The House That Jack Built by Robert Asprin & Linda Evans

Come on, she breathed silently, what’s taking so long? She expected Dr. Lachley to return at any moment, expected to hear a scuffle break out inside, terrified that Lachley’s manservant, whom they’d spotted in the front parlour, would hear Noah’s footsteps and go to investigate. If he’s got a telephone in there, he might even summon the police! That’s all they’d need, to be arrested by London’s constabulary for thievery of a respected physician’s home.

When Marcus’ whistle of warning came, Jenna’s heart thundered into her throat. She melted back into the high, walled garden as a carriage rattled and clattered into the drive, coach lanterns gleaming in the darkness. Jenna trembled as she flattened against the inside of the wall, pistol clutched in one fist. He’s back! Oh, God, he’s back and Noah’s still inside! She heard Lachley’s voice, giving instructions to his coachman to stable the horse, then the carriage-entrance door opened and closed with a rattle and thump and Lachley was inside. She waited, not even breathing, for the shouts to erupt as Noah was discovered . . .

“Hsst! Come on, kid! Let’s move!”

She swallowed a scream and nearly went to the ground as Noah materialized from the darkness of the garden. “Noah!”

The detective grasped her arm and led her rapidly through the gate, which they eased closed, then jogged down the carriage drive, slipping past the open stable door. They reached Cleveland Street without being spotted and headed for Marcus. Jenna glanced over her shoulder toward Lachley’s home, where lights were coming up in various windows, as Noah began to speak, voice lowered to a whisper. “It’s quite clear Ianira was held in an upstairs room for some time. Not only are there toiletries for a lady and clothing of Ianira’s size, there are long, dark hairs matching Ianira’s, caught in the hairbrush. She is not, however, in the house now. He’s moved her. Where, we must discover.”