Page 86 of A Dangerous Vision

“Why?”

“I need to speak to Pennington.”

She approached and Gideon stepped away from the door.

“I thought you intended that we would speak to him together,” she said, not bothering to hide her consternation. “That is why the butler went to inform him we’re here.”

“I know who is here with him.”

“Who?”

The drawing room door opened, and they both turned as Miss Faraday stepped into the room.

“Inspector Pierce,” she said as she strode toward him, then tipped a look toward Electra. “And Miss Poole.”

She lifted her gaze to Gideon again. “Burton told me of your arrival, and I believe he informed you that my uncle is occupied. Might I assist you in some way?”

“I’m afraid not, Miss Faraday. It is your uncle I am here to see. Will his visitor depart soon?”

“Oh.” The question seemed to make her uncomfortable. “I am not sure when his visitor will depart.”

“Could you let him know that it is vital I speak with him?” Gideon asked her.

The young woman glanced at Electra, then back at Gideon. “Is this about my uncle’s murder? Have you found who did this? Please tell me you have.”

“I have information that your uncle will wish to hear. Details he asked me to convey to him as soon as I discovered them.” Gideon slid a look at Electra. “I…have found something he was looking for. Would you tell him that?”

The young lady stared at him so long that it felt unsettling. “What did you find?”

“I’m afraid I would rather convey that information to your uncle privately.”

The young lady sighed. “Well, I will urge Burton remind him that you are waiting. If you’ll both please wait in the drawing room, I’ll see to having some tea brought up for you.”

“That won’t be necessary,” Electra told her with a congenial half-smile.

“Tea sounds just the thing,” Gideon said in contradiction, a tight smile on his face.

The young woman glanced at Electra, then Gideon. “Very well. I shall go and see to its preparation.”

“Why on earth do you suddenly want tea?” Electra whispered once the young lady departed.

“I don’t.” Gideon stepped toward the drawing room door that Miss Faraday had left open a few inches.

Scanning the hall beyond it, he spotted no one. Then he gestured for Electra to follow him. The sound of someone coughing grew louder, and it was clearly coming from an open door at the far end of the hall, where the warm glow of gaslight spilled out.

Gideon was not surprised to find Gordon Callister in the study with Lance Pennington. The younger Pennington stood with their back to him, and Callister was seated in a wingback near a waning fire.

“Mr. Pennington, the interruption was necessary,” Gideon said.

“Gideon,” Electra whispered at the same moment Lance Pennington turned to face him.

He looked more haggard than when Gideon had spoken to him previously.

“Have you found her?” Pennington rasped, then surged forward.

Callister rose from his chair and stepped into the younger man’s path. “Calm yourself, Pennington.”

At that moment, Gideon noted the smell of alcohol and noted the half-empty decanter on the desk.