‘This is the unfortunate target,’ insisted Yeomans, looking down at the dead body. ‘There’s no doubting that.’ Turning to Paul, he curled a lip. ‘But I can see that I was perhaps too hasty in laying his murder at your door.’

‘I accept your apology, Micah.’

‘It was not an apology, just a statement of fact.’ He extended a palm. ‘I’ll take charge now. Give me that purse. It belongs with his other effects.’

‘At least let me find out who he is.’

‘That’s our responsibility, Skillen. You’ve no jurisdiction here.’

‘I’m an interested party.’

‘Hand over that money. We’ll take care of it.’ Seeing Paul’s reluctance, he snapped his fingers. ‘Be quick about it, man!’

‘He’s wearing a wedding ring, so the money belongs to his wife. Make sure that the purse reaches her without a penny missing.’

Yeomans swelled up with righteous indignation. ‘I’ve sworn to uphold the law,’ he said, beating his chest. ‘My integrity is beyond question. Due process will be followed, I guarantee. My first task will be to find out who he is.’

‘Then you’ll need this,’ said Paul, stooping to pick up a hat from the ground. ‘That bloodstained hole is where the ball passed through as it burrowed into his brain.’

‘Why the devil should I need his hat?’

‘It will tell you where to start your search. Unless I’m mistaken, this hat was made at Bayley’s in Jermyn Street. It bears all their hallmarks. They’ll know who bought it.’ He thrust it into the Runner’s hands. ‘Do your job properly for once.’

Before Yeomans could protest, Paul let himself into the theatre and went in search of Hannah. He had a strong feeling that he’d be needed.

It was ironic. In the course of her career, Hannah had been a princess, a queen and even an empress on many occasions. She had a natural aptitude for such roles. Faced with genuine royalty, however, she found herself almost speechless. As he gazed covetously at her body, the Prince Regent did something that took her completely by surprise. Extracting a snuff box from his pocket, he held it in his left hand, opened it with the other, then took out a sizeable pinch before introducing it to his nose and inhaling it with all the force he could muster. Hannah winced at the disgusting noise. Putting the box away, her visitor plucked a handkerchief from his sleeve to dust away the residue. He was about to take a step closer to Hannah when he was diverted by the sound of an argument outside the door. Next moment, it was flung open and Paul entered with Alfred Hale vainly trying to hold him back.