The owners of The Dragon’s Tale Inn. Mr. Wicket is entirely too cheerful and Mrs. Wicket walks the Inn at night. Mr. Wicket, entirely devoted to his cricket team, seems to think that his daughter Mary will make a good match in marrying Julius Janson. Not everyone agrees… And what is Mrs. Wicket hiding from her husband?

The innkeeper fretfully tugged his bushy auburn mustache, which was at odds with his balding pate. “My apologies, good sir, but we are full for the evening. Perhaps the Green Toad on the other side of town?” He grimaced, obviously chagrined at having to turn away business.

“Mr. Kaden! We don’t discuss the White Stag, didn’t you know?” the innkeeper asked in a scandalized tone.

As if on cue, a rawboned woman came screeching into the room.
“Aiiieeee!”
Belying her scrawny frame, the woman pulled the only two still grappling men apart by the ears and hauled the blonds to one of the few benches that had remained upright.

Benji and Elias both work at The Dragon’s Tale Inn. Mr. Crescent’s valet, Bittens, is staying in their room. Could any of them have heard or discovered anything during their excursions that night? Could one of them have covered for their employer or someone who has paid them off?

Mr. Wicket had said Elias, Benji and Mr. Crescent’s valet were sharing one of the second floor rooms.

Kate watched as a wide-eyed Benji, a twenty year old servant who was standing with Mary, Sally, Bess, Daisy and several male servants, shuffled forward. “Yes, sir?”

Elias, a friendly, happy-go-lucky type whose eyes didn’t quite reflect the happiness he was trying to project, stepped forward as Christian and the innkeeper exited.

Christian followed Tom’s narrowed eyes to a man cowering in the corner. Bittens looked terrified.

Vicious and possessed of a cold heart, Janson rarely has a kind word for anyone. As the town’s cricket hero and the son of the squire, Janson rules the roost. There is more than one person in the inn that has been on the receiving end of Janson’s “good will.” Violent and arrogant, what was Janson doing the night of the murder?

“..and Julius Janson — the finest cricket player in four counties, didn’t you know!”

Julius Janson’s smirk grew. His green eyes took on a malicious glow. “Lake is a sore loser. Can’t measure up in any way, as a player, as a fighter, or as a man.”

Julius winced infinitesimally as he looked at Tiegs. So there was someone Julius obviously deferred to and/or feared. Interesting.

Olivia Trent and her companion Francine stop at the Dragon’s Tale on their way to London. Whispers of a black widow float in the air…

Kate let her thoughts wander as she trooped downstairs with the items she had mended. Men lingered in the taproom, and a few women had joined them, including the vivacious widow, Olivia Trent, dressed in green satin. Her quieter companion, Francine, complemented her in blue. They created a splash of color amidst the dully clothed men. Mrs. Wicket had looked upon them both with a measure of disdain, so Kate could only speculate as to their reputations.

…followed by Olivia Trent in an entirely too revealing night rail, and her companion Francine buttoned up to the neck.

“Oh, Mr. Black,” Olivia purred as she wrapped one delicate hand around the oak frame. “I was wondering when you would make it to my room.”

“Do you mind if I watch you work? I have the utmost respect for you Runners. So strong, and brave. And strong.” Kate saw the woman’s fingertips run along the edge of Christian’s arm, caressing his shirt sleeve.