Free A study in scandal by Robyn DeHart Page A

played Sherlock in that scenario. It was a blow to his pride. Surely he was more clever than the fictional detective, but hewould endure this charade to earn his retainer.
    Besides, it was far better to have her at his side where he could keep an eye on her activities and ensure she did not sabotage his efforts. And this new development made his decision all the more clear. For some reason Mr. Flinders was willing to speak with her, so if that was how Colin must question the man, then so be it.
    “I have carefully considered your offer and have decided to accept your assistance in this investigation,” he said.
    Her eyes widened, and she gifted him with a brilliant smile that seemed to reach right in and squeeze his heart. “Oh, that is splendid news indeed. You shall not regret this, Inspector. I will make certain of it.”
    “Yes, well, there is one condition.”
    “Very well,” she said cautiously.
    “You must understand that this is my investigation. You are my assistant, and you are there strictly to observe. I shall do all the interrogation and interviewing. Then you may offer your opinion on matters when we are reviewing our notes.”
    She thought for a moment, her teeth worrying her bottom lip. “I suppose that is a fair condition. After all, you are the inspector. Is it safe to assume that you will share all of your information with mehenceforth? I cannot very well offer you a legitimate opinion without being privy to all of the details of the case.”
    His first instinct was to deprive her of such information. She was to be a true assistant, not an equal partner. But what was the harm? He admitted he needed her to assist him in collecting information from the people who, for reasons he did not understand, would not divulge it to him alone. Besides, it was not as if she were actually skilled in solving cases, so being privy to the knowledge would provide her no real benefit.
    He nodded. “Very well. I shall comply with your request, but you must remember that everyone is a potential suspect, and therefore you are not to discuss the details of this case with anyone.”
    “What about my fellow sleuths?”
    “I beg your pardon?”
    “I am a founding member of the Ladies’ Amateur Sleuth Society. We meet at least once a week to discuss cases, and this is precisely the sort of topic that would interest us all. They are already aware that Nefertiti is missing and that you are working on the case.”
    An amateur sleuth society? For ladies? Had he heard her correctly? “Ladies’ Amateur Sleuth Society, did you say?”
    She nodded brightly.
    “Indeed. How large is this group?”
    “There are only four of us. Meg, she’s the creative one; she’s always devising a new plan. Willow, she’s the clever one; she’s always one step ahead of the rest of us. And then there’s Charlotte. She’s the beautiful one; she’s always winning men’s hearts wherever she goes.” She ticked each name off with her finger. “That’s all of us.”
    “What about you?” he asked. “Which one are you?”
    “I’m simply me.” She shrugged.
    Simply Amelia. That hardly began to describe her. She was unlike any woman he’d ever known. Unlike any person he’d ever known. He found himself eagerly waiting for the next words that would spring from her mouth, as he was never quite certain what she would say. Or do, for that matter.
    “I daresay even you would think Willow was brilliant, sir.”
    He suppressed a smile. Four bored ladies who fancied themselves sleuths. He doubted he’d think any of them brilliant. Not that he considered the present company lacking in intelligence. But she certainly had a unique perspective on the world and on herself.
    “I see,” he said. “For the time being, I believe it would be best to keep the details between the two of us.”
    “Yes, of course. It shall be difficult to do, but I shall persevere.”
    She was so earnest in her promise, so utterly sincere, yet coming from anyone else