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It was between three and four in the afternoon, but with the lamps already lit and the fog still blanketing the city, it might as well have been night.

“To her!” I muttered to myself. I hailed a cab. “Hailsham Road—the Boltons!”

I checked my possessions. There was no time to go back to Imperial Mansions. I wasn’t sure what crime I’d committed, but I had a feeling they’d make me pay for it. Having lived in places where you keep your valuables on you for safety, I had the habit of carrying more money than most. I had over £100 in notes and nearly £20 in sovereigns—enough to get two people out of town.

As we turned onto Hailsham Road, I noticed a man standing at the corner. He scrutinized both the cab and me as we passed. A maid answered the door. Miss Moore was in; Miss Adair was out. Miss Moore was feeling better. She’d check if I could see her.

She led me to the sitting room, where a bright fire blazed. The room smelled wonderful, a scent I loved. I’d never seen a room I liked so much. While thinking about the man at the corner, she entered the room with a flutter and a laugh, holding out both her hands.

“Oh, I’m so glad you’ve come. If you’d been much longer, I would’ve come to you. Where have you been?”

“I was out in the street last night, watching your window.”

“Out in the street? Why didn’t you come in?”

“It was too late for a call. I asked about you, and they said you were in bed and ill.”

“I wasn’t feeling well. I might have been a bit out of it. But I’m better now; I’m myself again—not the person you knew.”

“Really.”

“And I know.” She looked down at her foot peeking out from under her gown. “I know what you did for me, how good you were.”

“Then you know nothing.”

She looked up, eyes flashing.

“I know everything. I know I didn’t do it. Aren’t you glad?”

“I never thought you did.”

“That’s strange. Everything pointed to me; you knew nothing about me. I came into your room in a disgraceful way, with a flimsy story. My cloak was wet with blood. You have it now.”

“I had it.”

“You must have suspected me of something; it would’ve been natural.”

“It would’ve been unnatural.”

“That’s odd. I believe I’m suspected by many, especially the worst kind of people. And you never doubted me?” She sighed. “I’m glad. As long as you know I wasn’t a murderer sneaking through your window, I don’t care what others think, which is absurd. I had no part in it, nor did you or Mr. Lawrence’s brother.”

“But who then?”

“That, I can’t quite see yet. It felt like a conjuring trick, something done by a dreadful creature whose presence drove me mad. I still don’t know what it was.”

She stood before me, eyes shining, lips parted to reveal small white teeth. I was at a loss on how to bring up my reason for coming. As usual, I blundered.

“Unfortunately, most men are fools and blind.”

I paused, unsure of how to continue. She looked at me with a hint of anxiety.

“What do you mean?”

“Some people can’t see what’s right in front of them.”

“Is that so?”

“It’s true. Some are even foolish enough to believe that you had something to do with that scoundrel’s death.”

“I see.” Her face lightened as she began to understand. “You mean they suspect me of murder. That’s nothing new.”

“But I fear they’re moving beyond mere suspicion.”

“Beyond suspicion? Do you mean they have proof?”

“Miss Moore, you’re being too harsh. What I mean is—they might try to arrest you.”

“Arrest me?!” She stood tall, fists clenched at her sides. “They can’t arrest me. You can’t let them.”

“I won’t.”

“How can you stop them?”

“I’d be happy to act as your guardian. Maybe we should take a trip abroad until they realize their mistake.”

“A trip abroad—with you?”

Her words hit me like a ton of bricks. I hadn’t considered that implication. I was stunned.

“Or, I could stay behind and come on the next train.”

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“I don’t see how that would help me.”

“I’d make sure they didn’t touch you.”

“How could you if you weren’t there?”

I started pacing the room. I’d forgotten how complicated things could get with a woman involved. This situation was more tangled than I’d thought.

“Miss Moore, I’m an idiot.”

“Yes?”

There was something in her questioning tone that softened the blow.

“But in some ways, I’m not as much of an idiot as you might think.”

“Oh.”

She said this with a twinkle in her eye.

“Can you trust me?”

“With my life; with what is dearer.”

“Will you do as I say?”

“Absolutely.”

“Go upstairs, put on your hat and coat, and pack a bag.”

“How much should I pack? What size bag?”

“Enough to take you to Paris.”

“To Paris? But I’m needed at the theatre; they’re clamoring for me.”

“Let them clamor. Will you please do what I ask? And excuse me, Miss Moore, but do you mind if I bring someone in here and make him comfortable until after we leave?”

“Please explain.”

“There’s a man in the street who I believe is watching the house.”

“Is he going to try to arrest me? Does he have a warrant?”

“Not at all. But he might follow us, which would be inconvenient.”

“Do you plan to hurt him?”

“Not a single hair on his head, I promise.”

“Are you going to reason with him? You do have a persuasive manner. Maybe you can get him to see things our way. If you think it’s necessary, go ahead.”

Her sarcasm stung a bit, reminding me of old Morley’s words. I winced.

“There’s one more thing, Miss Moore. How many servants are in the house?”

“Just one. The cook is out.”

“Could you send that one on an errand that would keep her away for about an hour? We don’t want her to know we left together.”

“You’re very detail-oriented. Looks like I’m in for another adventure. If you take a stroll for about fifteen minutes, she’ll be gone by the time you get back. I’ll have my hat, coat, and a bag ready.”

