“If I don’t steal for the Seven, they will see me to Newgate.”
“They will not feel that way after I have talked to them.”
“It isn’t just them. Leo answers to those ranked higher than himself.”
“Who are still criminals,” Jack reminded her. “If they threaten you, we can threaten right back. I do know this—if you do what they want and steal for them, sooner or later they will abandon you to your fate.”
“So I should take my punishment now?” she asked in a small voice.
“No, you should take me to them now. Come.” He pushed back his chair and stood.
Her eyes worried, she joined him.
“Lead the way,” he said.
The crowd of men had grown larger in the taproom. He was amused by the way Lady Charlene pushed her way through with the same boldness of any lad.
Outside, the day was quickly passing. Lady Charlene led him back from where he came to one of those alleys throughout London where it was difficult for a man his size to travel, but Jack managed. They came out on a courtyard with wood stacked against the walls, broken chairs, and the other rubbish.
All was quiet.
“Leo,” Lady Charlene called.
There was no answer.
Jack poked around in some of the barrels and moved the wood around.
“They were here,” she told him. “I’ve talked to Leo twice here. They may be watching us.” She took a step toward him. “Please, you must believe me.”
“I do. I saw them escorting you away from your home. But also, look here.” He pointed out the shoeprints. “One has lost the heel to his shoe. You can track his movements. And here is a bit of hair.” He pulled the strand from a barrel. “Those prints are fresh. Someone was here not that long ago. This may be one of several places they use to gather. They will be back.” He turned away. “Let me take you home.”
“Oh,” she said as if remembering. “I’ve been gone way too long.” She started for the alley.
“Is your aunt home?”
“No, but I left Lady Baldwin sleeping in the front room. I need to fix a supper for us and I hope she hasn’t woken and started searching for me.”
They hurried then. His stride was long and she managed to keep up with him. They did not run into street boys on the way to Mulberry Street. The Seven were like an Indian tribe with London as their forest. They knew how to blend in.
Catching them would give Jack great pleasure.
When they were close to her home, she stopped at an alley. “I am fine on my own from here.” She paused and then said, “Thank you for your help. I was quite lost back there.” Again, she hesitated, this time thoughtfully, and then added, “I feel I owe the duke the truth. He should know I don’t make wise decisions.”
“Few of us do all the time,” Jack said. “Including him. No, I advise you to not say a word to him. Let me see what I can do first.”
Even as he spoke, he wondered why he was making such a suggestion. Gavin deserved honesty about a woman he believed he wanted to marry. But would Gavin understandwhypeople were pressed to make desperate choices? And Jack did believe she’d not only found herself in over her head, but was truly repentant. He could not act as her judge.
A slow, rueful smile curved her lips. “And you will save us all?”
“That is my intention.”
She didn’t believe him. Right now, he sensed she was certain no one could save her from her foolishness. He would just have to prove her wrong.
And she seemed to understand that was exactly what he planned to do. “Be careful, Whitridge, and thank you.”
On those words, she ducked her head and hurried down the alley before Jack could answer.
Chapter Eleven
