Impossible.
Slowly, Heath turned around. The bedroom appeared empty, but as his eyes adjusted, Heath saw a figure in the corner. He held his breath as it materialized into Kane.
He shook his head. No, this wasn’t possible. He had left Kane at the manor house. How could he be here and why?
Before Heath could get a word out, the door swung open and another man entered. “So sorry I’m late. I got held up...” The words died on his lips as he saw Kane and Heath.
Jealousy, anger, and betrayal reared their ugly heads. What the hell was going on?
CHAPTER12
Afeather could have knocked Kane over in that instance. How the devil had Heath ended up at The Painted Pony? Why, Kane himself had only just arrived within the last quarter hour. Earlier in the day, he had received a letter by way of Caroline saying Detective Wells had found an employee at The Painted Pony who was willing to give them information, but because they could risk discovery, Kane and Wells had to meet the contact here at ten o’clock.
Kane and Wells had met outside the tavern then had been ushered in the back entrance. Kane had been shown to this room to wait while Wells had gone with his contact to find the informant and bring her up for questioning.
When Heath had said he was going out tonight, Kane had thought it a fortunate circumstance. Now he was as confused as ever. What was Heath doing at this tavern? Certainly not looking for female companionship. At least Kane hoped he wasn’t.
As soon as Wells entered, Kane knew Heath would suspect the worst. But he didn’t have time to explain.
“Did you find the informant?” Kane asked Wells. They had work to do.
Wells stuck his head out the hallway, mumbled something, then a young girl, around twenty, entered the room. The detective closed the door. Kane glanced at Heath, but he kept quiet, no doubt wanting to see what was going to happen. Besides, Heath had been in the military. Surely he would know an interrogation when he saw one.
“This is Flora,” Wells said.
“Hello, Flora. I’m Kane. I heard you might have some information about the missing girls.”
Heath’s stance changed. Where before he had had his arms crossed, now he uncrossed them, leaning forward as if waiting to hear what the girl had to say.
“I’m not sure, but when Millie told me you were asking about any new girls,” she looked at Wells, “I remembered something.”
They all waited for her to continue.
“I’ve noticed from time to time that the back room, where they do private games, is off limits to all of us.”
“Is anyone allowed back there?” Wells asked.
“The owner, Mr. Nichols makes sure no one goes back there. He usually has two blokes guarding the door.”
Kane spoke. “Did you ever see anyone go in or out?”
“Once I saw some men go in. There were three of them, and a woman.”
Now there was a new piece of information.
“Would you be able to point them out if you saw them again?” Wells asked.
The young girl shrugged. “I’m not sure. It was across the room, and they hid their faces a bit. They were wearing hats.”
“How often would you say that room is off limits?” Heath had finally found his voice.
What was his interest? Kane wondered.
She fixed her gaze on Heath. “I would say about every two weeks or so. Sometimes more, sometimes less.”
“And when was the last time that room was guarded?”
“About a two weeks ago, I think. I’m not sure.” Flora’s shoulders shook, obviously distressed.