“Let’s go into the parlor, shall we?” He directed, and when they entered it, he immediately went to the small bar and poured out two brandies.
“I don’t care for brandy,” she told him.
He acted as if he hadn’t heard her and pressed it into her hand.
“What is this all about? You’re acting very strange.”
He took a deep breath and they both sat on the couch.
“I honestly don’t know how to tell you. I would give anything not to have to tell you this Caroline,” he said, and Caroline saw the tears in his eyes.
“Val, what is it? Please.” Her heart was thudding inside her chest.
He took a deep breath. “A body was found this morning in St. Regents Park.”
“No. Not another one,” she said staring down into the glass.
“It seems it’s the same killer. There was a primrose found on her.”
Caroline shook her head. “He’s a mad man.”
“Caroline. Listen to me. I saw the body. I know who it was. And she’s been identified by her family.”
“She has? Who is she?”
“Caroline, it’s Prudence Finch.”
“Prudence? Oh no. You’re mistaken. Prudie was at the supper last night. She was there, you saw her.”
“I did.”
“So, you’ll have to tell them it was a mistake. It’s someone else.”
“It’s not someone else. I saw her myself. I remembered her from the party. And her family has identified her.”
“No,” Caroline shook her head.
“Caroline.”
“What is this?” The glass she was holding fell to the floor as she turned to him. “What’s going on? Why was my sister killed and now my dearest friend? Why are women being hunted down and killed in London—why? Am I next? Am I?” She said, her voice rising.
“I was just as shocked when I saw her. I had hoped there wouldn’t be a fifth victim. I had hoped to stop him long before now.”
“But you haven’t. You haven’t stopped him! You’ve let him do this. How long has my sister been dead and nothing has been done. And now Prudie is gone.”
“Caroline, please. You don’t how many people we’ve interviewed trying to link the murders together to find a common thread. I do have a lead but—“
“But what?” She stood up and he stood as well. “What? Instead of trying to seduce me at every turn—“
He grabbed her arms. “Caroline! I know you’re overwrought and I know this news is dreadful but you can’t do this. You can’t blame me! I’m trying to find the killer. I’m trying to get justice for these women.”
She wrested out of his grip. “Are you? Five women are dead in this city, and you’re no closer to finding the killer than you were with the first victim.”
Val looked away. “I don’t want to fight with you. I am sorry about this. I truly am.”
Caroline said nothing.
Val nodded. “I didn’t mean to upset you. I knew you were at Claridge’s so I came to tell you what had happened.”