Silk and Shadows(48)

He had been a softheaded fool, and he and Sara would both end up paying a high price for his weakness. The betrothal must be broken, but since she would not see him except in a crowded social setting, he would have to find another way to achieve his end. The vague plan in the back of his mind was thoroughly dishonorable, but he would resort to it if necessary. And next time, he would not let Sara's honest, accusing brown eyes keep him from his purpose.

* * *

Benjamin Slade settled his reading glasses on his nose with lawyerly precision and lifted a paper from one of the files stacked on the desk in front of him. "Following your suggestions, I have compiled a remarkable dossier on Sir Charles Weldon. I would not have believed a gentleman could be guilty of such wickedness and hypocrisy had I not seen the evidence myself.''

He paused and peered over the top of his glasses. "Bear in mind that there are two categories of evidence here. Some of it is so conclusive that any judge or jury in Great Britain would be convinced. However, there are other crimes that Weldon is surely guilty of, but where the evidence will not stand in court."

"I understand the distinction," Peregrine said, lounging back in his chair and crossing his legs. "It is neither necessary nor possible to prove all his crimes. I just want to know that we have enough to hang him." Correctly interpreting Slade's doubtful expression, he added with a humorless smile, "I speak metaphorically. Frankly, I think hanging is too good for Sir Charles Weldon."

Slade blinked. Then, surprisingly, he said, "I'm inclined to think you are right." His gaze returned to the paper in his hand. "To summarize, Weldon owns all the brothels you listed. He also appears to own several other brothels and two or three illegal gaming hells, though I can't prove it in most cases because the transfer of money is in cash, with minimal records. Except for Mrs. Kent's house, he seldom makes a personal visit to his own bawdy houses, preferring to channel funds through intermediaries. The most important of these is a man called Kane, who lives in Weldon's household and is described as a personal secretary."

Peregrine nodded. "That doesn't surprise me. I met Kane a couple of times. Silent and dangerous, not at all deferential. Looks like a former soldier."

"He could be. I have been unable to learn anything of his history before he began working for Weldon some fifteen years ago." Slade set one paper down and lifted another. "While Kane's background is mysterious, his criminal talent is vital to Weldon's illicit businesses. He collects money, terrorizes anyone who doesn't cooperate, and generally keeps things running smoothly. Each brothel has at least one guard who has been recruited from the London underworld and who reports directly to Kane. Rather like a private army. Overt violence is committed either by Kane or one of the brothel guards, which makes it difficult to connect Weldon directly with criminal activity."

The lawyer gave a slight, satisfied smile. "However, I have been able to acquire some useful affidavits. For example, in the case of Mrs. Kent's appalling establishment, Miss Miller not only overheard Weldon and Kent discussing his ownership, but she herself saw money change hands and will testify.''

Peregrine smiled, amused. Jenny might have seen what she claimed, but he considered it more likely that she had made the incident up as a way of getting back at Weldon. Better not to mention the latter possibility to Benjamin, who might be shocked at the prospect of someone lying under oath. Peregrine was less scrupulous. All he cared about was that if the girl lied, she would do it convincingly, and he suspected that she would.

As he knew from experience, it was hard to be over-concerned with the niceties of the law when one has lived outside it. "I imagine that all this information has cost a fortune in bribes."

"I prefer not to use the term bribe," Slade said blandly, "but, yes, substantial amounts have been expended. You did give me the authority."

"I'm not complaining. Spend whatever is necessary." Though Peregrine seldom smoked, he leaned forward and took a cigar from the box on his host's desk. "Were you able to establish if Weldon is involved with those ships I told you to investigate?"

Slade nodded, his gray eyes like chipped ice. "I was. The ownership is indirect, and I had to follow a convoluted trail through several sham companies. However, because of the laws and government registrations involved, his guilt can be proved beyond doubt, unlike most of the brothel ownerships."

As exultation surged through him, Peregrine trimmed the end of the cigar. So he was right—his enemy was as evil as expected, and stupid or arrogant enough to leave a trail for anyone clever enough to know where to look. "What about Weldon's legitimate businesses?"