But it was his sister standing in front of them, her red, greying hair falling out of its style, eyes wide and pleading.
“Eight.”
The police were waiting at the stations and the docks, not outside the house.
“Seven.”
Walker might be able to stall him but there was no guarantee he could retrieve the documents.
“Six.”
There was no reprieve, no other option.
“Fi—”
Byron reached into his jacket and pulled the documents from his inside pocket.
“Give them to Suchet.” Dennis jerked his head towards the actor.
With slow, deliberate movements, Byron did as he was told. Hoddle brought the documents over to Dennis and held them up for him to see.
“We’ve done it,” Dennis breathed. “The Crescent searched for eleven years, and we’re the ones who’ve finally done it. The Serpent will be pleased.”
In one quick motion he snatched the papers from Hoddle and threw Mary away from him, retreating up the stairs. Hoddle ran after him. Byron was just quick enough to catch Mary before she hit the floor. Mira turned to Sibyl. “Is there another exit?”
She nodded. “There are stairs at the back of the mill.”
The sound of voices and a scuffle sounded through the wall. Mira ran to the window and found Walker in a brawl with the two thieves. He threw a punch at Hoddle as Dennis came from the side. A glint of silver flashed in the light. She rushed outside, just in time to see her brother fall backwards into the tall grass.
“Walker!”
Dennis and Hoddle mounted the horse as she ran to hertwin’s side. They escaped in a clatter of hooves and dust. Walker sat up before she reached him.
“Are you all right?” She checked him over for any blood.
“Why wouldn’t I be?” He rubbed his jaw where a bruise was already forming.
“I saw a knife.”
“Oh, you mean this one?” He held his other hand up, revealing Dennis’ blade. “I managed to disarm him, but he had a lucky left hook.”
Mira let out a breath of relief, hugging him.
“Careful now, I’m a bit bruised.”
She pulled back to look him over again. “I’m just glad you aren’t dead.”
“‘Course not. But I thought there was only going to be one of them. Did something go wrong?”
Mira’s eyes widened. “The documents! Come on!” She hauled him to his feet and they returned to the house.
Byron was still in the process of untying his sister. “I presume they got away?”
Walker winced. “I wasn’t ready for them.”
“No matter,” Byron removed his sister’s gag. “They’re not important.”
“No, but the documents are!” Mary said, voice increasing in pitch and volume with each word. “I’ve heard them talking about it. They are planning a war, Byron! Who cares about me?”
