Mystified, I lifted the envelope and peered inside. It held banknotes.

“Daniel . . .”

Daniel broke in quickly. “I pay Thanos for lending me his mathematical brain. I pay Lewis to drive me where I wish. I pay James to run hither and yon for me, and a few other scamps to keep an eye out when I need it. Why should I not give you your share?”

I was not the mathematical genius Mr. Thanos was, but I could swiftly count money.

“Daniel, there is ten quid here.” I took out the notes, large and ruffling. “I cannot accept so much. A few bob, possibly, but never this.”

“You can, and I hope you will. You do much for everyone.” Daniel gave me his melting smile. “Put it aside for Grace and the tea shop you plan to open.”

He knew exactly how to get around me, did this man. I slid the money into the envelope and laid it on the table. “It is far too extravagant. You do not have to pay me. I am not a shopkeeper.”

Daniel sighed in resignation and reached for the envelope. “Ah, well. It was a faint hope.”

I pressed my hand to it. “On the other hand, it is ten quid.”

Daniel laughed and withdrew. I plucked up the envelope and closed it into my notebook.

He was right, such funds would be handy for Grace. When I had my tea shop, I’d pay him back from the proceeds.

“Now that we have settled that, I have a question.” I lifted the teapot, determined to savor every last drop. “When the explosion happened at Coldbath Fields, I saw you there.”

Daniel held out his cup for more of the dark amber liquid. “I know you did. Wherever there is trouble . . .”

“That man with you,” I said before he could make a joke of it. “Who was he? Is he who you work for?”

I did not expect a straight answer. Therefore, I was surprised when Daniel sent me a quiet nod. “He is. I can’t tell you his name. But yes.”

I recalled the tall, spare man with the spectacles, who gazed about him with such derision. I shivered. “He has cold eyes.”

“And a cold heart.” Daniel traced the handle of his teacup. “But he is brilliant, and he has the respect of the Yard. Or the terror of it—I’m not certain. One reason we discovered and captured the villains who killed Nurse Betts, without Naismith being able to stop us, was because of him.”

“I see.” I felt a chill. A man that criminals as nasty as Naismith feared was not a man to run afoul of. “And you work for him? Why?”

“Not a thing I chose.” Daniel kept his eyes on the steaming tea. “It was chosen for me.” He paused a long moment. “And there is the rub.”