My Favorite Thief by Karyn Monk Read Free Book Online Page A

Flynn had come along with Oliver for the ride—he likes to go out driving at night, and he is good company for Oliver while I am visiting. Whoever saw the three of us must have seen me, Oliver, and Flynn get out of the carriage and go into the house.”
    â€œThat is most likely the case,” he agreed. “Nevertheless, I’m sure you won’t object if Constable Wilkins and I make a quick search, just to ensure your safety. I promise we won’t disturb your household for long.” Without waiting for her permission he rose and strode down the stairs to the dining room with Constable Wilkins following.
    â€œI can assure you that is entirely unnecessary.” Charlotte limped after them as best she could. “Why on earth would the Dark Shadow want to come here?” She raised her voice slightly as she added, “There are no jewels of any value in this house.” Oliver was nowhere to be seen, which Charlotte desperately hoped meant that he had gone upstairs to help Flynn and the girls hide their guest.
    â€œIf he were here, it would not be with the intention of stealing.” Lewis went into the main floor study, appraised it for a moment, then walked out and headed for the stairs leading down to the kitchen. “Because of the amount of time you spent with him this evening, it is possible he may have sensed your generous nature. If it turns out that his wounds are severe, he may try to appeal to you for help. It would not be the first time a criminal has sought assistance from one of his victims. Sometimes they mistake their victims’ frightened compliance for a kind of empathy.”
    â€œAfter you are gone, Inspector, I shall see to it that all the doors and windows are locked for the night, and I will instruct everyone not to answer the door.”
    â€œThat would be wise. However, as we know, the Dark Shadow is adept at breaking into homes. Constable Wilkins and I will make certain he isn’t here before you lock up.” He went into the kitchen, where Eunice and Doreen were busily working. “Good evening, ladies.”
    â€œEunice and Doreen, this is Inspector Turner and Police Constable Wilkins,” said Charlotte. “They are conducting a search of the house, to ensure that the Shadow didn’t decide to follow me here and perhaps break in.”
    â€œThat’s a fine idea,” Eunice said, calmly drying a plate. “ ’Twas a terrible thing ye suffered tonight, lass. If the police here can make ye feel a wee bit safer, I’m sure we’ll all sleep sounder for it.”
    â€œAye.” Doreen poked violently at the flames burning brightly within the stove. “ ’Tis bad enough the streets are crawlin’ with vermin, but ’tis a sad state when ye canna feel safe even in yer own home. That’s the way of things today, Inspector, isn’t it?”
    â€œUnfortunately, yes.” Lewis poked his head into the pantry and the scullery. He then turned his gaze to Doreen and frowned. “If you don’t mind my asking, why have you got the stove burning so hot at this late hour?”
    â€œMe and Eunice likes to do some cookin’ in the evenin’ when Miss Kent is out,” Doreen explained.
    â€œBut you’re finished now, are you not?” he enquired, approaching the stove.
    â€œAye—but with all the fuss goin’ on tonight, neither of us could go to bed, an’ when I saw how lovely an’ hot the coals were, I knew they were just perfect for burnin’ some old rags.” She pushed the last fragment of the Dark Shadow’s bloodstained shirt into the orange embers, then banged the iron burner plate back into place. “There now, mind ye dinna get too close—ye’d nae want to scorch that handsome coat of yers.”
    â€œWill ye take some tea while ye’re here, Inspector?” offered Eunice sweetly. “I’ve just made a fresh pot, an’ there’s