“Ah, yes, you do have a valid point.” I conceded.
“Krause has been retained by the family since Leo was a child. He is duty-bound to seek out his master, however, he is unfamiliar with the ways of London, and has no trustworthy connections in high society. Instead of going to the authorities, he was advised to seek assistance from someone who is…connected to the demimonde.”
My brows rose in inquiry. “And that man is you!”
“Yes. I move quite easily between worlds,” Cavell admitted matter-of-factly, and I could well imagine Cavell having connections with London’s criminal underbelly.
“Herr Krause said the boy may be twenty-two but is young for his age and easily led. He has led a religious, cloistered life. Krause said he believes Leo has been seduced into partaking in forbidden practices. Which could be anything from gaming, to touring brothels!”
“And what is the connection between the Baron and the symbol?”
“A letter was delivered to the Hampstead apartment; Leopold read it and told his retainer he was going out alone. Krause said he protested but Leopold insisted that he did not need a shadow and he would return soon. He did not. Krause did not find the actual letter so doesn’t know what made his charge leave so abruptly, but the envelope was found on Leopold’s bed. This is part of the envelope,” He said stabbing a finger on the first slip of paper he showed me.
“And so I want to know what the symbol means and who could have sent that letter. And now as you have been sent a mysterious gift bearing the same symbol I am even more captivated.”
This was indeed an intriguing tale. Why I should be sent a journal with that very symbol stamped inside was a disturbing mystery. Who had sent me the red book, and why?
The Assignment
“I don’t quite understand. Why are you searching for a missing German aristocrat? You are a thief. Is this business not a little… out of your league?”
“Of course I’m a thief”; Sebastian laughed shamelessly. He really did not see the negative moral implications of his chosen profession.
“I have been tasked with stealing… a gentleman.” Cavell announced with an air of theatricality.
I was outraged. “You are to kidnap the boy?”
“Not kidnap as such. My client believes young Baron Leopold has become mixed up in some unsavory business. I would call the assignment more of a rescue than a kidnap. But, I need to find him first.”
I relaxed a little, “Well. A handsome pup from the foreign aristocracy is bound to have garnered a great deal of attention in society circles, don’t you think? He may have made some new friends, gone to the country, or even traveled to see our great nation.” I speculated. “I’m sure there is nothing untoward here,” I said unconvinced as the words left my mouth.
“One would have expected him to have turned a few heads.” Cavell steepled his fingers and pressed the tips to his lips, thoughtful for a moment. “However, after introducing himself in society circles young Baron Leopold vanished and has not corresponded with his family at all for six months. That is very unusual behavior for a man who, if what I am told is true, has led a rather religious and closeted life. You must recall the first time you traveled without your family…how exciting it was—”
“Indeed. I remember when I ten years old, my sister was a newborn, and my mother was besotted with her. I was sent away to an aunt in Cromer, Norfolk for the summer. At first, it felt like a rejection, but with the sea and freedom, it became a wonderful adventure. I seem to recall I corresponded daily.”
“Exactly. A young man on his first visit to London… one would expect excitable letters home telling of his adventures, but Leopold sent nothing.” Sebastian watched me cautiously and then said,
“Are you sure you cannot remember where you saw him?”
I pursed my lips with frustration. Young Baron Leopold was a comely man and I would not forget a face as saintly as his, but for the life of me, I could not place where I had seen him.
“Forgive me. My mind has been…distracted for many months.” I explained haltingly. The weight of melancholy that had set in this winter was the worst I had yet experienced, or I should say, it had been the worst until Sebastian came to dazzle like the heat of the summer sun, and lift me from my dark thoughts.
“I will need some time to think about it, but I will remember”, I assured. I did not like the thought of this impressionable young noble alone in this city of infernal vice with bloody murderers, scoundrels, and men who made a living from sin around every corner. Looking at his photograph I understood that a pretty boy like Leopold Von Liebenstein would be prey for the kind of deviant men—I caught myself—he would be prey for men like me. I felt the rush of burning shame as I admired the attractive young man’s photograph. I folded it and guiltily pushed it back across the table.
“I wish you the best of luck in locating the Baron. His parents must be distraught. If there is anything else I can do to assist, please ask.” I said stolidly.
Returning the photograph to his wallet and pocketing it Cavell replied, “Thank you. I will take you up on that offer.” Silence fell and we both awkwardly reached for our teacups.
“Now that we are officially…friends, I have a question that has been bothering me.” I said cautiously. Cavell nodded for me to proceed.
“You said earlier that you would give me a reason to trust you. So prove it!” I challenged.
“You told me
