Bedford Street Brigade 02 - Love Unbidden Read Online Free

before.”
    “That we’ve discovered.” Baron Paxton’s son’s tone was harsh. His words unforgiving.
    “Please, Carter, we have guests.” Paxton turned to Quinn and Jack. “Gentlemen, allow me to introduce my son Carter. Carter, Mr. Walker and Mr. Conway of the Bedford Street Brigade.”
    Paxton’s eyebrows lifted. “You’re Bedford Street investigators? I’ve heard impressive reports of your accomplishments. But I hear your services come at a hefty price. Are you taking on charity cases now? Or is Paxton Import indirectly paying your fees with money stolen from our profits.”
    Quinn experienced an instant dislike for the younger Paxton. He would bear investigating.
    “Who pays our fees is of no importance to anyone except us, Mr. Paxton.”
    “It is when it could be money Dunston stole from us.”
    “If it is, I guarantee your money will be returned to you.”
    “Sit down, Carter,” Lord Paxton said to his son. “I’m sure the investigators haven’t come for a social call, but have a few questions they’d like to ask us.”
    Quinn and Jack took the seats Baron Paxton indicated. “Thank you, Lord Paxton. Yes, in fact we do have a question for you. Could you tell us when you first realized there was money missing from Paxton Import?”
    “Actually, my son first realized money was missing. When was that Carter?”
    “Nearly a month ago. I reviewed the shipping ledgers and found discrepancies in the number of crates of cargo that should have been aboard one of our ships, and the actual number of crates unloaded.”
    “Has this happened before?”
    “Not to my knowledge,” the younger Paxton said. “But that doesn’t mean anything. Dunston happens to be a very clever man. He could have been stealing from us for years, but small amounts no one noticed. This time he simply got greedy and took an amount that couldn’t be hidden.”
    “Is that what you think, too, Lord Paxton?” Quinn asked.
    Paxton looked uncertain. “I suppose that’s the only explanation, but it’s hard to believe Henry Dunston is a thief. He’s always been such a conscientious, hard-working employee. And such a nice family. Two little ones, and another on the way.”
    “Which is undoubtedly why he stole. To support his growing family,” Paxton’s son interjected.
    “Did you confront Mr. Dunston when you discovered there were cases of cargo missing?”
    “No,” Paxton’s son said. “What use would that have been? He would only have denied knowing anything about it.”
    “I see,” Quinn said.
    “Is there anything else?” Baron Paxton asked.
    “No, that’s it for now,” Quinn said, then rose. Jack rose with him. “Thank you for your time, Lord Paxton. Mr. Paxton. I appreciate your help.”
    “Not at all,” the elder Paxton said. “If there’s anything else we can help you with, don’t hesitate to ask.”
    “Oh, there is one more thing,” Quinn asked. “Is Mr. Dunston the only person who clerks for Paxton Import?”
    “No, no, he shares an office with Mr. Phineas Wharton.”
    “Would you mind if we spoke to Mr. Wharton?”
    “Not at all. Feel f ree to ask him anything you wish.” Paxton turned to his son. “Carter, tell Wharton to cooperate with Mr. Walker and Mr. Conway.”
    “Of course, Father.”
    “Thank you again, my lord. Mr. Paxton.”
    A footman appeared to show them out. Quinn waited until they were several steps away from Paxton’s town house before he spoke. “Find out what you can about Carter Paxton, Jack.”
    “You think he’s involved?”
    “I think he’s spoiled and angry and far too eager to put the blame on Henry Dunston.”
    “I can’t help but agree. What are you going to do?”
    “I’m going to stop at the Metropolitan Police Office to see Dunston. I have a few more questions to ask him. Then I’ll go to Dunston’s home. Mrs. Dunston is leaving for the country in the morning. I need to make sure she’s ready.”
    Jack gave Quinn a jaunty nod, then Quinn turned to the