Loving Madison

Sixteen

The sun had descended, and the night blanketed the land. Cameron grumbled, pushing his fingers through his hair, since he'd taken off his wig a few hours ago. He couldn't stay outside Miss Trent's house hiding in the bushes forever. Unfortunately, following her home and spying on her wasn't as productive as he had hoped. Nobody had come to visit the woman, and she didn't go anywhere. It seemed odd that Miss Trent would be such a recluse. Rosie had told him so often how Miss Trent always had people visiting her, and how the woman was always active in the community. Perhaps he'd chosen the wrong day to spy on her. He had a gut feeling that Mr. Bailey's death and Rosie's disappearance were linked. If only he knew why.

However, the night was not wasted. He thought about riding to the Metropolitan Police station. At this time at night, there were only three men working. And...if what he'd overheard between Orwood and Barton at the station, nobody was supposed to know Cameron was considered a suspect. Maybe if he went to the station tonight, he could ask questions to the men working night shift with hopes that one of them saw someone enter with the key to Mr. Bailey's cell. Cameron prayed he'd find a clue. Because only three men worked tonight, Cameron could sneak around the station and poke around for some clues.

He pulled the reins and led the horse out of the bushes near Miss Kent's house. Keeping a sharp eye out for her servants, he quietly mounted his horse and rode toward the station. Disappointment weighed heavy in his chest, making him that much more irritated. He had hoped to find something—anything—while spying on Rosie's friend. But time only passed when his thoughts drifted back to Madison. What was it about her that interested him? It was more than her beauty that held his curiosity. As hard as he tried not to believe in her visions, he found himself wanting to trust her. She should hate him, and yet, she'd been more forgiving toward him than most people he'd known for years.

It was hard to stay away from her. Whenever he drew near to Madison, her eyes lit up like diamonds against a velvety night sky. When he touched her, his heart accelerated, and the contact between them had left him weak in the worst way. How long had it been since he'd reacted so strongly to a woman's touch? He couldn't recall.

Off in the distance, a dog barked, snapping him out of his thoughts. Cameron caught himself smiling like a boy in a candy store, and couldn't believe a woman had made him act this way. He shook away the feelings and frowned. What was he thinking? He couldn't possibly have any sort of relationship with Madison. There was too much going on in his life. And really, he didn't know her well at all. Although, they'd certainly connected earlier while talking in the music room, and again after Miss Trent had left the room with Alice. It surprised him how easily he had opened up his feelings to Madison. He'd never done that before with a woman, much less one he'd only known for a day.

Cameron made it to the station in good time and dismounted before tying his horse inside the barn. The street was empty. He wasn't certain exactly what time of the night it was or if it was the next day already.

He took careful steps when he walked inside, listening to the sounds around him. Hopefully, he was doing the right thing and wouldn't get caught. But Orwood had specifically instructed Barton not to tell anyone. Cameron could only pray that command was still in effect.

Inside the station, it appeared to be deserted. Frowning, he was filled with concern. Shouldn't there be at least two men on duty, so where were they?

Creeping through the building, he looked for those who should have been working tonight. As he started down the back staircase toward the cell block, whispers bounced against the walls in eerie tones. The different noises blended together, and he couldn't decipher the words. Trying to keep his steps quiet, he walked softer and listened to the voices. Finally, the words became recognizable. The men were discussing a certain woman.