Chapter 45

“Ah! Look at my partner there. Duff, we has got the jewels back, and we has got Caddy Quale outa Newgate. Time is we enjoys ourselves some.”

“There will be no enjoyment for me until Joe’s killer is made to answer for his crime.”

“Sure, an’ don’t I agree with Duff. Me man from Dublin was brutally murthered, probably by the same person, and I want that man found.” Caddy was rubbing his left shoulder with his right hand. “Faith, an’ them gaolers know how ta smack a man so he remembers it.” He winced as he moved in his chair.

I said, “I had best tell of the incident I witnessed at Scotland Yard.” I told of the alleged attempt to assassinate the Superintendent of Police, the part played by Percy Wesley and his henchmen, and the shooting of the costermonger. “Of course, the physical evidence makes me doubt the poor fellow was involved in any way except to take a bullet and the blame. I presented this to the Superintendent, and he informed the Duke, right there in front of me. But I don’t think they will take any action. Seems there is some political reason they can’t. You know, of course, the little dandy is the Duke’s cousin.”

Caddy, still nursing his wounds, said, “Well, now we have three murthers ta deal with, perhaps all by the same hand.”

Blathers and I, Dickens and Forster, Barbary, and Clara all paused to consider the ramifications of Caddy’s theory. During this pause, Jenny whispered something into her mistress’s ear.

“Oh, my!” Clara had started to wiggle out of her chair, when a man and a woman entered the room. “Gentlemen, we are relying on your ability to block this meeting from your mind. My lady needs to speak to you all without further delay, but her appearance here, with me, must never be known by anyone outside this room.” Dickens and Forster gave Father John and the lady their chairs.

The lady began, “My husband has told me about the attack outside police headquarters and the murder of one more unfortunate citizen. He has also told me he and the Duke of Wellington are unable to act for political reasons. This young upstart, the Duke’s cousin, has the Queen, much of Parliament, and a large portion of voters frightened to death. He keeps claiming we are on the verge of a revolution such as occurred in France not all that long ago.”

Forster said, “There is a great deal of agitation among the lower middle classes. The Reform Act and the Emancipation Act helped to release some of the pressure, but it’s a bit lucky the shooting of the costermonger didn’t start something.”

The lady sought more aid. “I have told my husband and the Duke of the murder of Mr. Quale’s man and of poor Joe. They believe these deaths, as well as that of the fruit seller were the work of Percy Wesley and his brutal men. Unfortunately, they are unable to do anything to stop this dangerous upstart. They need your help in thwarting his plans to rule by fear.”

Caddy Quale asked, “Faith, now, an’ does Sir Robert have any plan for us?”

Father John responded, “His only statement was that we should tell you all to do your best to keep from getting killed yourselves.”