Marcus Edgeley, who coveted a knighthood with every single fibre of his body, tried to weigh up the political advantages of the situation. If he granted the Warrant and a prominent citizen was outraged by the intrusion, he might well be held culpable. However, if he failed to do so and the most infamous murderer of the day should escape, he might well be blamed. On balance, he decided, better to allow the Warrant and if there were any subsequent complaint, then blame the Police, rather than do nothing and be held accountable for his failure in the future. And if Collingwood actually apprehended the fiend, his own part in that success would be beneficial to his ambitions. He puffed out his cheeks again as he pictured himself at his club, pontificating on the fact that the Police case for th
