‘Mr and Mrs Vernon,’ said Leeming. ‘They’ve only been there two minutes. There are shutters on the shop window with a notice pinned to them.’
‘What sort of notice?’ said Colbeck.
‘They’re advertising for a servant.’
‘That’s interesting. They’re settling in.’
Madeleine could see what was running through Colbeck’s mind. When he turned inquisitively to her, she responded with a smile.
‘You want me to apply for the job, don’t you?’ she said.
‘I’m not sure that you could pass for a servant,’ he replied. ‘You look far too smart and well-bred.’
‘I don’t feel smart, Robert. I’m happy to do it.’
‘Some servants are very well-dressed,’ said Leeming. ‘Look at the one we met at Mr Dalrymple’s house. If you saw her in the street, you’d take her for a member of the family.’
‘Besides,’ said Madeleine, ‘it’s not as if I’m really after the job. I simply want to see who is on the other side of the door.’
Colbeck made the decision. ‘Thank you,’ he said, touching her arm in gratitude. ‘It’s very good of you to volunteer. With the best will in the world, neither Victor nor I could pass as domestics. But please be careful, Madeleine. Hugh Kellow and Effie may not be there, of course, and the trail will go dead. But if by chance he is, remember that he’s a ruthless criminal. Just talk on the doorstep. Don’t go inside. If you get invited into the shop and they start to probe, you could be in danger.’
‘What do I say?’
‘Simply that you’ve seen the advertisement and would like to know what the job involves and what sort of wage is being offered.’
‘I think I can manage that.’
Madeleine was thrilled to be part of the investigation at last. Having been kept on the outside for so long, she had now been brought into action. It showed how much faith Colbeck had in her. Though she knew that she might be confronting someone who had committed heinous crimes, she was not afraid. Colbeck and Leeming would not be far away and there were plenty of other people about. That gave her confidence.
The three of them walked to the end of Frederick Street.
‘It’s on the left,’ said Leeming, pointing a finger. ‘Go past that big house with the columns outside and you’ll find smaller properties. One of them is a plating workshop. Next to it is a place with the shutters closed. I didn’t get the number, I’m afraid.’
‘I’ll find it,’ she said.
‘Let’s be prepared,’ said Colbeck. ‘We may be barking up the wrong tree, I know, but let’s assume we’re not. We need to cut off every means of escape.’
‘Do you want me to guard the rear of the premises, sir?’ said Leeming. ‘You’ll have to give me time to get in position.’
‘Off you go, then, Victor.’ As Leeming hurried away, he took Madeleine by the shoulders. ‘I hope your father will forgive me.’
‘There’s nothing to forgive, Robert.’
‘Isn’t there? I take you off as his daughter and return you as a domestic servant.’
She laughed. ‘Father won’t turn a hair,’ she said. ‘We do have a servant who comes in to help but otherwise I do the household chores. Father sometimes treats me more or less as a domestic servant so I know what it feels like.’ Her eyes widened earnestly. ‘Besides, I’d do
She spoke with such affection and looked at him so longingly that he wanted to wrap her in his arms and hold her tight. Colbeck had never loved her more than at that moment. Madeleine Andrews had willingly assisted him in an investigation a number of times, never questioning his decisions and always achieving valuable results on his behalf. Her involvement in his work had brought them closer and closer. Colbeck had to suppress an urge to tell her how much she meant to him and how important she was in his life. But it was not the moment for such confidences. Duty called. There was a strong possibility that they had finally caught up with a killer and his accomplice. Colbeck needed to direct all of his energies at them.
Madeleine had watched him carefully.
‘Were you going to say something?’ she asked.
‘It will have to wait.’
‘Why?’
‘Never mind that – just trust me.’
‘I always do, Robert.’
He nodded in gratitude. ‘Let me give you your instructions.’
Colbeck told her exactly what to look for when the door was opened to her. Madeleine was to find out where the newcomers had come from and why they had moved to Birmingham. She had a clear description of Effie and of Hugh Kellow in her head. If neither of them was there, she was to make a polite excuse and withdraw. If, on the other hand, her suspicions were aroused in any way, Madeleine was told to adjust her hat. That was the signal for Colbeck to move in.
‘Remember that your safety is paramount,’ said Colbeck.
‘Yes, Robert.’
‘Mr Kellow has a pistol. He won’t need much encouragement to use it. At the slightest hint of trouble, walk quickly away.’
‘I will.’
He held her hands. ‘How do you feel?’
‘I’m quite excited.’
‘Try to look more deferential. Nobody is excited by housework.’
She grinned. ‘That’s one thing you
They waited for five minutes before moving off. When they reached the big house that Leeming had mentioned, they paused. It was one of the most striking buildings in the Quarter. Colbeck pretended to admire its Doric columns and simple architraves while Madeleine continued on down the street.
Hugh Kellow was having his first taste of work in his new abode. Crouched over a table in the little room next to the parlour, he examined the items he had stolen from Leonard Voke and wrote down their estimated value in his new account book. All of them would bring in a tidy profit and help to establish his reputation even though he had not actually made every piece in the collection. When he heard the doorbell ring, he looked up.
‘I’ll answer it!’ called Effie from the parlour.
‘Thank you,’ he replied, continuing his inventory.
As with all properties in the Quarter, attention had been paid to its security. Effie had to draw back two large bolts and turn the key in the lock before she could open the door. When she did so, she saw an attractive young woman standing at the doorstep.
‘Can I help you?’ asked Effie.
‘I saw that notice on the shutters,’ said Madeleine, injecting a note of humility into her voice. ‘You want a servant.’
‘Yes, that’s right.’
‘Could I have the details, please?’
‘We’re not offering accommodation,’ said Effie, enjoying the feeling of superiority she now had as an employer. ‘We simply need someone to come in each day to clean and help with the cooking.’
‘That would suit me, Mrs…’
‘Mrs Vernon. My husband is a silversmith. I should warn you that he hates being disturbed when he’s working. Whoever we employ would have to bear that in mind.’
‘I’ll do whatever I’m told, Mrs Vernon.’
‘You don’t sound as if you come from Birmingham.’
‘No,’ said Madeleine, inventing the details. ‘I was born in London but, when my father died, Mother and I moved here. We live with my aunt not far away so I’ve been looking for some time for work in the area.’ She
