He'd like to believe that they had done some good, but now it seemed to be all unraveling. One of their own was dead, and now one of his greatest allies was being made out to be one of his greatest enemies by a man he'd once considered not only a partner in investigation but a friend as well.
"Precisely how long must we endure this ridiculous charade?"
Inspector Reid looked up, not at all surprised to see the figure glaring at him from the doorway to his office. "Do have a seat Miss Hart."
"You can spare me your formalities, Inspector," Susan said taking a step into the office, her hand settling on her hips. "I'd prefer, instead, that you explain how it is that an innocent man, alongside whom you yourself have worked in this very building, is not only falsely arrested but remains, six hours later, locked in one of your own jail cells."
"Were the accusations against Captain Jackson any other, this matter would have long been settled," Reid said evenly, trying to suppress his own anger at the situation. "But surely you know that I cannot simply allow this matter to be swept under the rug as I have so many times before. Inspector Abberline, the press, the people demand justice."
"And you would see an innocent man hang to give it to them? My husband's blood for your job?"
Reid raised an eyebrow, a longstanding suspicion finally confirmed. But there was no opportunity to interject as Susan was far from finished. "And how many times has he saved your job and asked for nothing more than a day's wage in return? And what of your wife, who, if I'm recalling correctly, would have succumbed to poisoning were it not for Captain Jackson's intervention?"
At this, Reid stood. "That's quite enough Miss Hart."
"Is it?"
Even in such a small space, it was surprising how quickly he could go from standing behind the wooden to being just short of uncomfortably close, their difference in height making it all the more seemingly intimidating as he hissed, "And what would you have me do, Susan?"
She regarded him calmly, almost defiantly. "In a perfect world, Inspector, I'd have you bid farewell to my husband as we left this place, never to set foot in these halls for the rest of our lives. I am, however, more inclined to practicality than fantasy. Therefore, if you could simply be troubled to do your job and ensure that your jail cells aren't overrun with innocent men, especially those on whom you rely for so much, I may find it within myself to be grateful."
Although she made it so easy, nearly invited him to keep arguing, Reid was too tired, too disheartened to allow it to go on. His curt nod belied the softness of his tone, "Would you a like a moment to see him before you go?"