The Regency Detective by David Lassman Page A

‘You do, for example, leave your wares exposed on the street.’
    ‘But we have to display them there, to encourage trade,’ Evans retorted. ‘Yet boys so young as not long off their mother’s suckling make our life a misery.’
    At this moment Swann appeared at Fitzpatrick’s office door. An expression of relief could be seen in the magistrate’s face.
    ‘Ah, Swann. Come in, please.’
    ‘I hope I am not interrupting,’ said Swann.
    ‘Not at all,’ replied Fitzpatrick.
    Swann entered the office and Fitzpatrick made the introductions. The two men greeted each other cordially.
    ‘Mr Evans is the shopkeepers’ representative, Swann.’
    ‘I assume you are kept very busy in your role, Mr Evans.’
    ‘That is correct,’ said Evans, appreciative of the insight the other man had shown. ‘And if I may enquire, what is your occupation, Mr Swann?’
    ‘Mr Swann is a consulting detective with the Bow Street Runners,’ Fitzpatrick interjected.
    ‘That is exactly the type of organisation that we require in Bath,’ said Evans’ excitedly. ‘There are far too many criminals in this city, on both sides of the law. Present company excluded, of course, Mr Fitzpatrick. Why only two days ago, a local magistrate blatantly allowed a known criminal to walk from his court.’
    ‘Well, Mr Evans, you will be pleased to know that at least one criminal is not at liberty this morning,’ said Swann, who briefly relayed the details surrounding Tyler’s capture and arrest the previous night.
    ‘Tyler. Why, that is the very same felon we speak of,’ exclaimed Evans. ‘This is indeed heartening news, Mr Swann, is it not so, Mr Fitzpatrick?’
    Swann noticed Fitzpatrick looked uncomfortable during the conversation, but for the present decided not to bring attention to it. Fitzpatrick, however, now nodded in response to Evans’ question.
    ‘On that good news then, I will leave you gentlemen to discuss your business. But I will see you at the meeting tonight, Mr Fitzpatrick?’
    ‘I will do my very best to attend, Mr Evans, you have my word.’
    Evans bowed respectfully and left. Fitzpatrick turned to Swann.
    ‘I do not know what I can do,’ he said, somewhat dejectedly. ‘The situation in the city becomes worse every year, but I have no answer. Even if I were to attend the meeting this evening, I do not believe it would make any difference, whatever men like Evans may believe. But enough of my problems, to what do I owe the pleasure of your company at my office this morning, Swann?’
    Swann handed the other man the note.
    ‘How did you come by this?’ asked Fitzpatrick.
    ‘It was delivered last evening, by a passing carriage, attached to a rock hurled through our window. An unusual method of delivery, you will agree.’
    ‘Was Mary present at the time?’ asked Fitzpatrick, concerned.
    ‘Yes,’ replied Swann. ‘She was a little shaken, but no one was hurt.’
    ‘Do you have any idea who might have done this?’ asked Fitzpatrick.
    ‘I was hoping you might be able to shed some light on the matter. Although my instinct tells me it is connected with the man arrested last night, Tyler.’
    ‘If that is the case,’ replied Fitzpatrick, ‘then it may have been a man called Wicks, a most unpleasant sort.’
    ‘Wicks?’ said Swann.
    ‘He is responsible for much of the city’s crime, or at least is in charge of those that commit it. Tyler works for him.’
    ‘Well at least that member of his gang is off the streets for the time being,’ said Swann.
    Fitzpatrick again remained silent.
    ‘Is there something wrong, Fitzpatrick? You seem struck mute at each mention of Tyler’s name. He still resides behind bars, does he not?’
    ‘I am afraid that is no longer true. Tyler was freed this morning.’
    ‘And on whose authority was this carried out?’
    ‘My magisterial colleague, Kirby; he recorded a verdict of mistaken identity in regard to the charge of pickpocketing. And Wicks provided an alibi.’
    ‘But it was