‘We are well matched by you and your brother, I fancy. The two of you have a reputation for being embarrassingly industrious.’

‘It’s very kind of you to say so.’

‘Your triumphs have not gone unnoticed,’ said the other. ‘And yes, it’s true that, like me, Henry is knee-deep in government business. But there’s always room for manoeuvre where old friends are concerned. Let me have a quiet word with him. If I tell him that Peter Skillen is here, he’ll be more than curious.’

‘I’m most grateful to you.’

‘Am I right in thinking that only a matter of some importance would have brought you here like this?’ Peter gave a firm nod. ‘Leave it to me. Find yourself a seat and keep your fingers crossed.’

After the trials of the journey back to London, it looked as if Peter’s luck might have changed. It was a fillip he certainly needed. Until he’d confronted the Home Secretary, he’d never have peace of mind.

Because he was conscientious and proud of his position as a guardian of the law, Chevy Ruddock was often given difficult assignments. When it was explained to him at the Peacock Inn, the latest one sounded particularly demanding.

‘Am I to work entirely alone?’ he asked.

‘Yes,’ said Yeomans. ‘This is a task ideally suited to you.’

‘That’s why you were chosen, Chevy,’ added Hale. ‘We have faith in you. See it as a badge of honour.’

‘But I’m not sure where to start,’ admitted Ruddock.

‘We’ve given you a detailed description of Giles Clearwater and told you that he’s given to visiting theatres. Begin your search in Covent Garden.’

‘Clearwater is a dandy,’ said Yeomans, ‘and such men love to strut around the city to be noticed. You’ll soon pick up his scent.’

‘I’ll try my best,’ said Ruddock.

‘It’s important that we catch and shake the truth out of him. This fellow is actually daring to go in search of Sir Roger Mellanby’s killer in order to claim the reward money and make us look foolish.’

‘That won’t happen, Mr Yeomans.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Mr Clearwater will never catch the assassin before the Skillen brothers. They always seem to be better at solving murders than anyone else.’

‘Forget them,’ snarled Yeomans. ‘I’ve already warned Paul Skillen to keep out of this investigation. The killer belongs to us. Do you understand?’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘Then get out there and find Clearwater. When I get my hands on that cunning devil, I’ll put the fear of God into him. I’m not letting him steal the glory that rightly belongs to us.’