He frowned at the sight of Daniel. But when his gaze shifted to Beatrice, a rapid range of expressions crossed his face. The man studied her for a moment as if searching his memory for the reason she looked familiar. Then his eyes widened in surprise as awareness dawned, followed quickly by concern.
“Mr. Johnson.” Beatrice leveled the man a glare that made Daniel proud. “I have come to claim my things.”
Daniel added a glare of his own to make certain the man understood the lady had his full support.
“And you are?” Mr. Johnson asked with a raised brow.
“You know very well who I am. Miss Linfield.”
A calculating look came over the man’s expression. “Oh yes. I believe I do remember you. You left without paying the last night of your stay. I’m afraid I had no choice but to take your trunk in lieu of payment since you left so abruptly.”
Daniel prepared to give a scathing retort only to see Beatrice step forward and place her gloved hands on the counter. “I wasn’t able to pay as I was taken in the middle of the night. The meal you served me was drugged.”
Mr. Johnson’s mock look of shock didn’t fool Daniel. Anger rushed through him at what this man had done. He lunged over the counter to grab the man’s lapels and gave him a shake. “Do not claim innocence. We know all about your terrible scheme.”
“I-I don’t know what you’re speaking of,” the man sputtered, his hands clutching at Daniel’s as he tried to no avail to gain his freedom.
Daniel tightened his grip. “Perhaps I can jar lose your memory.”
“No need. I-I still have her things. Allow me to fetch them for you.”
Daniel glanced at Beatrice. At her single nod, he released the man. “We’re waiting.”
“Of course.” Mr. Johnson swallowed hard as he glanced between them and straightened his tailcoat. Then he opened the door behind him, his low words inaudible as he spoke to someone.
Just when Daniel decided they’d waited long enough and was prepared to follow the man, he emerged with a small trunk in hand.
“I believe this might be yours, Miss Linfield.” He placed the trunk on the counter directly between Daniel and himself as if hoping it would provide a barrier to protect him.
“Open it,” he advised Beatrice. “Make certain everything is in there that you came with. Otherwise, Mr. Johnson will need to reimburse you for the missing items.”
“See here now—” The man broke off his protest when Daniel narrowed his eyes. “Missing items are not the responsibility of the management,” he muttered.
“They are when the management is the reason they’re missing.” Daniel almost hoped the man would argue so he could place a fist in his face.
Johnson scowled but watched as Beatrice opened the trunk and looked inside.
“I believe everything is here.” She frowned as she sorted through the clothing and a few other personal items. “Although I believe my brooch is missing.” She glanced at Daniel. “It was my mother’s.”
Daniel looked at Mr. Johnson as she continued her search. “Perhaps you should take a second look to see if you misplaced it,” he advised the man.
“I don’t—” He clenched his lips tight and backed away as Daniel leaned forward with his hand outstretched. “Allow me to look further.”
“That’s better.” Daniel nodded.
Mr. Johnson walked through the door once more. This time, the voices were louder, raised in argument, a woman’s voice discernible.
“Apparently he gave it to Mrs. Johnson.” Daniel forced a smile at Beatrice as he listened. Was his wife involved in the scheme as well? Had she been the one to deliver the drugged meal to Beatrice?
He drew a slow, deep breath to control his temper. He didn’t want to beat the man in front of Beatrice, even if that was what he deserved after what he’d done. But the man would pay eventually.
Mr. Johnson returned and placed something on the counter. “There it is. No harm done.”
Beatrice’s relieved look as she retrieved a silver and onyx brooch eased Daniel’s anger.
“Now then, how would you like to pay for the final night of lodging?” Mr. Johnson asked as he pulled the ledger closer.
Beatrice looked up in surprise.
“We will not be paying for anything.” Daniel leaned forward to glare in the man’s face. “And you will no longer drug those who stay here. If I hear a whisper of you allowing anyone entrance so they can take a defenseless person to a brothel or any other place against their will, there will be hell to pay. Do I make myself clear?” Daniel intended to do all in his power to see this man and his wife arrested. Hurdy needed to quicken his investigation. But Daniel would leave that news as a surprise to Johnson.
The man leaned back, blinking rapidly, as he nodded.
“Give me your word.”
“What?” The man looked incredulous at the demand.
“Your word that neither you nor whoever is behind that door will ever again assist in or look away when a person is taken unwillingly from your establishment.”
Mr. Johnson glanced over his shoulder and then looked back at Daniel. “You have my word.”
“Excellent. Do not force me to call upon you again. You won’t like what happens if I do.” Daniel closed the trunk lid and fastened the lock, lifted it, and offered Beatrice his arm.
To his surprise, she didn’t move, continuing to glare at Mr. Johnson. “You caused me terrible distress and fear. The sort of fear I wouldn’t wish upon anyone. May God forgive you and your wife for what you have done to the poor souls who came before me.” Then she turned and marched to the door without looking back.
Mr. Johnson’s shoulders sagged as his gaze drifted downward. Perhaps Beatrice’s words had done more to get through to the man than Daniel’s.
Daniel smiled as he followed
