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Abbott strode between them, bristling with disapproval. “Have either of you considered how vexed the earl will be when he returns home to find the family reputation ruined by rumors? Or how this will affect Miss Gideon?”

Silence fell like a curtain. Dust motes floated through the single shaft of light that pierced the gloom.

Julius’s mind raced. Audrey’s name spoken aloud tugged at the carefully braced strands of his restraint. She had sacrificed her peace and good name to assist him. Now she was spoken of in terms of consequence rather than courage.

Encouraged that he had caught their attention, Abbott inhaled deeply as though to calm himself. “This is as rash as anything you hope to provoke the killer into doing. We must calculate a better strategy than this. Each time we attempt to uncover the killer, we have made things worse. It is time to take what we know to the Home Office. If the killer makes a run for it, so be it. It is not worth risking anyone’s safety.”

The reaction Julius felt was instinctive, a pulse that flared through his chest. To allow the murderous fiend to escape? After all they had been through, all the work they had done to uncover the facts they now possessed? He would not stand for it.

“I am not ready to give up. Once the killer knows a public investigation has been opened, he will disappear. He must pay for killing Lord Filminster and for hurting the baroness. And what of Michaels? Does he have a say in this since he, too, has been assaulted? Do you forget he was forced to kill another servant to save your sister?”

Abbott stared back at him, a helpless expression on his face. “Do you think that does not keep me awake at night? I think of nothing else!”

Brendan raked his hand through his hair, staring into space as he considered the arguments. “What of your father, Trafford? When does he return?”

“I do not know. He left for the Continent but did not provide any details, so he could be gone a few days or several weeks.”

“We shall discuss all these options with the duke. If we agree to proceed, when will you return home?” Brendan’s response was a reasonable one. Halmesbury and Lord Saunton had proved reliable allies in the past, and Halmesbury knew the Home Secretary well. Considering the duke’s father-in-law had been the murder victim, it seemed ill-advised to exclude him from the final decision.

“Miss Gideon wishes me another day or two of rest before I put myself in any danger. Even with runners posted in the house and here at Aunt Gertrude’s, she does not advise physical exertion.”

“That is excellent because we need a day or two to put men in place if we proceed with the plan. But … what of Miss Gideon? Abbott is right that the damage to her reputation will be much worse if we fan the flames of rumor making the rounds.”

Julius did not wish to discuss his intentions. He would take care of Audrey, but the particulars were not yet settled. She deserved to hear from him before his friends did. He owed her that—a private promise, not a public declaration.

“That is my concern,” he replied.

Abbott scowled, keeping his distance but his ire on display. “That young lady saved your life!”

Being berated did not sit well, but Julius understood he was debating with two men who had recently chosen to do the honorable thing. Brendan had married Abbott’s sister in July under a cloud of controversy because of the drama created by providing him with an alibi, and Abbott had taken his vows just a week ago to abate a similar crisis.

“I am aware … and I will take care of her.”

Though the path forward remained uncertain, of one thing he was entirely sure—he would not allow Audrey to suffer for her bravery. She had offered her reputation without hesitation. It was now his turn to shield her from the cost.

“Blast this intrigue!” Abbott cursed, his face flushed. “I am not made for underhanded ploys!”

Julius was tempted to mock the younger man, to resort to his customary glibness, but he chose the course of logic instead.

“We have all endured great ordeals these past weeks. The two of you were forced to marry under duress.” Julius grimaced. As I will soon be. “But all we have been through, all the trials we have borne for the sake of justice, will be for naught if this fiend escapes unpunished. All three of the suspects possess funds and can slip away to never be heard of again, and I will not stand for it.”

Brendan straightened, his expression turning to one of resolve. “I shall discuss the options with the other parties. Mayhap there will be a better plan if we put our heads together.”

“I, for one, must vehemently refute any plan that damages Miss Gideon’s reputation any further. She is an innocent young lady and deserves to be considered in this … this … foolishness!”

The inference that Julius was unconcerned about Audrey aggravated him worse than anything Abbott had ever said to him.

“It was Miss Gideon’s idea!”

Abbott blinked, his expression one of dismay at this revelation.

“Ahem.”

The feminine throat clearing made the men flinch in surprise. They turned in unison to find Audrey standing in the doorway. Her dainty slippers had muffled the sound of her approach, which was rather galling, considering they were meant to have their wits about them in the event of someone attempting to invade the premises.

“There is too much activity out in the alley. A delivery wagon blocks the way, and a groom is loitering on the other side. I came to alert you gentlemen that at least one of you must remain here for a little while yet.”

Julius nodded in acknowledgment. Audrey inclined her head, then turned on her heel to hurry back to her post, leaving all three of them to watch her departure.