The Thief Taker by Janet Gleeson Page A

the other servants.”
    â€œIn my experience,” said Justice Cordingly in a coaxing tone, “those who wish to hear confidences have only to make themselves amenable. Most servants in your position would relish the opportunity you are being offered.”
    Then perhaps in that respect I differ from most, thought Agnes as she gazed at him in unhappy silence.
    Theodore mopped his brow with a crimson handkerchief. “Before you voice any further reservations, Mrs. Meadowes, I will mention one other point. As Justice Cordingly has said, the wine cooler was the most valuable object ever made by Blanchards’. Losing it could well pitch us into bankruptcy, in which case I and my family will land in the Fleet, and every member of staff in the household, you included, will lose their jobs. You have it in your power to prevent that happening.”
    There was a pause. Agnes felt as though someone was dragging her hand toward a hot oven and she was powerless to pull back. “But is it probable that something I hear below stairs will lead to the wine cooler’s recovery?” she asked desperately.
    â€œIt isn’t only listening I require of you. There is someone outside the house who might find it,” said Theodore, wiping his brow again. “I want you to act as my intermediary and pay him a visit.”
    Agnes gasped, incredulous. “Who is this person?”
    â€œA man whose premises are close by here, in Southwark—a place called Melancholy Walk. He goes by the name of Marcus Pitt.”
    â€œAre you acquainted with the name?” said Cordingly.
    â€œNo sir. Should I be? Is he a servant, or a tradesman, or another silversmith, perhaps?”
    â€œHis profession is none of those. It is far more lucrative. He is what some consider a necessary evil, and others, myself included, a scourge of society—a thief taker.”
    Agnes had heard of men who used intelligence from tapsters, ostlers, and every variety of rogue to recover stolen property. Some appeared honorable and held respectable positions. But while they purported to offer a useful service to the unfortunate victims of robbery, they were rumored to be less innocent than they seemed, acting as fences, on occasion even engineering the theft of property they were later paid to recover.
    She shifted uncomfortably in her chair. “I am very sensible of the kind of man to whom you refer, sirs. But I have no expertise in such matters. Why should you wish me to visit such a person for you?”
    â€œBecause, Mrs. Meadowes, as Justice Cordingly has said, there is no doubt that this murderous robbery has been most carefully orchestrated. Marcus Pitt is the most influential thief taker in this locality. Few crimes that take place hereabouts are unknown to him. It may well be that whoever inside our business or household betrayed us conspired to do so with his aid, using a thief under his control. Even if the culprit had no link to him, if anyone can find the wine cooler, it is he.”
    â€œIf Mr. Pitt is so powerful and influential, is it wise to entrust me to speak to him? Would it not be more prudent for you to approach him directly?”
    A shifty gleam appeared in Theodore’s eye. “We would, but Pitt forbids it. He prefers to deal with an intermediary—says it only causes trouble if those that are robbed come too close to those that perpetrated the crime.”
    Agnes sensed that there was more to why she had been chosen than Theodore had revealed. “But am I a prudent choice for such an important role? There is Mr. Williams, can he not go?”
    Theodore shook his head emphatically and flashed a knowing look at the justice. “Rest assured, Mrs. Meadowes. You are adequate for the task. Mr. Pitt is a consummate businessman. He conducts similar transactions every day. Besides, you may discover more than a man. I hear he has a taste for handsome women.”
    Agnes recoiled inwardly, trying not to