Time was precious, and difficult as it was, we needed to think what was to be done to find Lily.
“According to Mr. Brown, Queen’s Dock is where Carney set up his ‘business’ operation.” Brodie told Munro. “The man at St. Katherine’s this mornin’ told me that Carney was there early and said that he had business down river. It is verra likely he took the girl there.”
“Ye trust Brown?” Munro asked.
“He wants a favor. I trust him that far.” He looked over at me, “And the entries in the bank ledger are proof of hislittle enterprise. Apparently, goods are smuggled in, as the coast guard no longer patrol that area, then sold for a keen profit.”
It made sense, still it was a terrifying possibility that they might be wrong.
“The man will know by now that we’re aware the girl is gone,” Munro pointed out.
Brodie nodded. “But he doesna know wot we have learned from Brown or what I learned this mornin’.”
“Aye, that could an advantage. We will go to the docks,” Munro replied.
There was more. However, he chose to speak with Brodie in that language they shared that I knew little of.
“While I don’t understand what is being said,” I protested, “I will not be spoken over as if I am not here.”
A look passed between them. Munro nodded.
“I will make the arrangements and return here.”
There was a brief look in my direction as Munro left.
“What arrangements? How are we to do this?” I asked.
“It will be dangerous, for Lily and anyone attempting to find her,” he replied.
I heard the unspoken, and I was not having it.
“I understand that very well.”
“Mikaela...”
I heard it coming. It was that old argument and I knew where it came from—his need to protect me.
“I am an excellent marksman and I can help,” I pointed out. “I will not be set aside in this. If...” I started to say, then changed what I would have said.
“Whenwe find Lily, she may need me. I am going with you.”
“Aye. But ye will do as I say, and there is no argument in it.”
Munro returned in little more than an hour. He had changed clothes and now wore a black turtleneck jumper, trousers, and a black jacket, with a billed cap against the rain.
“Ye have everything we might need?” Brodie asked. A looked passed between them.
I could only imagine what that might include.
“Aye, in the alley behind the smoke shop.” Then he added, “It will take a good hour to reach the docks.”
Brodie nodded and went to the chalkboard. He drew a diagram.
“We’ll go by way of Cannon to Victoria Steet. Is the livery stable still there?”
He seemed to know that part of London well.
“It is,” Munro replied.
