Gemma nodded. “And so will the rest of London. No one’s candle will get snuffed because we’re being looked for.”

“I wish I could thank Brogan for taking charge of the safe houses when I went invisible,” Barnabus said. Brogan wasn’t one of the few being told that the wake and burial was a ruse. He felt bad about that.

“He’ll look after ’em well,” Fletcher said. “Already let me know Serena was safely moved to a different spot and she ain’t worrying herself into the grave anymore.”

Barnabus was relieved to hear that’d been managed. “She endured a lot at the Mastiff’s hands and still helped Ana and Hollis last year when they were trapped. She even sent us word in time to save Martin. I hope Brogan can find a means of helping her get out of London. It’s the only way she’ll be safe from the Mastiff’s revenge.”

Gemma reached over and set her hand on his. “Fitting, i’n’it, that she’s your final rescue? Saved her from the very person you’re now escaping, who she worked to save others from.”

He hadn’t thought of it that way, but she was right. Since he had to leave behind his rescue efforts in London, this was a fine note to end his work on.

“Chelmsford’s house has been shut and the staff sent off,” Fletcher said. “The Mastiff’s crowing about it, saying he drove the man from Town.”

“Any idea where the baron might have retreated to?” Barnabus asked.

Fletcher shook his head. “Theory is he’s rushing to his country home in Stamford. But some think he’s still in London somewhere.”

“And the Mastiff’s the reason this toff swell is in hiding?” Gemma asked.

“The Mastiff’s working to undermine the role Lord Chelmsford played in a murder trial ages ago in Radlett,” Barnabus said. “We aren’t certain why.”

“The murder of William Weare?” Gemma asked.

She’d pieced that together quickly. “Yes, Chelmsford represented one of the co-conspirators.”

“There’s a waxwork of the man what did the deed, John Thurtell, at Madame Tussaud’s. I read the information there. A gruesome crime, that. Did Lord Chelmsford stand council for the one that walked away or the one that were sent to Botany Bay?”

“Botany Bay.” Fletcher was watching her closely. “What all did you learn about the case?”

“People thought the punishments of them two should’ve been the other way ’round, that the one that sailed to Australia should’ve stayed in England a free man and kept his inn running.”

His inn. Barnabus spoke up. “Sorokin told me he once forged a letter of recommendation for a woman who’d fallen on difficulties and was hoping to find dignified work at an inn like her mother had.”

“Hunt’s inn?” Fletcher asked.