In the Barrister's Chambers by Tina Gabrielle Page A

known for its many theaters and bawdy music halls. It was attractive to artists and theatergoers alike because it was out of the dominion of the more conservative London moralists. “Why is he there?”
    â€œBess Whitfield had a house there for when she wasn’t performing in London. As Randolph’s cousin, she gave him the key years ago.”
    At the mention of the murdered actress, shock flew through Evelyn. “Bess Whitfield! Is Randolph insane?”
    â€œHe had no other place to hide.”
    â€œHe shouldn’t have run in the first place.” Her voice sounded brusque to her own ears.
    Damnation. She hadn’t intended to criticize Randolph’s actions, but the words were out before she could stop them.
    â€œWord is the Bow Street Runners are searching for him for Bess’s murder.”
    â€œPerhaps if Randolph had stayed behind and answered the constable’s questions, none of this would have occurred.”
    Simon’s kind eyes studied her. “Do you really believe that, Evelyn?”
    Evelyn exhaled. She didn’t know what to believe. Truth be told, there was a good chance Randolph would have been arrested had he not fled from the constable. Randolph had been the one to find Bess Whitfield’s body in her home. His presence there alone would have been suspicious.
    â€œI need to speak with him,” she said. “I have hired a barrister to represent him.”
    â€œA barrister? Who?”
    â€œJack Harding.” She wondered if Simon had heard of Jack, being a university student.
    â€œThe jury master?”
    She looked at Simon in surprise. “You know of him then?”
    â€œSome of his cases and verdicts have been mentioned in the newspapers.”
    â€œMr. Harding suspected that Randolph would reach out to me, but I thought Randolph would come to me himself.”
    â€œYou must know that he could not. It is too risky.”
    â€œMr. Harding needs to speak with him.”
    â€œI can arrange a meeting, but then Randolph will have to go back into hiding. Can we trust this Mr. Harding?”
    â€œWe have no choice.”
    Simon’s face was grim. “I’ll speak with Randolph and send you a note where to meet.”
    Simon nodded at the bonnet she held in her limp hands. Reaching out, he squeezed her shoulder. “Buy that one, Evelyn. It brings out the blue of your eyes.”

Chapter 8
    â€œRandolph wants to meet where ?” Jack scanned the note in his hand and then glared at Evelyn.
    â€œIt makes perfect sense, really,” Evelyn said.
    â€œThe hell it does.” He was so irritated that he did not care if his choice of words was inappropriate before a lady.
    Evelyn crossed Jack’s chambers, sat in the chair across from his desk, and made a show of arranging her skirts before speaking.
    â€œSurely you must understand that Randolph must be cautious,” she said.
    â€œI understand that he is evading the Bow Street Runners to avoid questioning regarding Bess Whitfield’s murder. But I do not understand why he wants to meet at the infamous Cock and Bull Tavern in the frenzied fish market of Billingsgate on a busy Friday afternoon.”
    â€œIt is a safe choice for him. Randolph will not be recognized there.”
    Jack felt his temper rise. “And he has no concern for your safety, your reputation?”
    â€œI will dress appropriately.”
    Pressing both palms flat on the desk, Jack leaned into them and glowered at her. “You think a quick change of your gown and all will be well? Have you not looked at your reflection of late?”
    She swallowed. “We will travel together. It will be dark by the time we leave.”
    â€œNo, Evie. We will not travel anywhere together. I will meet Mr. Sheldon alone.”
    Evelyn’s eyes widened in alarm. “I must go. I have to see Randolph. And Simon said Randolph will not meet with you unless I am present.”
    â€œAnd just who is