“Good. When you’re ready, leave quietly without coming in here or acknowledging me. Leave your bag in the passage; I’ll carry it. Head to the Fulham Road and walk towards Walham Green. I’ll join you as soon as I can.”

“You won’t hurt him?”

“I won’t harm him at all.”

I opened the door for her. She went upstairs, and I headed out. The man was still at the corner, watching me. I ignored him, strolling leisurely across the Fulham Road, through some dirty backstreets, and into the King’s Road. I bought a dozen yards of stout clothesline at an oilman’s shop. Checking my watch, I saw I had been gone almost ten minutes. I walked back leisurely. The man was still at his corner.

He was a large policeman, about five foot ten, muscular but with a face that didn’t scream intelligence. I marched up to him briskly.

“You’re from the Yard. Why didn’t you signal me when I drove past earlier? You saw me looking right at you. I’ve been on a wild goose chase because of your stupidity; you’ll hear about this!” He touched his hat.

“I’ve just come from the court; Inspector Symonds is detained. I’m on this job now. Has anyone left 22 since I did?”

“A young woman, sir.”

“A young woman? And you let her go?”

“It was just the servant.”

“Just the servant! Which way did she go?”

“She came out, then got on a Piccadilly bus. My orders were to watch the young lady, not the servant.”

“Oh, really? Well, you’ve made a mess of it. Come into the house; I might need you. Keep your eyes and ears open.”

I started off quickly. He hesitated, then followed.

“Excuse me, sir, but do you mind telling me your name? I don’t recognize you.”

I ignored him and kept walking.

“Alright, get in here and remember to keep your eyes and ears open,” I ordered, pushing him through the gate. The lady had been quick; she left the door open.

“Hey, the door’s open,” I shouted. “That’s suspicious. I wouldn’t be surprised if the bird has flown. You thought she was just a servant girl? That’s going to be a problem for you. Come into this room.”

I led the way into the sitting room and immediately started unwrapping the rope.

“Look out the window and see if anyone’s coming in.”

He seemed confused, not quite understanding what was happening, but after a moment, he did as he was told and went to the window. While he was distracted, I quickly formed a lasso with the rope. The moment his back was turned, I slipped it over his head, pinning his arms to his sides. He struggled fiercely.

“So it’s a setup, is it? I had a feeling! This is your game?”

“Yes, it is. And if you’re smart, you’ll admit you’re beaten because you are.”

He was. I quickly tied the rope around him, pulling him off his feet with a jerk. As he lay on the floor, I tied his hands and feet securely. I had experience with ropes and knots, and I made sure he wouldn’t be able to move on his own.

“What are you going to do to me?” he asked, panicking.

“Nothing much. It’s more comfortable in here than out on the street in this weather. But to make sure you don’t make any noise, I’m afraid I have to gag you.”

“You’re not going to gag me!”

“I’m afraid I must. But to show I don’t mean any harm, I’ll slip two five-pound notes into your coat pocket. When you’re untied, you can use them to drink to my health.”

“Drink to your health? My God, I will!”

“Exactly, but let’s keep it civil. No need for harsh language.”

I had also bought some cotton wadding along with the clothesline. I stuffed a large piece into his mouth, enough to keep him quiet. Then, I carefully moved him behind a couch in the corner of the room. With him hidden and unable to move or make a sound, he could be there for a while without anyone noticing.

I left the room and found the bag in the passage. Picking it up, I stepped out of the house. The lady was waiting just outside, looking worried.

“Did you—did you hurt him?” she asked.

“Not at all. I just tied him up to prevent him from following us.”

I didn’t mention the gagging part.

“Did you tie him very tight?”

“Not really.”

“Is he strong?”

“I didn’t ask.”

“But you could see. How big is he?” she asked as we walked towards the Fulham Road. She took a quick breath. “I wish I were a strong man!”

“You’re stronger than any man I know.”

“How can you say that? Am I as strong as you?”

I sighed. “Are you as strong as me?”

“You speak in riddles. You know I’d be like a baby in your hands. Where are you taking me?”

“I’m not entirely sure. Hopefully out of the shadows and into the sunlight.”

“What if a policeman—look, there’s one across the road—were to come and say I’m his prisoner? What would you do?”

“I’d explain that he’s mistaken.”

“Explain!” She laughed. “You can’t explain to everyone forever.”

Her question startled me. I was also wondering where exactly I was taking her. The Paris train wasn’t until nine, and it was barely five. Staying in London for another four hours seemed risky. Plus, they might have set a watch on the boat express by then.

As we walked towards the Brompton Road, I considered calling a cab, but I wasn’t sure where to tell the driver to go. Then, she exclaimed.

“Mr. Ferguson! Look! It’s Mr. Lawrence!”

I looked where she was pointing and recognized the figure ahead. I called out, “Lawrence! Philip Lawrence!”

He seemed to have noticed us and quickly hailed a cab, giving rapid instructions to the driver and disappearing in moments. I couldn’t leave the lady to pursue him, so I waited for her to catch up.

“Are you sure it was Lawrence?” I asked.

“Absolutely! I’ve seen him once, but I’ll never forget his face.”

“It’s strange that he ran off like that.”

“I know, it’s odd. What was that?”

She sounded afraid, stepping closer to me, her hand trembling on my arm. Her face had turned pale.

Through the mist, we heard a woman’s laughter from the Fulham Road. It was the same eerie laughter from Edwin Lawrence’s room—soft yet unsettling.

At that sound, my heart skipped a beat.