A half hour later, Caro and Fanny arrived at the offices of the Bow Street runners in a hackney carriage. Before departing, she had dashed off a note to her sister, begging her to cover for her by informing their mother that not only was Caro there, but she had decided to stay for supper. That should buy her a few hours.
They entered the offices, which contained the same crush of humanity that had greeted them three days before. Oh, God, it would take forever to find someone to assist them, and they had no time at all. Poor Billy had been taken by God knows who, and if they didn’t get there by dusk—
Caro spotted a familiar face striding toward the door. “Mr. Ragsdale! Mr. Ragsdale!” she cried, hurrying over.
Recognition crossed Mr. Ragsdale’s face. Recognition and annoyance. “Lady Carol
