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there, Mrs. Bryce.” He held up a hand, palm out. “Do not say another word.”

    “I was merely wondering if your professional services might be for hire,” she said quickly.

    He did not move. “You wish to employ me to break into Hastings’s safe?”

    “Precisely. I failed in my mission tonight, but you are obviously an expert in such matters.” She waved
    one hand to indicate his elegant evening clothes and the handsome, well-sprung carriage in which they
    rode. “Clearly, you have done very well for yourself in the past few years. I realize that you do not need
    to take on clients. But as you plan to open Hastings’s safe anyway, I would be extremely appreciative if
    you would have a little look around while you are at it. I’d be interested in any paperwork relating to a
    brothel. I will make it worth your while.”

    “Mrs. Bryce, I do not take commissions for this sort of thing.”

    “I understand.” She gave him her brightest, most encouraging smile. “But surely an intelligent
    businessman such as yourself would not turn down an offer of compensation from a grateful person.”

    He said nothing at all for an extended length of time.

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    “Well, sir?” she prompted.

    “You are an extraordinary female, Mrs. Bryce.”

    “You are very much out of the ordinary, yourself, sir. I cannot imagine that there are a great many jewel
    thieves who move in Polite Circles.”

    That remark appeared to amuse him. “You’d be surprised, madam. Statistically speaking, I’m sure it is
    safe to say that those who move in elevated circles are no more honest than people who move in other
    spheres.”

    “On that we are agreed, sir,” she said, “but the difference between the two groups is that the highfliers
    are far less likely to pay for their crimes than are those in the lower classes.”

    He cocked a brow. “You sound quite cynical, Mrs. Bryce.”

    “I do not have any illusions about the wealthy and the powerful, sir. I know all too well the damage they
    can cause and how easy it is for them to escape justice. But I do not think this is the time to debate such
    matters, do you?”

    “No,” he said. “We do appear to have more pressing problems.”

    “You no doubt intend to go back to Hastings’s mansion later to finish your project. All I ask is that when
    you open his safe you look around for any documents dealing with Phoenix House. I will be quite happy
    to reimburse you for your trouble.”

    “Assuming I do not get shot dead in the process.”

    “Yes, well, I’m certain you are a very competent burglar, sir. After all, you have survived until now.”
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    “I appreciate your faith in my professional abilities.”

    Hope surged through her. “Well? Will you agree to take the commission?”

    “Why not?” he said, evidently resigned. “It’s not as though I have anything more interesting to do this
    evening.”

    “Excellent.” She gave him another bright smile. “I’ll wait for you in this carriage.”

    “No, you will not, madam. I will take you home first. We will discuss the results of my efforts
    tomorrow.”

    “You do not appear to grasp a pertinent fact here, sir. I am paying you to do this job tonight. As your
    employer, I must insist on staying close by until you have finished the venture.”

    “In other words, you do not entirely trust me.”

    “My apologies, sir. I mean no offense. It is just that I have never had occasion to hire a professional
    thief. I would prefer to keep the arrangements as businesslike as possible.” She hesitated as another
    thought occurred. “By the way, how much do you charge for this sort of thing?”

    His eyes tightened dangerously. “Rest assured, I will give that question close consideration, Mrs. Bryce.”

    3

    A businesslike arrangement. How in blazes had it come to this?