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suspicion will automatically fall on me because we are connected.”
    “Not if I take all the credit for myself and insist you knew nothing.”
    He grimaced. “I don’t like this, Diana.”
    “Neither do I.”
    He reached for her hand and brought it to his lips. “Just be careful. This place is not what it seems, and your employers might appear benign—even the ladies—but they aren’t stupid.”
    She patted his shoulder. “I know. The countess is all charm and sweetness, but I detect a spine of steel and the ruthless mind of a warrior beneath that.”
    “Then be wary, Di. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
    “It’s too late for that.” She smiled brilliantly. “But I’ve learned my lesson well, and I don’t intend to lose this time.”
    Nico shook his head and walked to the door. “Good-bye, love. I’m off to report to Mr. Maclean.”
     
    “Mr. Maclean, I cannot investigate a member of my own family. It would be unethical and any evidence I presented you with would be biased in her favor.”
    Nicodemus Theale sat forward, one hand on his familiar notebook, the other gripping the arm of the chair.
    Alistair frowned. “So, are you saying that no one investigated Lady Theale before she took this job?”
    “I should imagine the Countess of Westbrook did her own investigating, sir. She certainly has the ability.”
    “But she didn’t ask you.”
    “No, sir. If she had I would’ve refused just as I am doing now.”
    Alistair gave a reluctant nod. He might not like it, but he respected the man’s ethics. “Do you think Lady Theale is suitable for the position?”
    “Yes, sir, I do. She managed my father and his estate for the last five years of his life.”
    “But I understand he left her nothing.”
    “That’s because she stood up for me. His two legitimate children disliked her and hated me. They convinced my father that he was being swindled by the pair of us—when, in fact, the opposite was true. Diana was simply trying to save what was left of the estate from the constant depravations of the pair of them.”
    “I suppose they considered her an interloper. She was a lot younger than your father, I understand.”
    “Yes, sir, she was.”
    Alistair reminded himself to check into the details of the Theale inheritance issue. It might prove interesting.
    “Do you know where she met your father?”
    “I have no idea, sir. You would have to ask Lady Theale.” Nicodemus put his notebook away, signaling the interview was at an end. “Is there anything else I can help you with, Mr. Maclean?”
    “There is one more thing. Have you ever heard of a place called the Demon Club?”
    Nicodemus went still. “I have, sir.”
    “Is it a respectable gaming house?”
    “It’s . . .” Nicodemus shook his head. “It’s a den of iniquity where a man might lose his soul and never recover it.”
    “That makes sense,” Alistair murmured. “If one was in debt to such a place, would one be in trouble?”
    “One would. With all due respect, Mr. Maclean, if you owe them money I suggest you do everything in your power to repay that debt as soon as possible. If you do not, the club will consider you fair game.”
    “And what exactly would that mean? Would they come after me?”
    “If they had to.” Nicodemus actually shuddered. “If you cannot pay, they consider you as collateral.”
    “In what sense?”
    “They’ll use you to repay the debt by whatever means they choose.”
    “That doesn’t sound good at all.”
    “It isn’t, sir. As I said, if you owe them a single penny, pay it back immediately.”
    “I’ll bear that in mind, Mr. Theale.” Alistair considered for a moment. “If you have any other information about the club, please let me know. It might come in handy later.”
    “For your sake, I hope not, sir.” Nicodemus bowed. “I must be off. I have several other matters to investigate for Lord Keyes.”
    “Then thank you for your time.”
    Alistair waited until his companion had closed