Chapter 9 #3
“And then you were out early and returned again this morning,” Electra added, wanting to make the sequence of events clear to Gideon.
He gave her a look. Gratitude perhaps. Then he bent and added details to his notebook.
Kit looked her way. “Yes, I saw the details in the morning paper, and I knew Cordelia would be upset.” He reached out, laying his hand on the cushion near her, not quite touching Electra’s hand. “I’m very grateful that you were here with her.”
Electra smiled and nodded, and then she considered touching his hand where he’d rested it on a nearby cushion. She had never attempted to read Kit and had always suspected he was either dubious about or uninterested in her abilities.
“Are you acquainted with Mr. Gordon Callister?” Gideon asked.
Kit arched his brows. “I am. He is a fellow member of the House.”
“Did you know of his friendship with Percival Pennington?”
“Were they friends?” Kit scoffed. “I overheard him mention the man once and it was in scathing terms.”
Gideon seemed intrigued by that. “What was said?”
Kit inhaled and rolled his shoulders. “I was passing in the members’ lobby and overhead the man’s name. Callister said the barrister was a stranger to loyalty. That’s all I heard.”
Gideon stared at Kit. It was the look Electra had seen him give a witness when he suspected there was more they were failing to admit.
When Kit said nothing more, Gideon asked, “Did you never inquire about Pennington to Callister after you discovered their acquaintance?”
“Not at all, Inspector. Why would I? Showing any interest in the barrister would only raise questions in Callister’s mind.” He reached up and ran a hand over the buttons of his waistcoat. “Most of all, Cordelia and I wished to put the whole matter behind us.”
Electra noticed, and wondered if Gideon had, that Kit had refused to speak Pennington’s name.
“I have just one last question, Sir Christopher.” Another glance in Electra’s direction, and she knew, not from her abilities, but from the look in Gideon’s eyes what the question would be.
“Did you ever have occasion to give one of Electra’s calling cards to anyone?”
Kit shook his head. “No, I never have. I understand he had one in his hand, but Cordelia says she did not give it to him.”
Electra was not at all surprised that they’d discussed the matter.
“And you did not give it to him?” Gideon pressed.
“No.” His voice rose, emphasizing his denial.
Gideon dipped his head to acknowledge Kit’s answer. “Thank you for your time, Sir Christopher.”
“Of course, Inspector. If you’ll excuse me, I must speak with Lady Redmayne. Selwyn will see you out.” Kit spoke the words while passing a glance over each of them. Then he left the room.
“You look relieved,” Gideon said as he stood from his chair.
Electra stood and took a few steps closer. “He could not have been in Mayfair, so, yes, I am relieved.”
Gideon studied her, concern etched in his gaze. “I noticed you did not touch him. Why?”
“I considered it, but I suppose with someone I know and care for, I prefer their explicit consent and desire for such a thing.”
Not that she regretted the times she had surreptitiously touched someone during the course of the two investigations during which she’d assisted Gideon. It seemed warranted in those circumstances. Perhaps she’d inherited her father’s craving for justice.
“Then I understand your reticence,” he finally said, then glanced at the mantel clock.
“I should be on my way. It’s late, and I must prepare a report for the coroner.
” His gaze held hers, brow furrowed. “Expect a visit from a constable tomorrow informing Lady Redmayne that she must appear at the inquest. The coroner may opt to call you too. I believe the proceedings will be in the afternoon.”
“Whether or not I’m asked to testify, I will accompany her, so I will see you there.”
That brought the merest hint of a smile to his face, there and gone so quickly she might have imagined it. She walked him to the Redmaynes’ front door, waiting as Selwyn assisted him with his coat.
“Goodnight, Electra,” Gideon said, then placed his bowler on his head and strode out into the night.
Fatigue washed through her as if it had been waiting until she was alone, but when she turned to head for the stairs, she realized she wasn’t alone.
Kit emerged from his study down the hall and offered her a half-smile. “Has Inspector Pierce departed?”
“Yes, and he advised me that Cordelia will likely be called to testify at the inquest.” Just mention of that fact seemed to pain him.
“I would give anything to spare her that.” He quirked a brow. “Are you attending as well?”
“I will, and there is a possibility I will be called to testify regarding my calling card in Mr. Pennington’s possession.”
Kit hummed thoughtfully. “Such a strange thing, isn’t it? Cordelia swears she never gave him your card, and I certainly didn’t. I wonder how he got it.”
Electra wondered too.
Gideon wouldn’t rest until he discovered the truth about Percival Pennington’s murder, but Electra had her own questions.
Who had given him her card? And why?