Chapter 2 #3
With the look he gave me then, I realized that the private inquiry business he’d built up over the past several years was one of those important considerations.
I had not thought beyond the present and cases we took, what the future might hold. I had my books, which had proven to be quite successful, and my participation with him in many of those cases.
There certainly seemed no shortage of crime, and it was well known that the MET was often overwhelmed. Those desperate for a crime to be solved often turned to private inquiry agents.
Yet, I was not unaware that the offer of this position, which had come from the Home Secretary with the support of the Prince of Wales, was not only important, but a recognition of his accomplishments since leaving the MET.
In spite of certain others—Chief Inspector Abberline came to mind—who had done everything to thwart Brodie’s success in our inquiries by manipulating situations in pursuit of his own importance.
Needless to say, I despised the man. However, as a result of his self-serving machinations, he had been formally reprimanded, his position as Chief Inspector reduced to Assistant Chief Inspector.
In addition to losing the prestige of the title Chief Inspector of Police, he had been posted to the old main police station rather than given a position at the new Scotland Yard.
I would much rather have seen him drawn and quartered, with his head on a pike.
It did seem a means of sending a direct message rather than a stern reprimand, and then merely positioned elsewhere.
Brodie had accused me of being, as he put it, a bloodthirsty wench, and reminded me that the affront in past issues was against himself, not me.
I refused to argue the matter further with him.
“What responsibilities would that include?” I inquired.
He handed me a piece of parchment with words, Proposal of Services for the position of Director, C.I.D.
It outlined the responsibilities that included overseeing covert detective work and counter surveillance threats against the Crown, the Royal Family, and Crown subjects.
I looked up. “You will be quite busy. Does the position include staff?”
“It’s been suggested that I might have those I choose in a handful of positions to begin. There is a young man, injured out of the military who has been assisting until now.”
“What about Munro?” I suggested.
“Perhaps, but at present that could be difficult with him still in Edinburgh. There are others I might call on...if I am to accept the position.”
I heard the hesitation in his voice.
“Where would you work?”
“For now, it would be at Parliament House in an office that has been provided that would provide access to the Home Secretary.”
That dark gaze held mine. “I would know yer thoughts.”
No other person in all of Britain would have inquired about my thoughts. Men accepted new positions, promotions, and appointments without bothering to inquire ‘to know the thoughts’ of their wives or families.
They simply carried on and accepted a position that might mean prestige, other appointments in the future, and most certainly financial accommodation as well.
There was another part of it that I was well aware of. It was an honor to be offered such a position, but for Brodie it was more than that.
For a man who began life on the streets, survived, then clawed his way into a position of respectability within the MET, it was recognition of what he had achieved rather than becoming another name on a crime sheet.
At the same time, I was aware that it would mean change for us as well, with our inquiry business.
Yet here was a man who supported and encouraged me in my endeavors with my novels, my work with him in spite of occasional criticism, albeit at times with some reluctance that I was aware came from that deeply ingrained need to protect me.
It would mean a change in our relationship as well, as he would undoubtedly have little time for inquiry cases.
“It is quite an honor to have the support not only of the Home Secretary but the Prince of Wales as well,” I admitted. “Yet, the truth is, there is no one better qualified.”
“Ye don’t object?”
I reached out and laid a hand on his chest. “I would not prevent you from taking on a challenge, any more than you would prevent me.”
He pulled me against him.
“It will mean change here as well,” he said with a look around the office. That dark gaze returned to me.
I nodded. “I would like to see the matter through for Lady Ellsworth,” I replied. “She has no one else to turn to and...”
“And she is a friend of yer great-aunt.”
“It shouldn’t be difficult. I will make our usual inquiries and determine if there are any significant leads that I might pass on to Mr. Dooley.” I had another thought.
“And I would not see Mr. Cavendish or the hound turned out on the street with this change,” I added. “I might even consider taking on inquiry cases for women who otherwise might hesitate to acquire assistance.
“An inquiry agency by women, for women, that does not presently exist.” I ignored the sound Brodie made. It did sound intriguing.