CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
“Forgive my impropriety, Doctor, but expediency is of the utmost concern.” Officer Hamilton glanced at the valet stooping over the steaming, linen-lined bathtub. Then he turned his back to peer out the window at the night-shrouded Great Pulteney Street below.
“Certainly.” Polidori shrugged off his muddy topcoat and let it fall to the floor. “My man’s discretion is assured.”
The valet poured in the final pail of hot water, stirred the tub with his hand to ensure it was temperate, then assisted Polidori with the removal of his ruined couture. The outer garments would need to be burned. The undergarments could perhaps be salvaged with a day of boiling. His pocket watch was secure in the vest’s fob pocket and appeared sound.
“The body has been delivered to your basement,
