The Edge of Dreams by Rhys Bowen Page A

well—something he’d have boasted about to his friends.”
    Daniel shook his head firmly. “Molly—what have we just been talking about? It’s quite possible that the train wreck today was caused because someone wanted to kill you.” He held up his hand. “I know it’s far-fetched. It could well be that our killer is deranged and delusional and gets a thrill from claiming responsibility for such a dramatic accident, but really had nothing to do with it. Nevertheless, we have to take his words seriously and consider the fact that you may be in danger. So the last thing I’d want you to do is to blunder into the middle of the spider’s web.”
    “I could disguise myself,” I said. “I’ve done it before—I’ve even dressed as a street urchin myself.”
    He laughed now. “I don’t expect you fooled anybody for more than a second,” he said.
    “I’ll have you know that some boy was ready to fight me for taking over his patch as a crossing sweeper,” I said.
    Daniel snorted. “Molly, listen to me. I am sharing some details of this case with you because you’ve got a good head on your shoulders and you seem to bring a fresh perspective—and because it appears you might be personally involved. But I am not allowing you to go looking for trouble. You are to stay put and heal from your injuries. And that is an order.”
    “An order?” I sat up straight now. “You think you can order me around, Daniel Sullivan?”
    I was staring him straight in the eye.
    “You’re wanting to do field investigation on my case, and I give the orders to my team of officers,” he said. “And as your husband, I’ll do anything within my power to keep you safe.” He reached out and stroked my hair, which was hanging loose over my shoulders. “I don’t want to lose you, Molly. I nearly lost you and Liam earlier this year. I want to be able to get on with my work, knowing that you are both out of harm’s way. Don’t you understand that?”
    His hand caressing my hair had a disturbing effect. All the fight evaporated from me. “I do understand, Daniel, and you’re right. It would be like offering myself as bait, and I can’t do that.” At least not yet, I added silently.
    “Did I mention recently that you have lovely hair?” he said, looking at me with a sparkle of desire in his eyes. “You’re a very attractive woman.”
    “Don’t get any ideas, Daniel. I’ve ribs that are all strapped up and hurt me to breathe.”
    “And a minute ago you were suggesting running all over town talking to street urchins,” he said. “But don’t worry. I’ll save the thought for later, when we’re back in our own home.” He stood up. “I should be going. I haven’t had a thing to eat since God knows when.”
    “I’m sure Sid and Gus could find you something.”
    He shook his head. “No, thanks. I’m not in a mood for small talk and politeness. I’d rather pick up a pint and a sausage in a bar.” He bent to kiss me. “Stay put and stay safe, my love. Don’t do anything foolish. I’ll stop by in the morning with the details I promised you on the various notes and murder victims, and you can ponder them at leisure.”
    “Maybe Sid and Gus would have some brilliant thoughts,” I said. “Three heads are better than one, and they are both highly educated women.”
    “Oh, no, please.” Daniel held up his hand. “I must insist that you mention none of this to your friends. This is an ongoing police investigation, Molly. I am only including you this once as I feel I owe it to you to be as informed as possible. But it cannot be discussed with anyone else, especially not with your friends. It could jeopardize our operation.”
    “I hardly think that anything my friends do could damage your investigation, Daniel,” I started to say, but he cut in.
    “Molly, I must have your word on this. It is not to be discussed or even mentioned. Do you promise?”
    “If it’s so important to you, then I suppose so,” I said