“That, we do not know. Yet. We found no evidence of tampering or sabotage when we went over the building, which was challenging given the number of people supposedly guarding the mill. He was a poor man. He spoke broken English, heavily accented, and he had been out of work for some time. Perhaps he was partaking in a bit of looting.”

“The local magistrate said they were having trouble with scavengers. He’d instituted a watch on the place and installed some fencing,” Daniel offered. “However, the tie to the Resistenza cannot be ignored. What if Todisco was sent in to finish what the flour-dust explosion started? Blow up the mill and stop the refit from taking place?”

“We’ll know more six days hence. It appears, though I have tried to keep my investigation of anarchists and your murder case apart, they have become intertwined. Just as well Haverly wants you to attend the rally. Perhaps it will lead you to the killer.”

“Are you certain Lady Juliette should go?” Daniel asked. “It hardly seems the place for any female, much less one like her.”

Sir Bertrand shrugged, spreading his hands. “Haverly says to take her along. She will be heavily disguised. I assure you, when I’m finished with my niece, you won’t recognize her.”

“Pardon me, but I do not care to be discussed as if I am not here or cannot think or speak for myself.” Lady Juliette’s back straightened, and her dark eyes narrowed.

Daniel still didn’t like the idea, but he had no control over Lady Juliette. This wasn’t a police matter where he had some authority. This was an agency matter, where Sir Bertrand, and ultimately the Duke of Haverly, held sway.

A tap sounded on the secret door, and from somewhere Sir Bertrand produced a small pistol, aiming it at the center of the top door panel.

“Sir Bertrand.”

The gentleman relaxed, lowering his pistol. “Come in, Pultney.”

The Thorndike butler opened the door a crack. “I beg your pardon, sirs, milady. Miss Montgomery is downstairs, most distressed. She says she must see Lady Juliette, and though I told her the lady was not receiving, she insisted. She claims she will wait all night if need be. Short of throwing her out on the street, there was little I could do. Mrs. Dunstan has prepared a tea tray, and I’ve put Miss Montgomery in the morning room.”

Lady Juliette was already on her feet and moving toward the door. “Perhaps you should come too, Mr. Swann. She may have some information related to her father’s murder.”

Daniel looked to Sir Bertrand, who waved toward the door. “Go. I will see you at the rally.”

He remained behind as Daniel gathered the report on the latest victim and followed Juliette down the dark, secret staircase to the hallway on the second floor.