Page 32

“But you improved as the day progressed?” Gideon asked, brows arched. “A constable attempted to call last evening, and a maid answered, telling him you were out.”

Gideon could tell Callister was clenching his jaw by the shift of muscles in his cheek.

“I did go out for a bit last evening.” He smiled tightly. “Gentlemanly pursuits.”

“Despite your illness.” Gideon arched a brow.

Callister gave him a withering stare. “The worst has passed, and I had been housebound too long. A man has needs, Inspector.”

The comment inspired immediate disdain, and Gideon felt his lips tightening, but he tamed his expression. It wouldn’t do to sneer at the man.

“You went to the Rosebud Club?”

“No, not the club itself. But I was in the company of a congenial young lady who I’d once met there for much of the evening.”

“Are you married, Mr. Callister?”

“Widowed, Inspector.” The parliamentarian frowned. “How is that relevant?”

“Merely a question, sir.” Gideon refused to lower his gaze. “So the last time you saw Mr. Pennington was at what hour?”

Tipping his head to gaze up at the ceiling, Callister took a long while to ponder the question. “It must have been around two in the afternoon, and he stayed for perhaps half an hour or so. We shared a cup of tea and he departed.”

“May I ask the nature of that conversation?”

Callister bristled. “We discussed several pieces of legislation that will be coming up for debate in the House. We agreed that we'd be at certain events in the coming days. It's shocking to think that he won't be there.”

As Gideon bent his head to note Callister’s answers, he felt the man assessing him again.

“He was attacked with a knife according to the papers,” Callister said quietly. “Who would do such a thing?”

Gideon lifted his head. “Do you know of anyone, Mr. Callister, who might wish Mr. Pennington harm? I have reason to believe it was someone known to Mr. Pennington. Likely someone who knew him well.”

“Christ.”

“That surprises you?”

“Of course, it surprises me.” Callister emptied his glass and sat it down hard on the table at his side. “Percival was a decent chap. An excellent barrister. Smart as a whip. Amusing. Particularly when he was in his cups, of course.”

The man was painting a glowing portrait, and yet his reaction about the Rosebud Club was telling. And then there was the matter of what the Pennington staff had overheard, and Lance Pennington’s cryptic comment.

“So an affable man, and yet he seemed to have at least one enemy,” Gideon said, watching Callister’s response.

“Apparently,” Callister bit out. “Tragically.”

“In twenty years, I would assume there were conflicts between yourself and Mr. Pennington.”

Callister scoffed. “Yes, I suspect there were, of course. There were bound to be arguments.”

“An argument between the two of you was overheard last week at Mr. Pennington’s townhouse. Do you recall the nature of that disagreement?”

“Yes.” Callister ground his teeth again. “I take it a servant overheard us. You’d think they’d afford their master a bit of loyalty.” He waved his hand dismissively. “As you say, we disagreed.”

“You threatened him, Mr. Callister?”

“Balderdash. What I said was meant as hyperbole, Inspector Pierce. Something blurted in a moment of anger.”

“And what topic caused your anger?” Gideon pressed.