be on first name terms… Lucas?’
    ‘Of course.’
    ‘Good. Now, Claude, here’s that list of names you wanted.’ She handed him a folded piece of paper.
    ‘Thank you, my dear. We have actually more or less concluded our business. Lucas, of course I respect your wishes regarding violent action. I will think about how best we can work together and contact you again shortly. This has been a fruitful first meeting.’
    Polly smiled. ‘And as I believe you are new in town, please don’t hesitate to get in touch if there’s anything you need to know.’
    ‘Thank you, Polly. I will. And thank you, Claude, for your hospitality. It’s been a pleasure. I look forward to our next meeting.’

10
    G edge spent the next two weeks familiarising himself with Spitalfields and the surrounding area, the district he intended to make his home. He was disappointed that he heard no more from Rondeau or Polly, and his mind kept drifting back to their meeting. He made a few casual enquiries about work, but was in no hurry to start employment. He had a small pot of savings accumulated from his army days, and he had deposited it at a local bank. He would be able to live on that for a few months at least. He saw Hannah every chance he got, and was feeling that he was really starting to get to know her. She had decided that she wanted to go to the zoo, and persisted with the request despite Gedge’s reservations that there might not be much to see in the winter. Today was the day of the visit.
    Gedge and Hannah boarded the omnibus at Commercial Road in Whitechapel, for the trip west to the city. It was a slow journey. The route took them through Aldgate, down Leadenhall Road and Cornhill, and