The problem was, a magistrate would not see it that way. Buying a woman like this was enough to condemn any man. Thankfully, Avery had spent years as a spy for king and country. He was used to controlling his reactions and finding ways out of impossible situations. He turned to Cady.
“Leave this to me. I’ll find out who the man is, and when I do, there will be justice,” he vowed. Cady nodded and returned to the other Runners, leaving Avery alone. Avery headed for the madam’s office, wanting to see what was left of the ledgers. He saw a small fireplace against the back wall opposite the desk. Three fat ledgers with marbleboard bindings were still smoldering on the hearth. Ashes littered the ground beneath the grate where the ledgers had been tossed.
Avery knelt down and carefully peeled b
