Chapter 5

As soon as the lady left, Blathers and I went to the taproom. He wanted a brandy. Mr. Dickens and Mr. Forster were enjoying cheese sandwiches and dark ale for their lunch. Each put down the newspaper he had been reading. Mr. Dickens said, “Gentlemen, tell us all about your meeting.”

“Indeed, who is the lady, and what did she do that was naughty?” Mr. Forster sported a leering grin.

Blathers said, “You gents must know, our lips is sealed about any details o’ our case. We wouldn’t want folks ta say Blathers and Duff couldn’t keep a secret, now would we. I’ll just say some valuable jewels and a murder is involved.”

Dickens said, “Ah, yes! I think I read about a murder in Spitalfields in The Times. That paper is full of news today. There was a fire at the Tower of London, and another streetwalker has been brutally slain.”

“Well, you’d think the Metropolitan Police would be able ta catch the bloody rascal what’s killin’ them girls. If me and Duff were on it, we’d get him. I wonders if’n it’s that young Squod.”

“It may be. They found a Jack of Spades at the scene. I’m sure you wouldn’t miss him a second time. But, you know, if it is Jack Squod, then he must be living around here somewhere.”

I said, “We have not forgotten about Jack Squod, Mr. Dickens. While we have been busy trying to earn a living, it does vex us that the young murderer escaped. If we caught the rascal, we’d be famous.”

“You are famous. You know, I used your names once already in one of my stories. I hope you are pleased to be presented as the honest, hard-working men you are.”

“I hasn’t yet had the pleasure of readin’ your book, but I’m sure you did right by us. Duff, does ya know we is in one o’ Mr. Dickens’ books?”

I said, “I do, but I haven’t read it yet either. I hope it is a great success, Mr. Dickens.”

“Thank you, Mr. Duff. I hope the mention of you and your partner will help in your business as private investigators.”

“Will you have some tea, Mr. Duff?” Mr. Forster asked.

“I would love a cup, but then it’s time to be doing some investigating.”

Dickens said, “I hope you are careful in your investigation. There are a lot of dangerous zealots about these days.”

Forster assumed his usual thoughtful pose. “Indeed, the return of Sir Robert Peel as Prime Minister certainly has the Irish Catholics upset.”

Dickens needed another pint. “Clara, where is the girl?”

“The Lord save us, Mr. Dickens. I’ve sent her home. We will be needing her tonight.”

“Won’t the lovely Jane be here, then?”

“I’ve just had a message from her. She won’t be with us for many months. She has to go to the North of England to care for an ailing aunt. We’ll miss her.”

Mr. Forster said, “Indeed, Charles will.”