I was all for discovering the truth, but it was going to be a dangerous enterprise. These brutes could realize we were tracking them and confront us. Not to mention the ever-present threat of Mr. Mulholland and his noses. Our search had stumbled across something far more perilous than just a clue: a woman had died in hideous circumstances; another was sorely injured. Perhaps not by the hands of these two dustmen, but they were a part of it. This was no longer something we could handle alone.

By the time we peered around the edge of the wall into the laneway, Gib and Reed were turning the cart into Bedford Street and I had come to a realization that was not going to sit well with Evan. I touched his arm, drawing his attention from Bedford Street and our quarry.

“I think we must speak to Mr. Kent about the girls and the wager book,” I said. “As soon as possible.”

He stared at me, perplexed. “Why would we do that? The man is trying to hang me.”

Admittedly, that was true. “But we have new evidence and Mr. Kent is a reasonable man. Once he has seen it, I am sure—” I stopped. Was I sure? “I believe he will rethink your guilt and investigate with us. He is known for such attention to the facts and he has helped us before.”

Evan crossed his arms. “The last time we offered him facts, he said he did not care and tried to shoot me.”

True again. But another glaring truth cut through all else. “There is no one else official we can trust in the Runners or the Home Office, is there?”

It was Evan’s turn to concede the point. “What do you propose, then?”

A plan had started to form. “We meet Mr. Kent at my house as soon as we know the full story here. Then we can present our case about the club—tell him where the body of poor Miss Hollis ends up—and show him the wager page.” I clicked my tongue in irritation. “I should have taken the most recent page, too, with Miss Hollis in it.” I shook my head. “No, someone would have noticed. Perhaps it is better that it stays where it is.” He still looked unconvinced. “Mr. Kent will help us, Evan. Besides, you will be able to see Hester too. A visit from you will help her recovery. I am sure of it,” I added, trying to seal the deal.

Evan sighed. “I must see Hester. I owe it to her and so much more.” He looked down the laneway again. “If we are to involve Mr. Kent, we need to give him incontrovertible proof of a body. Come on, we must not lose sight of the cart.”

He was right. Evidence was everything.